[Baloo]

Off to St Bees this weekend for the first time. Have downloaded the lakesbloc topo. It says that the only area covered under the crag's spring/summer bird restrictions is St Bees Head North Sector : Far South Boulders. But looking in the Rockfax guide it states the same applies to St Bees Head South. Any ideas?

 

[biscuit]

I think it's just a misunderstanding about area names now.

Usual riders apply but afaik:

Old Buoys sector ( far North ) - fine
Apiary Wall boulders - fine
Fisherman's steps - fine if accessed from Apiary wall not the steps itself
South Boulders  ( hueco crack area ) - fine as above
Far South - bird banned ( tram lines area )

The bulk of the climbing is to be found at Apiary wall and Fisherman's steps so don't worry about missing out far south. It's OK but nothing much compared to the rest.

[andyh]

Can anyone confirm if the access is still the same as described here?

It's a long way to go to accidentally break a bird ban, BMC seems to confirm it's largely ok...

Restrictions apply from  1 February - 31 July. Reason - Nesting Birds

"The area has very important Guillemot, Kitttiwake, and Razorbill breeding colonies and The RSPB have stipulated no access to the area south (right) of the route Army Screamers between the above dates. Other St Bees bouldering areas: The boulders to the south of Fisherman's Steps can only be used outside the nesting season. Access to Fleswick Bay is permitted all year round, but only south of the inlet where the path meets the shore. At South Head the small bouldering area is only accessible outside the nesting season."

Thanks