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These crags will be included in the next FRCC Eastern Crags guide (due 2008)
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BORDER
Minor Crags
by Stewart Wilson |
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FELL and ROCK
CLIMBING CLUB
of the
English Lake District |
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Christianbury Crags (OS Sheet 80, GR 578 821) |
Remote and splendid, these small tors of hard sandstone sit on top of the fell bearing the same name. The crags are only a few miles south of the Scottish border and are best reached by following minor roads north from Brampton via Lanercost, Askerton Castle and Bewcastle. The only road north from Bewcastle leads to a remote cul-de-sac and a dwelling; The Flatt, on the edge of the forest. The crags are about three miles north-east of here on the summit, and this involves a rough walk until forest roads near the upper part of the fell can be utilised. The climbing on Christianbury Crags is more extensive than at first meets the eye. Many routes have been climbed over the years but nothing has been recorded. The crags can also be approached more easily from the north, particularly if one has a key to the forest gates.
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Black Slantling (OS Sheet 86, GR 594 799) |
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This is a small crag of absolutely superb fell sandstone with a maximum height of 10 metres. If it were not for its remoteness, it would be a popular bouldering venue on account of the potential for hard problems. Black Stantling faces south-west, overlooking the upper valley of the White Lyne, on the same edge as Christianbury Crags, clearly visible to the north-west.
Only one route has been recorded: The Nose Right-Hand (S). This climbs the obvious crack to the right of the jutting nose of the Main Buttress and was climbed by Mick Johnston. This is definitely a crag for mountain biking climbers, as good forest roads lead from The Flatt, via the Loan, gently uphill, until, just after the line of low outcrops known as Slaty Crag, at a slight bend in the road, a little valley strikes off to the east. This, and the ensuing wall and fences, lead to the hollow where the crag lies. |
Comb Crag (OS Sheet 86, GR 591 649) |
This tiny outcrop of good quality sandstone faces west on the spur of a meander on the River Irthing. It is reached by following the Lanercost road from Brampton to Banks. From Banks, turn right on the narrow road parallel to the Roman Wall, and follow this for one mile to Wall Bowers. A Public Right of Way descends from here in a southerly direction to the Irthing Gorge. There is a prominent spur with crags on both sides. Comb Crag is on the right-hand side as one faces the river. About six climbs were made here in the early 80s (4c-5c).
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Leap Quarry (OS Sheet 86, GR 494 650) |
This south-west facing sandstone quarry is quite impressive, and may be worth a look. It is about half a mile upstream of Comb Crag on the same bank.
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Bishop Hill Quarry (OS Sheet 86, GR 613 588) |
A limestone quarry consisting of a west-facing steep slabby wall, and, at the right-hand end, a taller overhanging buttress. It is best reached from the A689, two miles east of Hallbankgate, by turning off this road into the village of Tindale. A track across some waste land leads to a parking place by some cottages. A Public Right of Way leads westwards to the quarry, a distance of 300 metres. This quarry has always attracted attention, but promises to return in good weather have always gone adrift. A bit of effort and some fixed gear might result in some just O.K routes.
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