Bradgate Park
Gnarly oaks, herds of deer and friendly vibes
Gnarly oaks, herds of deer and friendly vibes
Bradgate Park contains four crags: The Stable Pit, Wishing Stone Crag, Sliding Stone Crag and Memorial Crag. Wishing Stone Crag is the most beautiful spot and with the best problems and overlooks the area of the park known as Little Matlock. The Stable Pit has the best landings and the most problems, though is reasonably high in places. Sliding Stone Crag is more esoteric but not without interest. Memorial Crag has been climbed on in the past but is home to rare fossils and park and council authorities would prefer if climbers stayed off.
The ruins of Bradgate House and Old John tower are the two non-climbing landmarks worth seeing. Herds of deer roam the park and you are likely to encounter these as you walk around.
Parking is pay and display £3 for all day on week days and £4 on weekends and bank holidays. Entry is free. Expect to get asked what your bouldering pads are by the curious walkers. There are two cafes, one at the south east corner and one in the south west, but these are quite expensive. Toilets are located in each of the car parks.
For more info see the old Leicestershire Climbs Guidebook and the Bradgate Park website.
The ruins of Bradgate House and Old John tower are the two non-climbing landmarks worth seeing. Herds of deer roam the park and you are likely to encounter these as you walk around.
Parking is pay and display £3 for all day on week days and £4 on weekends and bank holidays. Entry is free. Expect to get asked what your bouldering pads are by the curious walkers. There are two cafes, one at the south east corner and one in the south west, but these are quite expensive. Toilets are located in each of the car parks.
For more info see the old Leicestershire Climbs Guidebook and the Bradgate Park website.
The ruins of Bradgate Hall are close by. The place was set on fire, tradition says, by a former countess, who found the country dull, and wished to return to more animated scenes.
- W. H. Hudleston (1875)
Overshadowed by grand old trees, and by memories that are grander and lovelier still - memories of the Lady Jane whose noble life among these hills and woods came to untimely ruin - the broken towers have a wonderous charm about them, of beauty, and sadness, and solitude.
- Charnwood Forest and its Environs, M. P. Dare (1925)
