Angela m climbs The Shattered Pillar (F5+, Giggleswick version)
…and the White Spider, Exit Cracks and Shattered Pillar too. All the routes on the new Swallows Nest sector at Giggleswick South are named after pitches on the Eiger. So if you want to pimp your logbook without having to climb one of those awkward, pointy vertical snowy things, do as we did and get along for some bolt clipping.
Angela M, Dean and me had in fact only come here because the routes at Foredale were damp and seeping after the torrential rain on friday. We did a few routes there on the introductory wall, which was just a smidge wet, then as even the diehard limestone fans (Ali and friends) were legging it to drier crags decided to follow their lead.
Dean on Broadsword Calling, 5+, foredale
I had never been to Giggleswick before and heard conflicting reports, but I really liked what I found. Being a newly bolted section, the Swallows Nest area has no polish 😀 and a good range of grades for the non hardcore sports climber – 5 to 6b, and the grades feel very reasonable. Harder climbers don't fret, there appeared to be plenty to keep you busy on other nearby sections. Its not high, but has a friendly, unintimidating feel and is set among trees on a steep, southwest facing hillside. I'm told its a suntrap on clear winter days. This is definately a limestone crag I will go back to.
Tags: bolt clipping, slimestone
Can't say those photos inspire a visit – Foredale looks much more appealling!
dont be put off by my rubbish photos! though if its long routes you are after you will certainly prefer foredale – personally I prefer the more natural character of giggleswick.