Hangingstone Rocks Introduction

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The Routes OS ref. SK523153 (Sheet 129) SITUATION and CHARACTER This series of small outcrops is situated at the centre of the Charnwood Forest Golf Club (the oldest in Leicestershire, founded 1890). Mrs Perry Herrick allowed public access to this rocky area for many years but the golf club bought its 77 acre course in 1946 (for £2,570) on the breakup of Beaumanor Estate and about 1957 stopped public access to the area. What were once spectacular outcrops are becoming very overgrown. The rocks are small, south-facing edges and consist of ancient conglomerates called, would you believe, Hanging Rocks Conglomerate. APPROACH and ACCESS (Location map) Because of their situation in the middle of the golf course access has been restricted. However, climbers have visited the rocks late on summer evenings when the last golfers are on the tenth hole (it is a nine hole course). Climbers would cause little problem provided they approached from the clubhouse along the ridge and it is hoped that eventually an access agreement might be reached by the BMC. The rocks can be clearly seen from Breakback Road which runs past the bottom Beacon car park towards the Outwoods. Approach from this road , Four Routes Wall is to the right. With all climbs on this wall one has to is difficult and it would probably be better, if climbing in Pocketgate Quarry be ethically strict if the grades are to be meaningful. There are cracks to walk up the hill to the Rocks. If you hear a bell, watch out; the golfers dividing the wall into slabs. All the footholds and handholds in the cracks ring it before driving over the blind summit.