What’s the parking situation like for Roaches, Ramshaw, Hen Cloud and Newstones area. I’m hoping to head to one fo them at the weekend but concerned I won’t be able to park anywhere. What are my options, I don’t mind walking a bit but not from Leek!
If the usual spots have no space then it should still be possible to park somewhere without causing problems, but you might have to walk further than normal and maybe access areas from an unexpected direction.
E.g. For Roaches, park round the back and walk in past the Cube area.
Thanks all, the additional parking provision seems promising. If it is like Malham they can only open the fields for parking for so many days a year so it’s not always there.
Don't be tempted to park on the grass verges below the Roaches/Hen Cloud as the police regularly do a ticketing visit on busy weekends. If parking at Roach End for the far end of the Skyline, it's OK to pull up on the grass banks. The zones are signed.
And if all else fails, there's a car park in Upper Hulme opposite the Rock Inn. 10-15 minutes uphill to the crag.
I've only once failed to find a space at the crag though - if you have no luck with the parking areas, continue outside of the restricted zone and you can usually find something (but keep in mind it's a single track road and passing places need to be left usable).
You can always find peace and tranquillity up there - as with Stanage, the only thing you have to do is stretch your legs a bit. I've never seen Skyline busy, ever, and I suspect the same applies to the Clouds. Likewise Hen Cloud (when it's not bird-banned).
As always, getting further than ten minutes from the car almost guarantees quiet, even on quality routes.
Podcast Factor Two - S3 Ep.1: Living in the Shadows - Franco Cookson
Fri Night Vid Finding Focus - Life Behind The Lens of a Climbing Photographer
This week's Friday Night Video is a portrait of a prolific climbing photographer from Wedge Climbing. Sam Pratt is well known in both the outdoor and competition scene but if you haven't heard of him, you've likely seen...