Crag features

The largest venue to be found on the Eastern magnesian limestone, Anston Stones Wood was once an esoteric backwater but is now a major and very popular venue; unsurprising given it provides an abundance of quality boulder problems, which somewhat unusually for UK limestone genuinely span almost the entirety of the grade range. This really is a crag where there is something for everyone. The climbing is typically steep, fingery and powerful on interesting holds and features. It also has the unusual benefit of being a year-round venue, offering typically dry and crisp climbing in winter when all of the central Peak limestone is soaking with seepage, while being generally shady in summer with areas facing all directions to suite the weather of the day.

Access to the Woods has often been tenuous over the years. Most recently, due to climbers crossing the train tracks, a fence was constructed in front of Apprentice Wall; it is strongly suggested climbers avoid this area and Network Rail have indicated anyone caught on the tracks will be prosecuted. 

Anston Stones Wood is a nature reserve and SSSI, hosting various important habitats and also being significant archaelogically. Evidence of human presence dates back to the Upper Paleolithic era (33,000 to 8,000 BC)! 

Some longstanding rules are in place given the area's status as a nature reserve and SSSI:

- No topping out; either drop or down climb.

- Climb only on the existing walls and buttresses listed here; do not attempt to carry out additional gardening or clearance of other areas. Various blocks exist in the woods which must be left to nature. Don't worry, there's enough here to last a very long time for anyone.

- The usual rules apply otherwise; take all your litter home, keep dogs under close control and pick up their poo, absolutely no wire brushing or chipping, etc.