This stellar-named crag actually does live up to the billing, at least as far as the setting is concerned. Tucked away in a leafy backwater, just over the Staffordshire border, the area is a favourite with walking groups and families. An escoteric gem that I’d failed to visit in more than three decades of Peak exploration.

Martin and Neil kindly allowed me to tag along as a third wheel, and were already engrossed on Pollux, E1 (just about visible in the centre left of the shot above) when I arrived. The crux is a stiff but well protected pull rightwards to finish.

Neil then led us up Castor Direct E2 (a recently straightened out version of a long-established route)

Fittingly with the “twins” theme, Martin and I had accidentally managed to coordinate with matching Rucksack Club T-shirts. Celestial Twins indeed…

I then had an undignified struggle with the excellent Finger Drive, E3 (causing much confusion with the passing tourists who went away with the misapprehension that sitting on a piece of gear whilst fiddling the next one in is “… how they get the hooks in”!)

Neil finished off with a lead of the somewhat crumbly and escapable Cronus, E1, but the other three routes are highly recommended, and there’s a fist full of stiffer challenges that look worthy of a return visit when I’m a bit fitter! Regardless, it’s a decent little crag in a delightful spot.