Black Rocks, Derbyshire
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The Black Rocks are a small outcrop of natural gritstone, in between Cromford and Wirksworth, in the Derbyshire Peak District. They are a popular destination for sightseeing and climbing, and can be reached along the High Peak Trail, which follows the track of the Cromford and High Peak Railway. There is a picnic area at the rocks.
Climbing
The area has been a well-known rock climbing venue since the 1890s. A large number of hard lines were put up by some of the best climbers of the 1980s and 1990s. The two best known climbs are featured in the documentary Hard Grit. These are Gaia climbing grade E8 6b), up the groove in the massive nose that one sees first on the walk to the top, and Meshuga (grade E9 6c), on the main overhanging Promontory. The first ascent of the former was made in 1986 by British climber Johnny Dawes.
The Black Rocks also has easier climbing, but this is not for the faint of heart; larger crags offer a far better selection of similar climbs. There are also short but well-worn 'boulder problems' such as the 'Railway Slab'.
Outside links
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("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Black Rocks, Derbyshire) |
- Location map: 53°5’54"N, 1°33’49"W
