Chair Ladder

Cornwall

One of Cornwall's and indeed the UK's premier crags. Something for everyone with classic multi-pitch routes from VDiff upwards, on impeccable quality sea cliff granite, in a situation oozing with atmosphere and character. Bear in mind though that the crag is only accessible when the sea is calm and a few hours either side of low tide, so plan your visit accordingly.

Crag information
Climbing Area: South West & Southern Rock Type: Granite
Importance: International CRoW Land: Yes
Ownership: Unknown No. of Routes: 120
Within National Park: No Year Developed:
Grid Reference: SW365216

The crag is south facing for the most part and quick drying, especially with a bit of sea breeze. However, it's worth bearing in mind that traversing along the platform at the base of the crag (needed to get to most routes) can be exciting in anything other than calm seas. The traverse is generally accessible 3 hours either side of high tide for most of the crag and the base of Terrier's Tooth and Bishop's Buttress for slightly longer, although these times are significantly reduced during neap tides. During high tides or when big seas are running, it is also possible to abseil in to the upper pitches of several routes.

Restrictions apply from 15 March - 30 June.

Reason: Nesting Birds

The restriction applies to all routes on Bishop's Buttress - from Lacertion to The Mitre inclusive (route 82, page 153 to route 14, page 159 in the 2017 Climber's Club guidebook).

Routes within Zawn Rinny (Consolation Climb to Shark Alley) are also restricted during the same period, but the Zawn Rinny descent for the western end of Chair Ladder is fine to use. 

Parking and Approach

Park at the car park at Porthgwarra Cove (pay and display parking, change needed).

CRoW Information

Open access land, designated under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act (2000) give area access rather than linear access as provided by public rights of way. It also gives a legal right of access specifically for climbing, as well as walking and other quiet recreation on foot.

Please bear in mind however that the landowner still has the right to restrict access for up to 28 days per year (often used on public safety grounds for shooting in moorland areas), and can also apply for longer term restrictions with Natural England (such as bans on dogs, or regular restrictions during particular times of year). It is important to check for these restrictions regularly as they can be added at short notice – all details for open access land in England can be found on Natural England’s website.  

Group Advice

Unsuitable.

Area information

Weather Information

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