Ingleberry Rock
Off the beaten track, but only just.
Off the beaten track, but only just.
Ingleberry Rock is a long-forgotten chunk of Charnwood tuff hidden right next to the M1. This odd outcrop has been known and talked about by geologists since the early 20th century but it took until 2022 for it to be documented for the purpose of bouldering. The reason for its escaping scrutiny for so long is no mystery; though clearly visible on an OS map, it is sandwiched to the east by the roaring M1 and to the west by footpath-less fields. Nonetheless, Ingleberry is readily accessible to the keen boulderer.
The stand-out lines are those around the tall arête, though the other problems are not without interest. The problems range in difficulty from Font 2 to Font 5+ and a good micro-adventure can be had in finding the crag and climbing all its problems in a single session.
A couplet of crags, named Long Cliff and Short Cliff, used to exist close by. Sadly, Long Cliff was destroyed in the creation of Charnwood Quarry. Ingleberry Rock perhaps only escaped the same fate due to the M1 separating it from Long Cliff. Perhaps this will provide a consoling thought while trying to ignore the enduring din. Short Cliff is still there, and gives its name to the river that runs by it. An interesting 'urban caving' experience can be had by following its course.
The stand-out lines are those around the tall arête, though the other problems are not without interest. The problems range in difficulty from Font 2 to Font 5+ and a good micro-adventure can be had in finding the crag and climbing all its problems in a single session.
A couplet of crags, named Long Cliff and Short Cliff, used to exist close by. Sadly, Long Cliff was destroyed in the creation of Charnwood Quarry. Ingleberry Rock perhaps only escaped the same fate due to the M1 separating it from Long Cliff. Perhaps this will provide a consoling thought while trying to ignore the enduring din. Short Cliff is still there, and gives its name to the river that runs by it. An interesting 'urban caving' experience can be had by following its course.
Route descriptions can be found on UKClimbing.com
Documented by Silas Feaver and Chris Smith
Documented by Silas Feaver and Chris Smith
Parking: Park as respectfully as possible on Ingleberry Road. The most courteous (and legal) spot is the small tarmac layby located at 52.74746, -1.27810.
Approach: Walk carefully north along Ingleberry Road until an abandonned caravan is visible in the north west corner of the field on the eastern side of the road. Cross the gate into this field and follow it clockwise round its border until close to the M1. Here, break off northwards into the wooded area. You should be able to see some rock and the climbing is below this. The coordinates of the crag are 52.75117, -1.27606.
Approach: Walk carefully north along Ingleberry Road until an abandonned caravan is visible in the north west corner of the field on the eastern side of the road. Cross the gate into this field and follow it clockwise round its border until close to the M1. Here, break off northwards into the wooded area. You should be able to see some rock and the climbing is below this. The coordinates of the crag are 52.75117, -1.27606.
Indeed the impact of the M1 on Charnwood Forest is such that it affected its consideration as a potential Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- The Countryside Commission (1995)
Ingle — Fire, a Blaze or Flame.
- A Collection of English Words Not Generally Used, J. Ray (1674)
Ingleberries — Fleshy wens, which grow on the tender parts of oxen; they are of a fiery nature which may be the cause of them being named as they are; when cut they bleed profusely, and must always be seared off with a red hot iron.
- The Scottish Gallovidian Encyclopedia, J. MacTaggart (1824)
