New from Sheffield-based outdoors publishers Vertebrate
Graphics is a Peak District climbing guidebook with a
difference, it's pitched squarely at the average climber with all the
routes graded between Mod and HVS.
That might make it of limited interest to the hardcore Sheffield
cellar dweller but for Mr or Ms Average Climber there are over 850 of
the Peak's best climbing routes and boulder problems to go at, with
no desperate E10s to distract or depress you.
Crags covered include the biggies like Stanage, Froggatt and The
Roaches, but you'll also find routes at more modest venues like
Castle Naze and Windgather plus fair weather only venues like Kinder
North and South.
We're big fans of Vertebrate's approach to walking and mountain
biking guides and the new climbing book has all the same excellent
clarity and high production values. That means some lovely
photography from the likes of John Houlihan, but just as importantly
excellent photo-topos, which show you exactly where the route
goes.
These are backed up with brief but useful route descriptions and
some basic advice on technique, sport climbing - a couple of
medium-grade sport venues are included - and multi-pitch technique
for those trips to the Roaches. It's all done in a thoroughly
approachable, modern way that's light years away from traditional
climbing guidebooks with their slightly Victorian ways...
It won't be the book for you if you're planning to work your way
along Stanage ticking off every obscure route as you go, but as an
introduction to the highlights of reasonably-graded Peak District
climbing, it's ace. And just as importantly, the photos made us want
to get out there on the grit and climb - once it stops raining that
is.
Finally, if you're quick, Veterbrate is running an Early Bird
Offer of £15 on the book which includes postage and packing and
a free set of black and white climbing postcards by John
Houlihan.
More details at www.v-outdoor.co.uk.
John Coefield
