Ilston Quarry
| Ilston Quarry | |
| ( Elizabeth and Rowe Harding Nature Reserve ) | |
 Overhang and roof Area | |
| Rock Type | Quarried Carboniferous Limestone |
|---|---|
| Climbing Style | Undeveloped |
| Approach Time | 5 minutes |
| Area | Gower |
| Sub Area | Three Cliffs and Pobbles |
| Geodata | |
| WGS-84 Location | 51.5955699, -4.0883425 |
| OS Grid Ref. | SS 554 905 |
| WGS-84 Parking Location | 51.595510, -4.086552 |
| GR Parking Location | SS 555 905 |
| Parking Postcode | SA2 7LD |
| Base Elevation | 51 metres (SRTM Estimation) |
| General Info | |
| Faces Direction | South East |
| Aspect | Partially Sunny |
| Wind Sheltered | Mostly |
| Climbing Type | |
| Seepage | Needs a short dry spell |
| Crags Within 600m | |
| BMC RAD | |
| RAD Notice/Restriction | Ilston Quarry@BMC RAD |
Contents
BOLTING POLICY
PREAMBLE
This sizeable south-facing quarry was worked until 1966[1] and is now in a very pleasant nature reserve which is worth visiting in its own right. The best bits of rock, the overhangs and roofs on the far right and the slab just to the left, are now obscured by trees and are difficult to photograph.
The nature reserve is managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.[1]
The quarry is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest.[2][3]
"The quarry face is of national geological interest, notified as an SSSI, exposing alternate beds of crinoidal limestone with clays associated with thin seams of coal, a geological exposure unique in Wales."[1]
Apparently, kestrels have nested on the quarry face.[1]
Should anyone wish to develop the best bits, they would be wise to speak/negotiate with the owners.
ACCESS
Approach from Ilston. Park at the small pull-in by the ford. Walk gingerly across the slippery ford, climb over the stile (which is in a dangerous state and needs replacing with a gate) and then enter the nature reserve. Follow a track up and round to the right. (5 mins.).
The Wildlife Trust has contacted the BMC Access Rep to stress that they do not allow climbing at this important geological SSSI.
This quarry now has a BMC ban. See: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/modules/RAD/View.aspx?id=5582
Given the sensitive nature of this site, anyone climbing here could face criminal prosecution.
THE ROUTES
No routes recorded.
First Ascents
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
Slab
Feature
Ilston Nature Reserve
Middle section - You wouldn't want to climb here.
