Warton Main Quarry

Lancashire

User attention

Climbing restricted due to phase 3 of the cotoneaster removal. 

from 31/08/2026 to 18/09/2026

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. Note the text below on bird bans each year, please do not jeopardise our climbing agreements.

 

Crag information
Climbing Area: North West Rock Type: Limestone
Importance: Local CRoW Land: No
Ownership: Local Authority No. of Routes: 98
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 - 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/early Summer). The quarry is monitored by 'Peregrine Watch' and the local access team has a good relationship with stakeholders - restrictions are lifted as soon as possible and signs posted on site. 

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 result, there are areas of loose rock and a block containing a bolt fell off Rock Folly. Routes mainly affected are Rock Folly and Black Streak, but others may be affected. Significant areas of loose rock were noted by the contractor at the top of the crag. Exercise caution.

Lancashire County Council do not monitor any of the routes and climbers climb at their own risk.
 

Restrictions apply from 1 February - 27 July.

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 good relationships with interested parties locally, birds are actively monitored and if fledging birds allow, restrictions are lifted early.

Parking and Approach

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

Area information

Weather Information

Guidebook info currently being updated

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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.