The Traveller's Magazine
Love to climb? You don’t have to venture far to find some world-class rock climbing, we have so many good spots right in our backyard! From Scotland to Northumberland to the Peak and Lake Districts, here are the best places to climb around Britain.
Peak District
With more than 10,000 recorded climbs, the Peak District is one of the most popular places in England to go climbing. The park extends north into Derbyshire but also extends south into Cheshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire. Climbing in the north, you’ll come across what’s called gritstone while the south mostly consists of limestone. Both are great for climbing but southern limestone crags tend to be steeper with fewer cracks.
Where to go:
- For gritstone climbing, head to Stanage, Burbage, Curbar or Froggat
- For limestone climbing, head to High Tor, Beeston Tor and the towers of Dovedale
Lake District
The gorgeous lakes of Cumbria offer not only a stunning scenery for climbing but also easy access to all types of climbing with the highest concentration of mountains and fells in England. Routes range from easy to big-crag craziness, from lofty mountain crags to deep valley crags. You’ll love climbing here, whether you’re after tradition or sport climbing.
Where to go:
- Borrowdale for easy-access roadside climbs for all grades
- Langdale for multi-pitch climbs suitable for beginners
- Raven Crag in Ullswater is great for more experienced climbers, challenging routes
- Iconic climbs in the area include Pillar Rock and Scafell Crag in Wasdale
Glencoe
You won’t get bored of climbing in Glencoe; it has enough rock to last a lifetime! The National Trust takes care of the property these days and it’s an ideal location if you want to join your rock climbing holiday with a touch of culture and history. Catch flights to Edinburgh and you’ll find a challenging mix of multi-pitch climbs for every level but bear in mind, they’re often harder than they look.
Where to go:
- Bauchaille Etive Mor has hundreds of routes
- Great destination in winter for ice climbing and mountaineering
Snowdonia
Wales has some pretty incredible climbing, not to mention this part of the UK is simply gorgeous. You’ll find challenging and varied climbing here in the northwest of Wales. You’ll find it all, from mountains to crags and sea cliffs, all within a pretty small distance of each other. There are even some sport walls in Llanberis and Llandudno, with rock faces that are pre-bolted for climbers.
Where to go:
- Ogwen Valley for lower grade climbing
- Llanberis Pass for middle-grade climbing and variety in routes
- For something a bit more secluded, try Craig Cowach in the south of the national park
Northumberland
Too often overlooked as a climbing destination, Northumberland is right on the border with Scotland and home to a portion of Hadrian’s Wall. With over 100 crags and rolling moorland, this is a fab setting for your next adventure. There are plenty of single pitch climbs and lots of bouldering. It’s mostly sandstone in the northern part of the park and granite in the Cheviot Hills.
Where to go:
- The hills of Simonside near Rothbury have various grades and great views
- Berryhill for easy climbs
- Corby’s Crag on Ainwick Moors for something a bit more difficult
