Cave Dale

by remus

Cave Dale is a fairly small venue but with a handful of quality problems that easily justify a few visits. Highlights include 1. Sheep Shifter, 8. Ram Rod and 16. Sheep Eggs. The Dale is also home to some of the earliest limestone climbs in the Peak District (most notably 18. Dargai Crack) though these started out as chossy obscurities and haven't changed much in the 100 years since they were first done. Enthusiasts only.

Climbs

• 1. Sheep Shifter — 7B+
• 2. Sheep Shagger — 7A+
• 7. Double Ewe — 7A+
• 8. Ram Rod — 7A
• 10. Pockets Wall — 4
• 11. Odour Toillete — 6B
• 12. Underneath the Arses — 6C
• 13. Long Drop — 6C
• 14. Hole Dancer — 7B+
• 15. Black Hole — 7C
• 16. Sheep Eggs — 7C
• 17. Scrambled Sheep — 7A+
• 19. Mutton Thrusting — 6B
• 20. Rockfort — 6C
• 21. Sheepish — 5
• 9. Ring Bolt Buttress — VS 4b
• 18. Dargai Crack — VS 4b
• 5. The Watchtower — VS 4c
• 6. Banana — HS 4b
• 3. Piton Route — HVS 5a
• 4. Puttrell's Crack — VD

Approach & access

Best to park in the large car park in Castleton, especially during busy periods (holidays, weekends etc.). During quieter periods it may be possible to park a little closer and save yourself 5 mins walking. Most buttresses are pretty obvious. For Hole Dancer go up the steep hill towards Keep Buttress then use the in-situ rope/wire fence to pull up the steep step. Drop down the other side of the little col for a few meters then the cave is on your left. The bouldering is the main attraction here. A selection of trad routes are recorded for historical interest.