Oven Stones (GR SE013051) aka Druid Stones in the 1988 Moorland Grit guide is a piece of genuine Chew Valley esoteria, but a fine one at that. Particularly suited to easier problems, most of which have a tricky start and an easy finish. There are one or two moderately difficult problems. The landings and the aspect are excellent, the crag seeing lots of sun and it is ideal for kids. Being right up on top of the moor it does tend to catch the wind. The small nature of the outcrop does mean that it is quite limited. It is probably best reserved for the enthusiastic local or the most ardent seeker of esoteric pleasure. Could be combined with Alderman for a longer day.
Approach: from the King William cross roads in Greenfield, take Kinders Lane directly up the hill for half a mile to Fur Lane, take the left steep uphill branch until the road turns to the left and levels out. Limited parking is available here. Please park considerately and do not block any gates. Follow the footpath steeply up the hill straight towards the memorial. Oven Stones can be seen afew hundred yards away as the small outcrop in the middle of the moor. Follow the path right from the memorial until a faint path can be seen trending leftwards towards the crag. An alternative approach is to park on the A635 Greenfield-Holmfirth road at the Upperwood laybay. From here follow the path through the gate up and onto the moor. Facing the crag the first problem described is the far left arete.
Access : On CRoW land so no issues, follow rules regarding dogs.
1. Climb the left arete, easy.
2. Mantle the blind flake, rock over into the break and finish, easy.
3. Climb the arete a cheval, 6a.
4. Jam the crack, 5.
5. A good problem, use the flared crack to slopers and so the top. Anything right of the crack on the previous problem is 'in', 6a+.
6. Layback the arete, easy.
7. Climb the slab on chips, easy.
8. Layback the right hand arete, 4.
9. Arete, easy.
10. Right arete, Use the arete and a pebble to rockover, 4+.
