UKC

Climbs 185
Rocktype Gritstone
Altitude 200m a.s.l
Faces SW

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Timo on Sword Song in the snow © JohnHartley

Crag features

Probably a locals' venue, but there are plenty of problems on natural grit stone scattered over Windy Clough and up onto the shoulder of Clougha. Some problems remain undocumented. There's rock everwhere, in all shapes and sizes, if you're prepared to explore. Some of the best problems are beyond the so-called "Main Sector", on the hill top and the gully beyond.

Please treat this beautiful place with respect. Dismantling fences, knocking down drystone walls and landscaping (flattening landings and moving rocks) may annoy other climbers and/or the landowners who can be prickly with access. The hill is also home to many special plants, insects, small mammals, and birds - including nesting ground birds and occasional raptors. Avoid coating the rock in chalk and excessive brushing, especially with stiff brushes, which can damage the rock surface. Avoid climbing the rock when it is wet as this can lead to significant damage and holds breaking. Spread the word and encourage good practices so we can avoid trashing this place we love.

A new 2021 topo has been put together by some of the Lancaster University Mountaineering Club members, documenting more problems than previously: http://www.lakesbloc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/guides/windy_clough_surrounding_areas_bouldering_guide.pdf

See also Lancashire Bouldering (2014).

Supplementary topo guides available here:
https://web.archive.org/web/20140811180901/http://lakesbloc.com/guides/windy-clough-guide.pdf

https://web.archive.org/web/20140811190222/http://lakesbloc.com/guides/clougha-pike-guide.pdf

There are other older topos floating around somewhere. A few "new" problems have also been added to the UKC page.

 

There are lots of problems in the new guide that aren't here, as well as lots of undocumented problems. There's plenty to do, even if it's only really a local's place. Not sure why people disparage it, as there are some problems just as good as those at Thorn Crag and more than enough to return again and again unless you're only seeking out something very specific.
C Witter - 12/May/16
I'll have to go back here with guide and see what we actually climbed back in the 80s/90s. Nice spot :)
steveriley - 27/Oct/14
the crag is a lot smaller then you'd think from the pictures, worth an evenings visit but not a day. Best going over to Thorn Crag, much better problems and a lot more to go at.
joe.91 - 27/Jul/11
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