Pot Hole Quarry
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Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Pot Hole (or Three Springs) Quarry is a former limestone quarry close to Mold, North Wales. The quarry is popular with rock climbers due to its idyllic rural setting, ease of access and reasonably wide selection of routes on good quality limestone. The routes range from V-Diff to E3, the emphasis of the majority of routes being on single pitch finger cracks and pockets. The average height of the quarried rock is approximately 12 metres.
[edit] Climbing and History
Although some of the easier routes on the Main Wall are now becoming polished, routes graded HVS and above are in fair condition and provide interesting and compelling climbing. The crag has been popular since the late 1970s/early 1980s and is often visisted on the way to/from Snowdonia when travelling from the North West of England on the A494. The quarry (and much of the Clwyd Area) was pioneered by Stuart Cathcart and has recently been reworked by Richard Hargreaves, Matthew and Tom Dowson, all prominent names in the North Wales climbing scene. The crag has been in the news recently due to the death of Tom Dowson on April 4th 2006. Having failed to complete one of the harder VDIFF routes on the crag, he slipped at ground level and hit his head on an excavated boulder. The crag remains a favourite for group usage, with school parties and military outward-bound groups both frequenting Pot Hole.
[edit] Prominent Climbs
The main wall of the quarry has a few outstanding routes, the star of the crag being 'The Dog' (HVS 5a), a thin finger crack with well protected, absorbing and sustained climbing. The routes are chiefly mid-grade, with routes of VS level dominating much of the main wall, 'Tre-Fynnon' (VS 4b) and 'The Watzman' (VS 4b) being the routes most worthy of note. The Right Angle (HS 4b) is an interesting climb requiring a bridge of two faces and wide crack jamming methods; a route marred by dampness, loose rock inside the crack and awkward protection.
[edit] Location and Directions
The quarry can be found at SJ 192597 (Landranger map 116). To reach the quarry, take the A494 from Mold towards Ruthin, passing through the village of Llanferres. After passing the Druid pub (approx. 200m) there is a lay-by on the left. Park here and cross over the stile following the track (public footpath) towards the bridge over the river. Follow the river upstream until a small tributary stream joins the main river from the left. Follow this, passing two more stiles, and the quarry can be found another 100m further on (5 mins walking). The quarry is privately owned and fires are strictly prohibited.
