UKC

Climbs 44
Rocktype Limestone
Altitude 155m a.s.l
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It felt a bold lead with the nuts in the lower half and cams in the middle. Kc lead with just the 2 bolts... exciting lead. © Robin Jones

Crag features

Shakemantle Quarry is a Trad Venue that was first developed in 1988.  It is a large, fairly open, west facing, 2-tiered limestone quarry on the east side of Ruspidge Road.  The rock is quick drying in summer, but can be greasy in winter, especially on the Lower Lift.  Some of the climbs on the Lower Lift are not suitable for the faint hearted, due to areas of rock instability.

Quarrying operations ceased circa 1970, and trees and vegetation have been taking over ever since.

Approach notes

From Cinderford follow the Ruspidge Road south and take the last turning on the left into Tramway Road.  This turning is located at a small converted chapel, just before 2 pubs (The New Inn and Rising Sun), and almost opposite a red telephone box.  Follow Tramway Road to find a discreet location to park.  The lay-by at the end of the road is used as a turning space and is best avoided.

To approach the bottom of the Upper Lift follow the horizontal track from the end of Tramway Road into the quarry.  To approach the bottom of the Lower Lift follow the above track for a few metres, then take a right fork down into the base of the quarry.

Restrictions apply from 1 March - 15 July due to nesting birds. See the BMC access notes for more details.

Restricted Access

There have been occasional problems with locals claiming ownership.

Seasonal Restrictions

Dates: 1 March to 15 July

Reason: Nesting Birds

The seasonal restriction applies to the whole quarry for nesting peregrines.

Please note that this year the nesting restriction has been extended to 15 July (NB currently unable to update RAD) Rick Sewards BMC Access Rep
Rick Sewards - 10/Jul/20
Climbed here yesterday, beware of the rock anywhere that isn't the main slab. Had a very near miss with two climbers at the base when a large block dislodged during the rappel
Dutton - 01/Aug/18
Just had a great days climbing at Shakemantle, however I would like to say how disappointed I am at the amount of rubbish left behind, I'm not saying its all from climbers but some of it is, we all moan when the land owners stop the climbing on these sites because of damage and or litter left there come on guys its not difficult is it you carry it there, carry it back with you and help to keep these sites open and don't spoil it for everyone else.
Jools050670 - 25/Jul/15
The 4th bolt on Rain Shadow is currently missing its hanger.
Tom F Harding - 01/Nov/14
Not Sandstone, defo Limestone, but not particularly solid, the bedding plane exfoliates like a Marl. The VS is great and deserves a star or two. the sports routes are absorbing too.
Esoterical - 08/Sep/13
Upper tier is a great. Nice shiny bolts. Well worth a visit for a couple of routes. "Ruth is Stranger than Friction" - 6a. "Rain Shadow" - 6b.
balloonbed - 16/Aug/10
didn't look much at the upper tier. Lower tear was dirty, crumbly and not the best afternoon's climbing :-)
Puppythedog - 10/Jul/10
i was there today and all the bolts are new and shiny
Ffej - 27/Sep/09
Had a good day out yesterday with the boys & well worth a visit if you climb above VS. Nearly all the bolts are missing, only the stubs remain, except for the E1 Acid Rain where 3 bolts (no peg runner) are in place. Missing peg runner on Rain Maker as well!
BALD EAGLE - 14/Jul/08
Nice location and outlook (esp for a quarry!!) Climbing OK if you like delicate slabs with bolt stubs for protection and russian roulette holds
The Pylon King - 25/Sep/06
The hangers that are missing are the ones that are not in the original topo. Using the bolts that have hangers in place mean that there are some long runouts - but that is why the grades are mostly E1/E2!
BruceW - 07/Feb/06
Went here last Sunday for the first time and it's worth at least one visit for those who climb VS or above though the single VS seemed very low in the grade (plenty of wire placements). Apart from a couple of small crack climbs (VS and HVS) the climbing is all open slab on small holds and smears with plenty of bolts. Many hangars are missing though so make sure you bring some wires (to hang) as well. The starts and some of the smears are getting polished and worn. Good belays at the top - blocks and trees.
mikelaing - 05/Sep/05
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