UKC

Climbs 338
Rocktype Gritstone
Altitude 462m a.s.l
Faces SW

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The Wings dyno -- Turner's turn. © Jon Read

Crag features

The Skyline Area of the Roaches is really just a continuation of the main edge running northwards up the ridge, presenting odd decent sections of rock in the shape of small buttresses and wind-worn boulders. Although close to the busy Upper and Lower Tiers, the Skyline area offers climbing in much quieter and more remote setting. The dramatic setting makes for a spectacular bouldering location which is added to by the excellent quality of many of the problems. Sitting at the highest point of the ridge, the Skyline catches all the weather going be it wind, rain or shine. This makes it a delightful place in good weather but best keep away when a cold westerly is blowing. It dries quickly and there isn't much green rock.

Approach notes

The best approach is from the parking by the roadside at Roach End. This can be reached off the A53 by the road under the main Roaches crag, or the road around the back which leads past Ramshaw or the Newstones. From the parking, head up the well-worn path to the summit trig point. Continue from here to drop down towards the main edge. Just after passing a line of soft undercut buttresses on the left, is a west-facing wall on the right - The Very Far Skyline. All the areas can also be easily reached from the top of the Roaches Upper Tier.

No Access Issues

Please keep to the established footpaths and avoid taking short-cuts across open moorland areas. In particular please approach the ‘Cube’ boulder along the sheep track running due south.

Rockhall Cottage is run as a climbers and walkers hut by the BMC. It can be booked for up to 12 people - further information on the hut and the booking system can be found here.

Who nicked "Tightrope"...it used to go across the San Melas slab and finsih up "Mantis"...??
Chris.Allott - 11/Jul/13
Its just that little further away from the road, just a bit soggier underfoot, and the wind is definatly stronger. But this adds up to a quiet group of buttresses, even on busy days despite a load of interesting little routes in the mid grades.
augustus trout - 11/Apr/10
There is also some lesser known but worthwhile bouldering on either side of the approach path to Hard Very Far Skyline from the N (before the trig point). Highlights include some rounded mantels on the far side of the first rocks on the L, (some quite hard but low and safe with nice landings) a hanging crack between 2 blocks on the R by the path a little further up and some nice bits and pieces on the hillside below that.
Harold - 24/Dec/02
The Doxey Pool. (sort of part of the skyline) This is a small but busy area, as it lies on the route of the Staffs way, but in terms of bouldering, the problems are excellent. Try inparticular Staffordshire Flyer and The Dead Pool. Bring a big mat or a paddling pool cos the watter is a bit grim most of the time! If youre on the Roches this is worth a visit. Dave Miller
Dangerous Dave - 19/Jun/02
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