The rock at Shorncliffe is generally sound, but there are some areas of more questionable rock which need to be treated with caution - in particular at the top of the crag where the last few metres can be more broken. Placing an extra piece of gear or two in solid rock before topping out is worth considering.
Descent for all routes is by abseil from trees at the top of the routes. Many have been fitted with Strops or rope slings and abseil rings to prevent damage to the trees so please use them, but don't forget to check the anchors (both the strength of the tree and the quality of the rope and ring) before committing to using them (remember ash die back). It is also worth having some spare cord to replace any rope which is showing wear. A single 60m rope doubled over should allow you to reach the ground on all routes but double check first.
Parking and Approach
Park at Tintern Abbey (pay and display) and follow a footpath along the river (behind the Anchor Inn) and through the village until a wide foot bridge allows crossing of the river. Continue along the footpath, turning left up a steep section into the woods at the upright metal posts. Take the right hand option at the next two path junctions and the path leads through the woods to eventually join a wide forestry track. Turn right down this for a few huindred metres to where the first of a series of signs indicate the approaches to different sections of the crag:
R4: Abbey Buttress (path leads directly to the base of Tigers Don't Cry ) R3a: Great Central Cave area R3: Fallacy Buttress R2: The White Towers R1: Hit and Run Buttress Alternative approaches can be made from a parking area off the B4228, 2 miles north of Woodcroft (the same parking as for Tintern Quarry - temporary closed), or on foot from Beeches Farm campsite.