Description

Nuda’s Tartan is a unique piece of limestone, nothing like the typical crimpy Peak lime most climbers are used to. Instead of tiny edges and sharp technical pulling, it’s steep, pocketed, and packed with featured holds that create brilliant three-dimensional movement.

The climbing unfolds mostly on good holds through steep roof sections, demanding body tension, heel-toe trickery, and careful positioning rather than pure fingertip strength.

Its east-facing aspect makes it an ideal summer venue, staying shaded for much of the day, with decent tree cover helping to keep conditions cool.

History

Nuda’s Tartan was formed from an ancient waterfall system, where mineral-rich water deposited layers of calcite to create the steep, pocketed tufa cave seen today. This unusual geology gives it a style unlike typical Peak limestone.

Developed as a climbing venue during the 2000s mainly by Mark Evans, it quickly gained a reputation, with further development continuing through the 2010s.

Routes on Nudas Tartan
38 Boulder
Browse topos
Photos
Premium topo by Madebysymon
Madeby Symon
M. Symon
from Sheffield
Other Premium topos by Madebysymon 59
Nudas Tartan

Access is sensitive!

There is plenty of parking in the lay-by at Alport, from where it’s only a five-minute walk to the crag. Parking is also possible right by the crag, but after speaking with the farmer, he asks that if you do park there, you use the steeper right-hand side of the lay-by, as parking on the flatter left-hand side makes it difficult for him to get his tractor through. Ideally, park in Alport and walk in.

As the crag is very close to the village, with a few houses located within 50 metres, please keep noise to a minimum and treat the area with respect.