Peak SE - Pokketz

The authors state that this is guide to ‘selected easier routes on the gritstone and limestone crags of the south-eastern Peak District’. The routes are colour-coded according to climbing grades, which go from; Severe and under, Hard Severe to Hard Very Severe, then some routes at E1 to E3 grade. Selected routes are allocated a star rating. The guide contains 533 routes. Climbing crags included are ; Froggatt, Curbar, Gardom’s, Birchen, Chatsworth, Black Rocks. Then limestone crags being - Stoney, Horseshoe, Ravensdale, High Tor, Wildcat, Willersley, and Harborough.

The introduction has information on the climbing areas, and a key to the symbols used within the main section. These are useful and inventive, for instance indications are given as to wether the crag is likely to be busy or not, if it has shelter from wind, the approximate approach time and so on. Symbols are also sometimes used to describe the type of climbing on a particular route, such as ‘technical climbing’, ‘long reach helpful’ etc. Then there is a chart comparing British climbing grades to Sport Grades UIAA and USA grades. The page edges have colour-coded tabs according to climbing area, enabling you to quickly flick through to your chosen crag.

At the start of each section is a scaled colour map, indicating the crag and parking. There is a summary of the climbing area, highlighting its character. Approach information is also clearly stated. The routes themselves are neatly overlaid onto colour photos of the crag. The climbs are numbered and colour-coded according to the grade bands described earlier, making it easy to select a route to suit your abilities. The climbs are clearly titled and graded, with brief details of the route printed below.

There is a route index at the back, and an ‘overview map’ of the Peak District to help you select other Rockfax guides. This is a handy, attractively produced pocket guide to this small, but diverse climbing area. Rockfax have all their guides in England.