Girlguiding UK Climbing and Abseiling Scheme

This large Scout site has a very good facility which is being worked on at the moment to improve the layout, position of belays etc. However it is fine to use and the warden or one of the climbing instructors can give advice. Indeed, it is necessary to attend a short induction course on the tower even if you are qualified - this verifies that you have been briefed on the relevant safety points for this tower.

As a visiting instructor you would need to present your qualifications as well as attending the induction. There is equipment available at the tower.

The site do have staff appropriately qualified to take Guides - contact the warden or Rob Williams. Rob is also a GGUK examiner, so he can run Level 1 courses- please contact him via the site for courses.

Tower - 1. Short abseil facing, long abseil right; 2. Climbing face

Blackstone Rock, Bewdley

GR: SO 793740

SPA minimum

Just south of the River Severn near Bewdley, this is a prominent sandstone outcrop some 20 metres high composed of a soft friable red sandstone. The rock is not ideally suited to climbing but the location is ideal for abseiling. However, despite the proliferation of huge tree belays at the top considerable care must be exercised as there are many objective dangers at this crag including lack of line of sight, friable rock, a slippery surface at the top and a tricky descent path. A competent qualified SPA should be able to operate here with ease but will need at least one experienced assistant and preferably others to supervise the descent path etc.

There are also a large number of rope grooves at the top - use only static ropes or slings for belays, and protect all ropes as they go over the edge so as not to cause further erosion.

A fee is payable to the farmer as this is private land; please approach the farmer before the date you intend using the crag and politely enquire as to whether you may use it.

To be used for abseiling only - no climbing sessions for GGUK members here.