Map Reference: NT921044
Alt. 275m
North Facing
10 Minutes
History
It is almost certain that the Drake Stone has been climbed for many
centuries. Until recent times the huge boulder was thought to have
miraculous healing powers, sick children being passed over the summit to aid
their recovery. Obviously a place worth visiting for the modern tendonitis
stricken climber. Details of early ascents have become lost in the mists of
time, the first recorded activity being in November 1977 when Bob Hutchinson
and John Earl added the Very Severes and Hard Very Severes with Hutchinson
soon returning to climb Sir Francis. Andy Moss led Rhumba in 1983 and Bob
Smith soloed Powder Monkey a short while afterwards. Lubbers' Hole, first
climbed by Andrew Philipson in 1958 has been recorded here for the first
time. Cliff Robson and Calum Mayland squeezed in Sol Pelicanos in 1995, the
last recorded route on the crag.
Situation and Character
The Drake Stone, the name of which is derived from the Anglo Saxon word
for dragon, is Northumberland's largest isolated boulder. This good quality
sandstone crag lies in an exposed but scenic position on Harbottle Hill. It
is quick drying and gives a number of good and varied routes. The extreme
routes on the south face are largely unprotected. There are numerous
bouldering possibilities nearby but the exposed position of the crag makes
it a warm summer evening venue rather than a year round crag.
Approaches and Access
A short way beyond Harbottle on the Alwinton road is a Forestry
Commission car park. A path leads from the south east corner through the
Harbottle Crags Nature Reserve to the Drake Stone in about ten minutes.
There is a right of access to the crag under CRoW.
Otterburn Training Area Special Notice. Two leaflets have been produced by the MOD in conjunction with the National Park Authority, "Otterburn Training Area - A Public Access Guide", and "Upper Coquet Valley Access Guide". The Training Area is used for live firing. Red flags are flown/red lamps are lit during live firing periods; at these times access is restricted. For more detailed information on safety and access to Otterburn Training Area contact Otterburn Range Control on 01830 520569/0191 2394261. Visit their web site for the most up to date information here. Do not pick up, kick or remove anything from Otterburn Training Area, IT COULD KILL. Please avoid climbing should Raven’s be nesting.
FIRST ASCENTS:
|
Cape Horn |
Bob Hutchinson and John Earl |
|
November |
1977 |
|
Good Hope |
Bob Hutchinson and John Earl |
|
November |
1977 |
|
Hispaniola |
Bob Hutchinson and John Earl |
|
November |
1977 |
|
Plymouth Hoe |
Bob Hutchinson and John Earl |
|
|
|
|
Powder Monkey |
Bob Smith |
7 |
August |
1983 |
|
Rhumba |
Andy Moss, Dave Adams |
|
|
1983 |
|
Sir Francis |
Bob Hutchinson |
|
|
|
|
Sol Pelicanos |
Calum Mayland, Cliff Robson |
10 |
July |
1995 |
|
The Golden Hind |
Bob Hutchinson and John Earl |
|
November |
1977 |
GALLERY:
The Drake Stone
Soloing at Drake Stone
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Northumberland Climbing Guide The definitive guide to climbing routes in Northumberland. Updates available from the NMC here.
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The Northumberland Bouldering Guide The Second Edition of the guide was written and produced by the people who developed the area. Updates available from the NMC here.
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