Aldery Cliff is a slabby piece of rock with routes averaging from VD to E3, with some nice VS and HVS in between. The crag itself is not that big, with only 63 routes. At this time of the year, it is also very green so be careful not to catch a stinging nettle while looking for a next handhold. I had no choice but to sit on one myself. No pain no gain.

There is also bits of loose rock all over, so with the car park right at the bottom of the crag be careful where you step or pull as a small rock could land on yours or fellow climbers car and that would result in a very unexciting and expensive climbing trip.

On the other hand, yes the car park is free and no need to carry all your gear to a crag as Aldery Cliff has it all. You might have to open the gate to the car park as you drive by as it might be closed. Car park and crag coordinates are 53.19400,-1.85510.

I and my climbing buddy Tony have only managed 2 climbs at this venue before the rain chased us away. Even though we have arrived there early, I have ended up taking my time leading a VS 4c climb called the Spider, which you can see in the video. Originally the goal was for me to lead Broken Toe VS 4c but other climbers got on it just before us. There is always next time.
At the top of the Right-Hand Walls area, there are 2 trees that both with ropes on for abseiling, but only one has to the metal ring on. If you first see the tree with a rope and no ring, the tree to the left of that will have a ring on. The abseil on that side is very clear.

After the rain closed on us, we headed our to Churnet Valley, a venue which I have visited few weeks ago. The venue is filled with many bAfter the rain closed on us, we headed out to Churnet Valley, a venue which I have visited a few weeks ago. The venue is filled with many boulders of different shapes and sizes. This boulder was pretty awesome, filled with loads small pebbles, good handholds, but the rock is also bit sharp in places so I ended up leaving some skin behind. We had a crack at some traversing so that’s always fun and pumpy.