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Rock climbing in the Peak District

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rock climbing is a popular activity in the Peak District; particularly on edges such as Stanage or Froggatt. Generally the climbing style is free climbing (as opposed to aid climbing) [citation needed] and the rock is either gritstone or limestone. Climbing has been practised in the Peak District since the late 19th century; James W. Puttrell is generally credited with starting the sport.[citation needed] The first climbing guidebook to the area was Some Gritstone Climbs, by John Laycock, published in 1913. There are over 10,000 routes in the Peak District.[1] One of the most famous Peak District climbers, and a pioneer of many new routes, is Ron Fawcett. The climb known as "Master's Edge", on Millstone Edge, near Hathersage, is a testament to his skill and strength. The climb is graded E7 6c and rises 19m up the near vertical edge.[2]

Gritstone

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The gritstone crags include:

Western Grit (Staffordshire, Kinder, Bleaklow, and the Chew Valley)

Eastern Grit (Derwent Valley, Sheffield, Derbyshire)

Limestone

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In-situ bolts and pitons are more acceptable on limestone and some crags are almost exclusively bolted.

References

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  1. ^ On Peak Rock, foreword
  2. ^ On Peak Rock, published by the British Mountaineering Council, first edition 1993, ISBN 0-903908-91-3
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