Warton Main Quarry

Lancashire

Huge quarry with some suspect rock - fortunately most of the climbing avoids the worst bits. Recent new sport routes on the right of the quarry are by agreement with Lancashire County Council.

 

Crag information
Climbing Area: North West Rock Type: Limestone
Importance: Local CRoW Land: No
Ownership: Local Authority No. of Routes: 68
Within National Park: No Year Developed: 1970
Grid Reference: SD492725

The site is part of a Local Nature Reserve and the quarry floor below Main Wall provides an important orchid habitat - please avoid this area from April-June inclusive.

There is a bolting agreement for some agreed routes from Modern Wall rightwards, any future bolting development needs to be discussed with the local BMC access rep and potentially the landowner before any work.

The roof of the cave above Gouffle Connection is thought to be unstable, no monitoring is taking place.

Ravens and Peregrines have historically nested in the quarry -  expect climbing restriction in nesting season (Spring). The quarry is monitored by 'Peregrine Watch' and the local access team has a good relationship with stakeholders - restrictions are generally lifted as soon as possible and signs posted on site. 

No peregrines have nested in 2025 and Raven chicks have now fledged. Climbing restrictions have therefore been lifted.

Please be aware that none of the routes have been inspected/climbed since January 2025 when cotoneaster removal from the quarry face took place. As a consequence of the works there are areas of loose rock and a block containing a bolt (Rock Folly) fell off. Routes mainly affected are Rock Folly and Black Streak but other routes may have changed or have loose rock. Significant areas of loose rock were also noted by the contractor at the top of the crag. Caution should be excercised.
 

Restrictions apply from 14 February - 4 June.

Reason: Nesting Birds

During the nesting season each year, climbing in Warton Main is restricted for the whole quarry including the Terrace, to prevent disturbance of peregrines and other birds. Thank you for following the restrictions. The BMC has a good relationship with interested parties locally, birds are actively monitored and if fledging birds allow, the restrictions are lifted early.

Parking and Approach

Parking available in the quarry entrance off Crag Road. Van owners: height restricted.

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Anonymous User
24/03/2021
Unfortunately climbing on upper section during restricted period (late March) PLEASE respect the nature around you. Landowner well within rights to deny all access, and this is the sort of behaviour that could easily trigger this.