Whether you want to try traditional or bouldering, there is something to be said for the UK’s rock climbing venues. If you’re looking for the best places for rock climbing in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. This guide contains information about the most popular destinations in the country.
Hodge Close Quarry
The main wall of Hodge Close is a massive man-made pit, a point of interest for many people. It’s one of the old slate mines in the Tilberthwaite Valley and boasts a huge lagoon in its bottom. The routes here are bold, technical, and require a committed approach. You’ll find some traditional routes here as well, and some bolted routes.
To get to the Hodge Close quarry, first you have to drive down the road. From the main road, take the right-hand road, which gently zigzags before taking a right-hand bend. On the way, you’ll pass a small stream that comes from an old quarry tunnel. Eventually, you’ll reach the bottom of the quarry, where you’ll be greeted by a narrow path and a cliff.
Langdale Boulders
The Langdale boulders are an iconic bouldering location in the Lake District. It is close to Chapel Stile, a famous rock climbing venue. The boulders are home to a range of problems and offer a view of the Langdale Pikes and prehistoric rock art. In addition, the Three Shires Inn is conveniently located near the bouldering venues. This quaint lakeside village is one of the UK’s most desirable postcodes.
The Langdale Boulders are accessible from the village of Langdale, with parking close to the site. From here, there are many walks in the area, as well as a lovely lake for a swim. Climbers can also visit the rock scrambles at Jacks Rake and Pavey Ark. For more advanced climbers, there are some good routes on the ridge.
Anglezarke Quarry
For those of you who are new to rock climbing and looking for an exciting new location, you should visit Anglezarke Quarry in North Yorkshire. The Quarry is a large disused sandstone quarry, adjacent to Anglezarke reservoir. It features some areas that are ideal for rock climbing, including small, sheltered caves created between boulders. Anglezarke Quarry has parking for many visitors, and a trail through the quarry leads to the lakeside.
The area has a large variety of climbs to suit different levels of ability, from beginner to expert. In addition to crags, Anglezarke Quarry is also home to one of the UK’s largest man-made harbours. It also boasts an impressive collection of rock formations, including a huge, steep cliff that is prone to erosion. In addition to the rock formations, Anglezarke Quarry also has spectacular views of the sea and countryside.
Craig Y Longridge
The crag at Craig y Longridge is in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, and is 100 meters high with a series of bouldering problems and traverses. The routes range from beginner to advanced, with grades ranging from V0 to V12, F7b to F8c+. Climbers of all levels can find something to challenge them here.
The crag’s 100-metre long traverse is an historic landmark in Lancashire’s climbing history. This traverse starts on the left side of the crag and heads rightwards to its opposite end. The route includes a high break, the famous Bend Of The Rainbow V6/7, and some heart-stopping technical moves on the final 20m.
Malham Cove
Located in Yorkshire, England, Malham Cove is a limestone band with a large number of prized sport climbing routes. The cliff faces south and is overhung from above, making it climbable even in the worst of weather. Although it receives some of the country’s wettest weather, the area is much more pleasant when the sun is shining. In the past, visitors have discovered the rock climbing here.
The limestone pavement in the amphitheatre at Malham Cove is a stunning setting for sport climbing. With over 325 climbs, it is home to some of the world’s top rock climbers. Adam Ondra and Steve McClure both climbed hard routes at the Cove in 2010 and recently conquered Rainman (9b). There are also shorter and easier climbs available on the left wing.
Trow Gill
In the UK, there are a number of great climbing locations. Climbing in the UK is a fun recreational activity that can be difficult, challenging, or something in between. Climbing is a popular activity in the UK and the British Isles have a wide variety of different types of rock and grades of climbing. You’ll be able to find a great route to climb at Trow Gill, whether you’re an expert or just a beginner.
Rock climbers can test their skills on the limestone crags in the Peak District. Climbers can find more than 600 bolt protected routes in the region, and many of the limestone cliffs dry quickly after rain. Gordale Scar, for example, is a popular destination for serious climbers. The face is so steep that it’s climbed by world-renowned sport climber Steve McClure, while Kilnsey is another must-scale face.
Horseshoe Quarry
If you are looking for a good rock climbing location in the UK, look no further than Derbyshire’s Horseshoe Quarry. This huge, open quarry offers more than 100 routes in six and seven-advanced grades. The limestone is formed over 300 million years ago during the Carboniferous period. It is situated in the town of Buxton, which is famous for its Roman baths, Solomon’s Temple, and famous opera house.
This limestone quarry offers some of the UK’s best rock climbing, including easy angled slabs and punishing overhangs. Because the quarry is close to the A55 North Wales expressway, it is also popular with groups and beginners alike. Visitors to the site should plan their climbing trips accordingly. Although the limestone quarry can be crowded during the summer, it dries quickly.
Stanage Edge
If you love challenging cliffs, Stanage Edge in Lancashire is the place for you. Its cliffs are largely vertical, with occasional slabs and roofs. The cliffs also contain a variety of shapes and formations. Climbers have to balance strength and agility to traverse these cliffs and find the most effective climbing techniques. However, if you enjoy climbing on a rocky cliff, Stanage Edge is probably not for you.
You can climb Stanage Edge in two directions. You can explore the cliffs from the middle of the cliffs or go to the end of the cliffs to admire the impressive rock formations. To reach the cliffs, you can start from Hollin Bank Car Park. From here, you can walk towards the cliffs to see more impressive rock formations and views of the surrounding countryside.
Huntsman’s Leap
In Pembrokeshire, Wales, you’ll find one of the best areas in the country for rock climbing. Pembroke’s colossal limestone cliffs are home to more than 3,000 routes and 50 sectors. These cliffs have a variety of rock types, including slabby sandstone and esoteric gabbro.
The East Wall is slabbier than the West Wall, with routes like Shape Up and Beast from the Undergrowth attracting beginners and experts alike. The hardest routes are Strap-Up and Quiet Waters. Climbers can also head seaward to the Monster Face, which features spooky routes such as Mystical Monster and Honey Monkey.
Old Man of Hoy
The Old Man of Hoy is a 449-foot sea stack perched on a rocky outcrop. Climbers from all over the world have scaled it, with notable exceptions including eight-year-old Edward Mills who raised money for Climbers Against Cancer. Other notable climbers include Red Szell, Roger Holmes, Tim Emmett, and Gus Hutchinson-Brown.
The Old Man of Hoy is the tallest rock climb in the UK, standing 137 metres (500 feet). It is composed of red sandstone atop an igneous basalt plinth. The rock is less than 400 years old, and the first climb took place in 1966 when Chris Bonington, Rusty Baillie, and Tom Patey succeeded in completing the route in three days. The ascent was broadcast live by the BBC outside, and attracted more than 23 million viewers. As early as 1814, William Daniell sketched the Old Man of Hoy with two legs. During a storm in the early 19th century, one of these legs was washed away.
