Peel Crag & Crag Lough, Northumberland. 20th August 2012

Vic Reeves Shed at the Once Brewed Visitor Centre. Northumbria 20/08/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)

I grew up in the Northeast of England and have been visiting the crags of Northumbria for many years now. Its a place I have a real fondness for. The crags may not be as impressive as other places, but they do offer good climbing and bouldering with pleasant views across the gentle landscapes of Northumbria.

An explanation as to why 20/08/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)

Peel Crag (756 676) is a popular crag with climbers as it is so close to the car parking. This is also a popular area for tourists as Hadrian's Wall runs along the top of the crag making good use of this natural defense.

Peel Crag & Crag Lough from the Steel Rigg car park. Northumbria 20/08/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)

Park at either the Visitor Centre (752 669), Youth Hostel or Steel Rigg car park (751 677) and Peel Crag or Crag Lough can be reached in minutes.

Me on the final layback of Route One VD, Peel Crag. Northumbria 20/08/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)

To go to Crag Lough its probably easiest to follow the foot path alongside Hadrian's wall over Peel crag to the obvious tree and then traverse around underneath the crags; 10 - 15 minutes.

Chockstone Chimney D*, Don't be fooled by the grade! Peel crag, Northumbria 20/08/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)

We arrived at the Steel Rigg car park around 10am, put the kettle on and enjoyed a brew whilst we sorted the climbing equipment. Once sorted we strolled down to Peel Crag.

Me about to tackle the overhanging blocks of Ulysses VD*. Peel Crag, Northumbria 20/08/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)

This crag is north facing, can be slow to dry and lichenous. Take care after periods of rain the rock can be very slippy.

Me on Sunset MS***, the crag classic. Peel Crag, Northumbria 20/08/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)

As I expected the crag was damp so we opted for easy climbs and spent the morning picking off climbs on various buttresses slowly working our way along the crag.

Me high up on Sunset MS**, Peel Crag. Northumbria 20/08/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)

By mid afternoon the hordes of tourists were arriving so opted for peace and quiet and walked along to Crag Lough.

Me on Wall and Crack, D, Crag Lough. Northumbria 20/08/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)

I last climbed at Crag Lough almost a year ago and arriving at Crag Lough today I couldn't help noticing the obvious increase in erosion at the base of the 1st buttresses encountered. 

Me on the awkward Bracket VD**, Crag Lough. Northumbria 20/08/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)

There was also quite a lot of litter. I'm assuming the crag is now becoming popular with outdoor centres and if this is the case I urge they take more care of the crag environment and take the time to ensure all the litter is removed.

Me standing on top of Pinnacle Face, Crag Lough. Norhumbria 20/08/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)

We approached Crag Lough with similar caution and opted for easy climbs and continued to climb until around 7:30pm. Eventually quite content with the days exploits we packed up and returned to the car.

Vicks standing on top of Crag Lough, Northumbria 20/08/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)

I suggested to Vicks that rather than stay at the campsite at Windshields Farm (745 668) that we go to Garrigill (745 416) in Cumbria and camp down by the village green (741 419) on the Pennine Way.

The erosion at the base of Crag (Lough, Northumbria. 20/09/2012 Photo:  A J Thorley)

Vicks agreed and off we went. We arrived just as darkness was falling around 9:30pm. Quickly pitched the tent, made our evening meal and turned in for the night.

Hadrian's Wall and a Mile Castle, Crag Lough. Northumbria. 20/08/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)

The Tree. Crag Lough, Northumbria. 20/08/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)