UKC

Climbs 140
Rocktype Limestone
Altitude 98m a.s.l
Faces N

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Dominic Green climbing Guillotine (HVS) at Willersley in the rain. © Alan James

Crag features

A good traditional crag with routes up to 40m long (some two pitches). With the exception of the 'Fowleresque' middle section the rock is sound if a little veggie near the top. Stays dry in the rain for some time, but greasy early in the year.! Lots of worthwhile climbs in the VS to E3 range. Classics include Cucumber Groove, Garrotter(both VS 4c), Pothole Wall (VS 4c,5a), Sycamore Flake (VS 4c,4c), Lone Tree Groove (HVS 5a,4b) and Gangue Grooves (HVS 5b). The route of the crag is Lime Street Direct (E1 5c difficult start only, 4c). The best of the few sport routes is Whatta Riot f7b. Low level traverse is fun bouldering.

Approach notes

From Cromford on the A6 turn right for Crich on the B5053. Parking available on the rihgt after passing the canal/mill complex (SK 301572). Cross the road to gain access via a concessionary path (2 min).

Update this Crag
Last updated on 11/Sep/2023

Restricted Access

The Willersley area is owned by the Arkwright Society. It is essential that climbers do not block gateways with parked cars and that disturbance is keep to a minimum. Access negotiations have been on-going between the BMC and the Arkwright Society, and climbers continue to access the crag. If you are asked to leave, please remain courteous and report the incident to the BMC.

Click here for RAD Access Notes
Last update: 21/12/2022  

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We've climbed there a few times over the summer with no problems, and quite a few others there too. However we were asked to leave yesterday (Sunday 9th Oct, 2006) by a chap from Cromford Mill (who own the rock with the Arkwright Soc. not Willersley Castle). We think that perhaps climbing is tolerated, but if you are 'reported' (by observant walkers i think in this case) they have to send someone over. Might be wrong. There was no one else climbing which is surprising so maybe they've toughened up?
Alys - 09/Oct/06
went there last night couldn't see any signs and loads of people there climbing. 7/06/06
robin richmond - 08/Jun/06
brilliant crag, don't let the sighns put you off, I have been climibing there a number of times and have not been asked to leave.
Blinder - 17/Mar/05
Went there a couple of weekends ago and no one climbing so assumed access was banned. No sign of recent traffic either.
Duncan Tunstall - 13/Dec/04
Willersley is dream crag for the VS man. Guts Ache Groove is a must along with the other routes mentioned in the revue. Great corner is often dry when all around is wet. But do not venture into the upper garden area at any time of year !
Marcus Tierney - 11/Nov/04
Climbing is not appreciated by the people who own the land, from the Hall opposite they can see the top of the routes. The BMC guidelines are to keep a low profile and not swear. As for the climbing is dangerous signs .... well it is isn't it.
MJS - 05/May/04
I saw there signs as well. Question to rockfax, can you still climb there ?
jon - 04/May/04
There are several signs attached to trees stating that no climbing is to take place on this crag due to safety reasons (as at 20th July 2003). What is the BMC line?
Armchair - 21/Jul/03
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Climbs at this crag

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