UKC

Climbs 37
Rocktype Sandstone (hard)
Altitude 180m a.s.l
Faces SW

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Martyn Richards on the steep ground of Capstan (7b+) at The Darren © Ian Parnell

Crag features

Hidden away in some woods high above Pontypridd is this compact quarry which has some good strenuous pitches which are well equipped and on good rock. The walls see little in the way of sunlight and are heavily shaded by tree cover, and as a consequence take time to come into condition. Once dry the Terminal Overhanging Wall stays dry in light rain. A rockfall altered the starts of a number of the lines but these have now been cleaned up, rebolted and reclimbed.

UPDATE. The crag has now been cleaned and the remainder of the loose rock has been removed. It is much safer now since the demise of the loose section between Basildon Slapper and Rise.

Rise,The Unplugged,Gutted,Sorry Lorry Morrie,Andrew the Zebra & Calling Card have all been re-bolted and cleaned.

The loose block and crombly hold at the base of the niche on Rise have been repaired,the small chockstone in the crack above has also been replaced. This doesn't affect the various methods of climbing past the niche.
sharpie - 06/Jun/20
I reckon that first bolt on Basildon was the only thing holding the rock together!
Paul Rogers - 14/Jun/13
The first 20 ft of Basildon Slapper,Alive and kicking, and Round are way have been destroyed by a huge rock fall ,Capstan,Rise and the unplugged have not been affected. Take care if you are climbing in that area until things settle down and the exposed rock has been cleaned off. P
sharpie - 11/Jun/13
The first bolt on Basildon spins - probably why the hanger was taken off. New bolt required.
Esoterical - 03/Sep/10
The hanger on the first bolt on Basildon has been removed by someone,please take care when climbing this route,Alive and kicking and Round are way,there are some dodgy blocks which will be removed in the near future.Capstan ,Rise,Unplugged,and Enter the Darran are ok but still need care,please return the hanger! Cheers Andy
sharpie - 21/Jun/10
nice place to go climbing! great view of Ponty at the top of the crag. Have taken some begginer friends there ans set up a top-rope at the edge of the crag. Was a fun day! Only 20min from Cardiff
gutsy - 25/Aug/07
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Climbs at this crag

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