Rivelin Rocks facts for kids
Rivelin Rocks are amazing rock formations made of a type of stone called gritstone. They are located in the beautiful Rivelin Valley, about 9 kilometers west of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, England. These rocks are a great place for outdoor adventures!
Exploring Rivelin Rocks
The Rivelin Rocks reach a height of about 270 meters above sea level. They are a popular spot for rock climbers and people who enjoy hiking. Even though many people visit, it never feels too crowded.
It is important to remember that the land around the rocks is private. Visitors should always be careful to protect the trees and paths. There are many trees growing near the rocks, but you can still get a good view of them from the A57 road, which is about 0.5 kilometers to the south. Just north of the rocks are fields where sheep graze. A narrow path runs along the edge of the rocks, offering great views of the lower Rivelin Dams.
Rock Climbing Adventures
Rock climbers often call these formations Rivelin Edge. One of the most exciting features is the Rivelin Needle. This is a tall, free-standing gritstone pillar, about 20 meters high, that stands in front of the main rock face.
There are at least eight different ways to climb the Needle! One famous climb is called "Croton Oil," which is considered a classic route. It is one of the best climbs in the eastern part of the Peak District, where Rivelin Rocks are located. Climbers love these rocks because they face south, meaning they often get lots of sunshine and are warmer than other climbing spots nearby. The rock itself is also very good for climbing because it is super grippy!
The first time someone climbed the Rivelin Needle was in 1950. A climber named Don Wooller used a route called the Spiral Route, which is 28 meters long. Later, in 1954, the famous British climber Joe Brown also climbed the Needle using the Original Route. The main rock face also has excellent climbs like "The Brush Off," "Blizzard Ridge," and "Auto da Fe." After reaching the top of the Needle, climbers use a special rope technique called abseiling to get back down, using a metal chain at the very top.
There is also a part of the rocks on the western side called White House Buttress. It is named after a house below the edge that used to belong to a famous person named Arthur Balfour, 1st Baron Riverdale.
How to Get There
You can reach Rivelin Rocks by following a public footpath that starts from the A57 road. The path is opposite the wall of the lower Rivelin Reservoir. First, you will walk through some bracken plants, and then you will enter a thick wood filled with silver birch trees. You will see a sign telling you that you are entering a conservation area, which means it is a special place that needs to be protected.
The path in the wood splits into two. Take the left path, which goes gently uphill towards the rocks. You will soon reach the bottom of the crags. From there, it is a short, steep climb to the top of the rocks, where you can find an easy spot to get up. Once you are at the top, you will have a fantastic view of the lower Rivelin Reservoir! Some parts of the main rock face behind the Needle show signs of having been quarried in the past, meaning stone was removed from them.
