Grit Blocs: 100 of the finest boulder problems on Pennine gritstone

by Dave Parry

Grit Blocs by Dave Parry showcases 100 of the finest must-do boulder problems on the gritstone outcrops, edges and quarries of the Pennines.

The gritstone crags of Northern England are internationally renowned and are home to some of the best bouldering in the world. With an emphasis on high-quality photography, Grit Blocs presents a selection of the very best boulder problems in these areas – covering the Peak District, Yorkshire, Lancashire and North East England.

The classic problems are there – Careless Torque on Stanage and Flying Arete at Almscliff – but, as the sport of bouldering continues to evolve, there are also lesser-known and newer gems to discover: Archery at West Nab, The Lash at Birk Gill and Ouzel Thorn at Thorn Crag, amongst others.

The stunning photography is accompanied by texts that expand on the context and characteristics of the boulder problem and give you a flavour of what each problem is like, with a bit of bouldering history thrown in too.

Let Grit Blocs inspire your next climbing adventure – whether you’re a seasoned grit aficionado or new to the sport, you’ll find something to engage and animate you.

Paperback

First published September 15, 2022

Reviews

[Slackline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of love from the author who's passion for the gritstone that runs through the Pennine hills is expertly showcased through his expert eye and skill as a photographer. From the classic gritstone crags that lie to the west of Sheffield through Yorkshire to the northern Pennines and a smattering of problems from Lancashire inluding quarried grit and secluded venues hidden away in the woods as well as the bleak but beautiful moorland venues. Dave has covered everything with a detailed eye. Each double page showcases a single problem at a crag, although larger venues such as
Stanage and Thorn Crag get a couple of "blocs" highlighted by virtue of the volume and quality. This isn't just a photography book though as the text that accompanies each problem gives insight to the character of the venues, sometimes the history of classic problems and regularly highlights other problems in the area that are worth seeking out so take the time to read this rather than just thumbing through the inspiring pictures. There is a good spread of grades covered which attests to the authors appreciation of quality over grades.

The format and layout brought to mind the classic Stone Crusade: A Historical Guide to Bouldering in America by John Sherman but in miniature because after all the UK is considerably smaller than the US, but no less in stature as Dave has produced an equally evocative record of the bouldering on offer in one specific region of the UK.

If you've sampled the delights of grit this book will bring a warm glow and if you haven't yet had the opportunity it will inspire you to make the pilgrimage. Recommend grabbing a copy before they disappear from the shelves.

[Dave Hume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selective guidebooks are a mainstay of climbing literature, and as bouldering’s popularity has rocketed in recent years, Dave Parry’s “Grit Blocs” brings 100 of the “finest boulder problems on Pennine Gritstone” into the arena. Every selective guide is of course an invitation for aficionados to debate what should have been included or excluded. Open season for opinions presented as facts! The criteria for selection are set out clearly in the introduction so read it carefully before you begin to rant.
The selection ranges from Black Rocks in the south to Shaftoe in the north. The grade range is from 3+ to 8b, with the mean around 7b/7b+. More than half of the problems are in the 7’s. The author has worked hard to showcase some less well-known spots, including secluded woodland boulders and isolated moorland outcrops. From the more familiar edges, where trad climbers and boulderers share the space, he has limited the choice of problems to typically 2 or 3 gems. This must have been a heart-searching trial of what to include.
The larger book format allows the fine photography to shine through. While action shots of the body shapes and positions of boulderers tend to look much the same after a while, the images really capture the essence of a problem’s immediate environment. The descriptions are well-written, varied and interesting. It’s hard to find fault with this publication, although the value of the map on page 208 is a bit doubtful.
An impressive book for the growing number of competent boulderers who like to cherry-pick test pieces. You won’t necessarily need to take the book with you – you can wave your arms and legs about in the privacy of your own home as you read and rehearse the moves from the photos. Keep a towel handy for sweaty palms.

[Jim Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grand tour of the 100 best gritstone boulder problems in the Peak/North East. Essentially a coffee table book, that will delight and inspire all who love this arguably most pure form of climbing. The pictures, most of which were taken by the author, Dave Parry, are outstanding. They beautifully capture the landscape, the people and dynamism of the sport. With a big nod to the historical context, each problem has its own often amusing description.
A truly beautiful book. Would make a welcome gift to any boulderer.

[Jim Hulbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant coffee table book covering problems in Yorkshire, Lancashire and the Peak District. The photos are brilliant throughout and the book covers a wide range of problem difficulty, with problems from F5 through to F8B. The mini essays accompanying each problem are engaging and interesting. This would be a great gift for a keen gritstone boulderer as it will likely have something new for everyone; whilst a total beginner would still enjoy it, I suspect some of the references might go over their heads. I have certainly been inspired to go to some new locations and try some problems I hadn't thought of this winter.

[Emily Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great coffee table style book of some of the best gritstone bouldering in the Pennines. Capturing problems from the North Pennines to the Peak District the book is laid out with great photos and a short description of the location and the problem.
Most of the bouldering included is in the higher grades - 6c up to 8b, however there are a few lower grade problems included too.

This isn’t meant as a guide book. It doesn’t provide a description to climb the problems. It does however provide someone new to the area, or a bouldering fanatic with inspiration.

[Tim Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gets the psych going.