LANCASHIRE ROCK

This site is a digital copy of the 1997 BMC guidebook to rock climbing in Lancashire

Stride Pinnacle Area

  • 14 - Big Strides

    Grade: 5b | First Ascent: -1996
    Rating: 0

    From the left side of a ledge at the right-hand side of Stride Pinnacle, a wide crack runs up to a roof (final pitch of Sidewinder). Move left from the ledge to a loose spike level with the ledge and follow a crack running up the front of the pinnacle. The crack widens near its top, then easy climbing leads to the top of the pinnacle.

  • 15 - Stride Pinnacle

    Grade: 4b,4a,– | First Ascent: -1973
    Rating: 0

    The route takes the left side of a large pinnacle on the left of the main amphitheatre of the crag, which is almost directly below a tree which overhangs the crag. Approach by an abseil over this tree (N.B. it may be preferable to tie to a tree farther back; and a sling placed round the tree may later prove useful to regain terra firma). There is a large tree belay six metres left of the foot of the route.

  • 15.1 - Pitch 1

    Grade: 4b | First Ascent:
    Rating:

    Climb a short wall which leads to the deep crack which forms the left side of the pinnacle, and then climb this to a belay at the saddle.

  • 15.2 - Pitch 2

    Grade: 4a | First Ascent:
    Rating:

    Step onto the wall behind on the left, then follow the obvious right-slanting weakness to a tree.

  • 15.3 - Pitch 3

    Grade: | First Ascent:
    Rating:

    Climb steep grass to a short friable rock band just below the top. Although this can be climbed it is very unstable and it is recommended that a sling on the tree at the top is used. (If you forgot to place it earlier, then panic).

  • 16 - Sidewinder

    Grade: 4c,5b,5b,5b,5a,4c,5a | First Ascent: -1996
    Rating: 0

    A girdle traverse of the right-hand side of White Scar. There is some loose rock and this is a serious expedition.

  • 16.1 - Pitch 1

    Grade: 4c | First Ascent:
    Rating:

    From a ledge below the overhangs at the far right-hand side of Space Buttress, traverse left into a bramble-filled depression at Puppy Dog, before gaining rock and a belay at the other side.

  • 16.2 - Pitch 2

    Grade: 5b | First Ascent:
    Rating:

    Continue leftwards to the blunt arête, then reverse the traverse on T.M.A. to reach the holly tree complete with a visitors` book. Continue at this level to a ledge below the bulge and belay on bolts as for Men at Work.

  • 16.3 - Pitch 3

    Grade: 5b | First Ascent:
    Rating:

    Continue to Aqualung at the large cave, then climb up for about three metres and traverse left at a vague break to the skyline rib and belay in the area of Turin Shroud. A loose and serious pitch.

  • 16.4 - Pitch 4

    Grade: 5b | First Ascent:
    Rating:

    Continue easily along an overhung ledge for about 10 metres, until the ledge narrows and becomes more overhung. Protection can be found below foot-level in a narrow groove. Drop down, then hand-traverse the ledge into a good, short corner and belay directly above the first pitch of Malacia Tapestry.

  • 16.5 - Pitch 5

    Grade: 5a | First Ascent:
    Rating:

    Climb down slightly, then traverse left at this level until a flake allows down-climbing to a good belay ledge at the start of Torn Curtain.

  • 16.6 - Pitch 6

    Grade: 4c | First Ascent:
    Rating:

    Traverse just above bramble height until just right of the large pinnacle (Stride Pinnacle) then climb down to a good ledge at its base, which is scattered with the remains of racing pigeons.

  • 16.7 - Pitch 7

    Grade: 5a | First Ascent:
    Rating:

    Climb the wide crack at the left end of the ledge to a recess at the right of the pinnacle. Continue to the top of the pinnacle.