09/12/2007
9/13/2007
By Jeff Squire, President, Western Mass Climbers Coalition
How would you like to have over a hundred high quality climbs and boulder problems just out your backdoor? The Western Massachusetts Climbers Coalition (WMCC) is hard at work selling a house and two acres of land near the base of Farley Ledge in Erving, MA.
The property for sale was part of a larger purchase that has allowed the WMCC to restrict development at the base of the crag and to resolve the historically troublesome access issues to this areas excellent climbing and hiking options. The Access Fund supplied guidance and inspiration via an Acquisition Summit workshop and came through with a significant grant. Additional funding was provided by The Appalachian Mountain Club and local climbers.
Farley Ledge is often billed as the best crag between the Gunks and Rumney. It is home to five-star trad climbing, sport climbing, ice climbing, bouldering, top roping and even multi-pitch climbing. Also, the nationally recognized Metacomet-Monadnock Trail runs near the cliff base. Located only 15 min from Greenfield, 30 min from the college towns of Amherst & Northampton and 1.5 hours from downtown Boston, Farley is a primary rock climbing destination in southern New England.
The house is a well cared for and maintained 1,650 sq. ft. Cape built in 1976. It has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, attached porch and 1 car garage. For more information visit: www.westernmass.craigslist.org/rfs/380901940.html or www.westernmacc.com. Better yet come to Farley and check out the house and the climbing.