Big Spring Climb '25 - Trad Climbing - Stanage (Experienced)

This event is part of the OutdoorLads Big Spring Climb 2025 - but you are welcome just to attend this event by itself if you prefer!

As the longest (and arguably best) gritstone crag in the Peak District, Stanage offers outstanding quality climbing across all grades. The perfect place to enjoy "God's own rock" with classics such as "Heaven Crack" (VD ***), "Balcony Buttress" (S ***), and "Mississippi Buttress Direct" (VS ***) to name but a few. 

Event suitability

This event is aimed at experienced climbers so at a minimum attendees should be comfortable seconding including belaying the leader (ideally with half ropes) and removing protection. The number of spaces available for seconds will be determined by the number of experienced lead climbers that sign up. 

If you do not quite have this much experience - perhaps you have been out on trad a couple of times or are an experienced sport climber looking to make the jump - then drop me a message and I will see if we can accommodate this. It may be possible to offer a limited number of these spaces depending on there being sufficient independent climbers in attendance that are happy to supervise. 

If you have less experience, but still want to give trad a go, then take a look at the beginner trad session running alongside this event. Alternatively, we are also organising a sport climbing event on the same day. 

Equipment

No equipment will be provided.

At a minimum you should have standard personal kit for trad:

• Harness and shoes
• Helmet (this is mandatory and you will not be allowed to participate without one)
• Belay device and locking carabiner - must be suitable for half ropes i.e. not a Gri Gri!
• Nut key
• Prusik loop (for abseil backup etc.)

Location

We will meet at the car park (see below), alongside the beginner group, and choose an area of the crag depending on the ambitions of the group.

Please message the event leader when signing up with an idea of your experience and what additional equipment you will be bringing (racks, ropes etc.)

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend. 

Photo Credits: All photos are taken by Ross Arthur.