Climbs 225
Rocktype Gritstone
Altitude 246m a.s.l
Faces S
Alan James on Blizzard Ridge (HVS) Rivelin. © Nick Brown
Crag features
The low-level, south-facing outcrop of Rivelin Edge was once ignored because of its reputation for midges and tree-shrouded greenery. It is now widely known that it is sheltered enough to be a great venue in the winter and the quick and easy approach (it is inside the Sheffield city boundary) makes it popular when time is short. It is possibe to finish work and nip out for an ascent of the Needle before the sun sets. Alternatively grab the opportunity on a beautiful winter's day to have a go at one of the big aretes or blank walls whilst the friction is good. The central area of the cliff, near the Rivelin Needle, has the highest quality concentration of good routes but hidden away to either side are some gems across the grades. The place is well worth several trips; Rivelin no longer plays second fiddle to some of its more illustrious brethren.
Approach notes
The crag looks south over the Rivelin Valley, above the A57, on the west side of Sheffield. Parking is in the free car park on the south side of the dam at Rivelin Reservoir. Although be warned that there are now many signs indicating that the gates for this car park will be locked at 6pm every evening. Limited parking is also available on the road just past the car park, but be careful not to obstruct any gates.Walk back to the main road and take the path opposite that runs up towards the cliff and then veers right through a damp area, rising gently. Take a left fork which rises towards the crag, ignoring any paths leading off right, and you should emerge by the Rivelin Needle. This is easier to follow in the summer when the vegetation covers many of the minor paths here.
Restricted Access
The landowner (a tree surgeon with a vision of how this woodland should be managed), protested strongly to the BMC about damage to trees and erosion to footpaths around the crag. Climbers should avoid the area to the right of Altar Crack and respect its integrity as a conservation area. Any further damage to trees will result in the loss of all access for climbing.
Seasonal Restrictions
Dates: 1 March to 30 June
Reason: Nesting Birds
Update June 2022 - both pairs of Kestrels have now fledged young so the restrictions have been removed - thank you!
Kestrels are currently (April 2022) nesting in Rhododendron Crack / Entrapment (Rivelin Quarries) and also in Roof Route/Groove Route (Rivelin Edge). Please avoid these routes until further notice.
Tawny owls sometimes nest on the crag in the spring (previously on Kremlin Crack or Roof Route) - if present avoid the route(s) they are occupying until the nest is vacated.
Tawny owls have been known to viciously attack people climbing near their nest, so please steer well clear of these routes until the chicks have fledged, both for the benefit of the birds and your own wellbeing.
| Dam car park currently closed for use by contractors, a few places available near the cottages with consideration. cragtyke - 26/Jul/20 |
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| Cool spot when it's windy Jon_Warner - 25/Sep/10 |
Climbs at this crag
| Name | Grade | Stars | Type | Logs | Partner Ascents |
|---|
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 a UKC volunteer dannyboy83