Climbs 157
Rocktype Gritstone
Altitude 505m a.s.l
Faces E
Looking to Laddow from Crowden Great Brook © Nicholas Livesey
In the early days of our sport, Laddow Rocks were one of the prime venues visited by climbers operating at the cutting edge. Today the place is very much out of fashion, haunted by ghosts and almost always quiet. It is perhaps Western Grit's equivalent of Wharncliffe Crags; in both cases the nearness of the railway line gave (relatively) easy access, and both places were immensely popular 100 years ago. Since the production of Peak Gritstone East, Wharncliffe has undergone a bit of a renaissance; it would be nice to think we can do the same for Laddow's lofty and lonely buttresses.
The main bulk of the cliff is away on the far right just below the crest of the moor, and from here the rocks straggle leftwards, gradually descending the hillside until they fizzle out close to the point where the approach path climbs onto the plateau.
There is extensive parking by Crowden Youth Hostel in Longdendale. The approach path follows the Pennine Way (signed) towards the distant cliff, rising in a series of steps until, having passed by the edge of Laddow South, it reaches the crest of the moor. From here, it is usual to head straight to the right-hand side of the cliff, descending past the famous bivvy-cave to then work through the guide backwards!
Approach time: 50-60 mins
The well-publicised bearded vulture which has flown to the Peak District from the Alps is currently active in this area and using number of different crags to roost on. If the bird is present on any crag in the area, please avoid climbing on it so as not to disturb the bird. from 01/09/2020
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