Rohan thumbnail
Rohan
6B Boulder at Frodo
Rivendell thumbnail
Rivendell
6C+ Boulder at Frodo
The Nazgul Left thumbnail
The Nazgul Left
7B Boulder at Frodo
Frodo thumbnail
Frodo
7B+ Boulder at Frodo
Saruman thumbnail
Saruman
7A Boulder at Frodo
The Nazgul Right thumbnail
The Nazgul Right
7B Boulder at Frodo
Aragorn thumbnail
Aragorn
7C+ Boulder at Frodo
Samwise thumbnail
Samwise
6B+ Boulder at Frodo
The Ent thumbnail
The Ent
6B+ Boulder at Frodo
Sam Wise Left thumbnail
Sam Wise Left
6C Boulder at Frodo
Merry thumbnail
Merry
6B Boulder at Frodo
Gimli thumbnail
Gimli
6B+ Boulder at Frodo
Taking the Hobbits to Isengard thumbnail
Merry Direct thumbnail
Merry Direct
6B Boulder at Frodo
Anston Stones

The area is access sensitive!

Access to the Woods has often been tenuous over the years. Most recently, due to climbers crossing the train tracks, a fence was constructed in front of Apprentice Wall; it is strongly suggested climbers avoid this area and Network Rail have indicated anyone caught on the tracks will be prosecuted. As such this area will not be detailed in the topo, although some routes will remain listed for historical accuracy.

Anston Stones Wood is a nature reserve and SSSI, hosting various important habitats and also being significant archaelogically. Evidence of human presence dates back to the Upper Paleolithic era (33,000 to 8,000 BC)!

Some longstanding rules are in place given the area's status as a nature reserve and SSSI:

- No topping out; either drop or down climb.

- Climb only on the existing walls and buttresses listed here; do not attempt to carry out additional gardening or clearance of other areas. Various blocks exist in the woods which must be left to nature. Don't worry, there's enough here to last a very long time for anyone.

- The usual rules apply otherwise; take all your litter home, keep dogs under close control and pick up their poo, absolutely no wire brushing or chipping, etc.