Rivelin Rocks

The land on which the rocks lie is private and the landowner has protested in the past about damage done to trees and footpaths and has threatened to bar access for visitors.

Many rock climbers are drawn to the area because of the fine obelisk of Rivelin Needle, a 20-metre (66 ft) free-standing gritstone pinnacle that stands in front of the main edge.

[1] Famous British climber Joe Brown climbed the Needle in 1954 by the Original Route.

[2] The main face of the rocks also has some excellent climbs, The Brush Off, Blizzard Ridge and Auto da Fe all being highly rated routes.

Rivelin Rocks are reached via a muddy public footpath that leaves the A57 road opposite the dam wall of the lower Rivelin Reservoir; the path goes through bracken and then enters a dense silver birch wood passing a sign that says you are entering a conservation area.