The excellent and extensive bouldering in Shaptor Woods is a privilege we are afforded thanks to the Woodland Trust (who own to woods) allowing access. Continued access depends upon visiting climbers taking every effort to minimise their impact on the environment, maintain a low profile and look after this special place.
The following interim access agreement has been drawn up to protect the special features of the woods whilst ecological surveys are undertaken to better inform a long term access agreement. Please take the time to understand and follow this agreement so that future climbing access to the woods can continue:
No new development / cleaning of new lines. This is paused whilst ecological surveys take place to identify the location of key species, including some lichens which could be hundreds of years old. With over 700 existing problems in the area, there is plenty to do without finding new lines.
Please don’t visit the woods after dark for lantern sessions. This can easily disturb roosting birds and concerns nearby neighbours.
Minimise chalk use and brush holds when you’re done. Chalk is alkaline which changes the surface chemistry of acidic granite boulders. This can negatively impact important lichens and mosses living on the boulders so make sure you limit the amount of chalk used and ensure chalky holds are brushed clean with a soft brush before moving on.
Keep groups to 4 people or less. Small groups have less impact in this peaceful woodland.
Stick to existing paths and tracks. Don’t blaze your own trail.
Dogs must be on a short lead during nesting season from 1st March-31st July .
No fires or BBQ’s .
Take your litter home with you and any you might find.
Follow the Respect the Rock code .
Parking and Approach
Parking is limited here and can be a real issue if cars block roads or gates. This is almost guarenteed to get climbers a bad name with local farmers and landowners, so make sure you park considerately and think about car sharing to the crag to avoid too many vehicles trying to squeeze in.
Bovey Tracey makes a good meeting point for groups of climbers to combine into a single car if travelling separately.