UKC

Upload an image for this crag

Climbs 48
Rocktype Sandstone (hard)
Altitude 183m a.s.l
Faces NW

Crag features

Both Crags boast surprisingly spectacular views towards Wales. Maiden Castle Crag faces west and gets the sun all afternoon. First impressions are dissapointing as the crag appears to be broken and several areas can be green and seep from the vegitation above; but its far better than it looks and the exposed position and steep rock ensure the best bits dry quickly. Kittys crag faces north-west and the best climbing is mainly on clean steep rock, Sheltered from the weather by the trees and overhangs, the traverses are possible in light rain if there is no wind. Both areas are climbable all year round but Maiden Castle Crag is best outside of summer due to the amount of bracken at the base

Approach notes

The crags can be reached from several directions, however for the first-time visitor the best access is from the National Trust car park in the hamlet of Bickerton. Its is best described from Broxton roundabout, junction A41/A534. Take the A534 east for approximately 2 miles (towards Crewe and Nantwich), turning right at a crossroads signposted Bickerton. After a short distance turn right at the first crossroads by  small chapel and drive along this road for approximately half a mile until an obvious small pond is seen on the right (opposite pool farm). Turn right onto the dirt track and drive 250m to a free car park.

From the car its a three minute walk to a small post on The Sandstone Trail at the col between the two hills. For Maiden Castle Crag turn left and walk south for a further 7 minutes following the sign to 'Larkton Hill' - Go up the steps and continue to the top of the hill where the ridges and ditches of the hill fort are reached and the views 'open up'. The crag is hidden  down and to the right and a path runs along its base. Kitty's crag is a 3 minute walk from the signpost in the opposite direction; Turn right and go through the obvious eroded, sandy ravine and then turn immediately left to the summit of Bickerton hill and a small monument made from a sandstone block - Kitty's stone. In front of the monument is a projecting rock platform. Looking out, the crag is 15m or so to the right and a quick scramble down from there.

 

There are definitely more routes that could be climbed, but are not mentioned here yet, although at Maiden Castle crag these would need careful and considerate cleaning - especially the top outs!

There are no comments from visitors to this crag.
Login as Existing User to add your comments

Climbs at this crag

Name Grade Stars Type Logs Partner Ascents
Please Login or Register to log routes or add them to your wishlist
These climbs you have climbed clean.
These climbs you have climbed by seconding or top-roping.
These climbs you have Dogged.
These climbs you Did not Finish.
Climbs are waiting to be checked by a crag moderator, and may not be accurate. Climbs can't be verified by a crag moderator, and they need more information to confirm it. Climbs are no longer climbable.

Moderators Updates to this page are checked by UKC volunteers foxyloxy and David Mason

Loading Notifications...