Curious geology combined with aeons of erosion has created one of the most bizarre of Peak District crags — a series of spectacular jutting fins and prows of rock bearing little resemblance to the ‘normal’ Gritstone outcrop. The result is a climbers’ playground, although “play” is perhaps too mild a word to use for the degree of commitment and determination necessary to succeed on many of the routes on this uncompromising crag. Here lie the most brutal of cracks alongside the thinnest of slabs and most balancy of arêtes, and though not as high as Staffordshire’s ‘big two’, The Roaches and Hen Cloud, Ramshaw’s climbs will almost certainly exact their pound of flesh and leave a lasting impression (literally for those with poor jamming technique!) whatever the grade.
Conditions and Aspect: Ramshaw’s predominantly eastern orientation means only early risers will catch the sun, though it does provide welcome shade on warm summer afternoons. Its ridge-top position leaves the crag thoroughly exposed to easterly winds, which in winter will render all but the toughest climbers speechless.
