Seeking Adventure Amidst Breathtaking Scenery
Are you seeking an exhilarating challenge amidst breathtaking scenery? Look no further than Quality Street, an enthralling rock climbing route nestled in the stunning landscape of Berry Head, Devon. Quality Street offers not only a test of your route-finding skills but also a journey through nature’s marvels that will leave you in awe.
Starting Your Journey
To embark on this unforgettable climb, start your journey from the Berry Head pay car park. From there, follow the gated road towards the Northern Fort, bearing left before reaching the fort itself. Continue along the road past Berry Head Quarry, soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds you. As you continue your journey eastwards along the base of the quarry, a gently ascending path will guide you to an iron spike. Here, you have the option to either abseil down or carefully scramble down to the left (VDiff), where the starting point of the route awaits just slightly further to the left.
A Traversing Adventure on Flawless Rock
Quality Street, a two-star, four-pitch climb spanning 85 meters (VS 4b), offers an exhilarating traversing adventure on flawless rock. This captivating route presents challenges and rewards tailored for climbers comfortable at the VS level. Both leader and second should be adept at this grade, given sections of downclimbing and the traverse’s nature. It’s worth noting that while accessible at any tide, caution is advised to avoid swell.
Navigating the Climb
The journey starts with a 25-meter, 3c pitch from the back of Arch Zawn. Climbers ascend into the arch from the left, navigating fallen blocks with precision. To avoid rope drag, we split the first pitch, with our first belay strategically set within the arch. Descending into the chimney for the second pitch, we followed the obvious traverse line, establishing our second belay at the cleft.
Challenges Along the Way
Onto the third pitch (15m 4a), or the second as per the guidebook, we navigated around a rib onto a gritty-textured slab. Route finding proved challenging as I initially ascended too high, encountering a lack of available gear. Realizing a slight step down around the rib was necessary, we then followed a rising traverse to a small cave. From there, a delicate move leftwards led us to a small ledge where we build our belay.
The Final Push
The fourth pitch (or third depending on how you’ve broken it down), presents a 20-meter, 4a traverse across a rounded slab. With sparse protection on the downclimb, this pitch feels bolder for the second than the leader! The belay point below an overlap serves as a brief respite before tackling the final, and perhaps most demanding, pitch.
The final pitch, spanning 25 meters at a grade of 4b, serves as the crux of the route. It involves a steep move to gain the slab and then follows a diagonal crack that doubles back up rightwards. Again, route finding feels not so obvious here and the gear is sparse in places. The route continues direct through the overlap above (where there is thankfully some gear) and finishes on the terrace.
A Rewarding Conclusion
Upon completing the climb, adventurers are rewarded not only with a sense of accomplishment but also with unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. Descending into the quarried bay and ascending towards Swashbuckler Buttress, climbers will find themselves on the summit plateau, surrounded by nature’s grandeur.
So, to summarise, Quality Street promises an unforgettable rock climbing experience that blends physical challenge with the splendour of nature. Whether you’re a seasoned climber seeking a fresh conquest or simply eager for adventure, Quality Street awaits. So, gear up, embrace the challenge, and set forth on a journey destined to leave a lasting impression.
Rock Climbing Courses in Devon
Are you interested in rock climbing courses in Devon, Dartmoor and Cornwall? If so, we deliver bespoke climbing courses to suit your individual needs and aspirations. Develop your skills, learn to lead, multi-pitch and guided climbing on some of the classic routes…
For more information, please get in touch to arrange a tailor-made course.
