One of the most popular crags back at the turn of the century (1900!) and sporting the first ever E1 (on sight solo by Ivar Berg in 1916!) Laddow sits high up on the Pennine Way over towards Manchester.
With SLMM plans in tatters and good forecast, Peri and I headed over after a leisurely start, only missing 2 turnings on the way to the large free car park.
"Even we can't lose the Pennine Way" says Peri. WRONG, so the walk in which is uphill, but not desperately so, took a tad longer than estimated – you can see the crag practically from the car park. A few ferns, tussocks and bogs later we found the descent route (far end) walked past the only other climbing pair and had some lunch.
We started on the two pitch classic Long Climb ***S 4a which is more awkward on the second pitch than the guide suggested but worthwhile. We then headed for Tower Face *** VS 5a, awkward to leave the ground then excellent face climbing to the top crack. I had started to get some back twinges as we did Pillar Ridge ** HS 4b so we decided to do some of the easier routes rather than my targets.
We soloed Staircase ** Mod, getting down was more awkward ! then did the very traditional A Chimney Diff and backed off a few very dirty routes. There are clear signs of the winter water courses all around and quite a bit of lichen but in general the issue is polish – inevitable I guess on a crag with over a hundred years of history.
Wanting to be home at a reasonable time we finished up Route 1 VD – nice climbing on polished holds – and set off back just before 7, managing to follow the huge path, all the way back to the Outdoor Activity Centre (the path goes right past the front door). An unremarkable return trip (what's remarkable about me falling asleep and snoring?) and we were home for 9.30.
Great place, need to return and tick those HVS+E1 routes. Most of the routes are below VS with a collection of starred HVS, well worth the walk.
Lots more of Rob's Pictures ….
UKC Logbook for Laddow with most of the climbs (new guide still waiting !)
I've a vague recollection of having trouble finding the approach path when we went a few years ago!
A good crag, in the first half of the 20th century it was as busy as Stanage is these days, not sure why it's fallen off the radar.