The GO Guide to climbing in the Lake District
As part of our guide to the Lake District, we’ve also hunted out some brilliant climbs for the more adventurous among you. The Lake District is full of some diverse climbing routes and here we’ve compiled 10 of our favourites for you to try out.
1. Keswick Climbing Wall & Outdoor Activity Centre
Experience the outdoors indoors at Keswick Climbing Wall & Outdoor Activity Centre. With more than 40 rope climbs to a height of eight metres, this indoor climbing wall offers the perfect challenge for keen scramblers of all abilities. If like us you’re keen to get back out in the fresh air, why not test your climbing skills outside, where you’ll be awarded with spectacular views across the Lake District for your trouble.
Find out more at: http://www.keswickclimbingwall.co.uk/
2. The Bowder Stone
The Bowder Stone is not just any old rock – legend has it that it was most likely carried to this very spot by glaciers during the Ice Age. A short climb up the ladder will take you to the top of this famous 2000 ton stone. The site is popular for climbing and bouldering (without ropes) and it’s not hard to see why when you look at the wide expanse of unspoilt scenery.
Find out more at: http://www.visitcumbria.com/kes/the-bowder-stone/
3. Heron Crag
Boasting no fewer than 24 climbs, Heron Crag in Eskdale is the perfect spot for advanced climbers to do what they love most. The crag reaches a maximum height of 60 metres and can be very mossy in parts so be sure to take extra care if you visit during the winter.
The routes can be downloaded from: http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=721
4. Hodge Close Quarry
With 81 different climbs to get stuck into, there’s no time for a rest at Hodge Close Quarry. Developed in 1980, this modern quarry offers varied routes for all abilities, from the nail-biting unprotected slabs to the well-bolted lines for the still-getting-the-hang-of-this-climbing-malarkey tourists.
Find out more at: http://www.visitcumbria.com/amb/hodge-close-quarry/
5. Langdale Boulders
As the name suggests, Langdale Boulders is home to a multitude of climbs over rough rock – and it certainly doesn’t disappoint, particularly if you’re a keen climber. Watch out for restricted areas where climbing is not permitted.
The routes can be downloaded from: http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=354
6. Badger Rock
Featuring 26 different climbs, this large boulder can be found near Kentmere Hall. With stunning landscape views, exciting problems and flat landings, it’s easy to see why Badger Rock is so popular among tourists and locals alike.
The routes can be downloaded from: http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=3825
7. Buckbarrow Crag
Buckbarrow Crag is punctuated by a series of climbs, all with wonderfully intriguing names such as ‘Crystal Maze’ and ‘The Soup Dragon’. With a mix of routes accessible during the winter, this is an ideal location to challenge yourself to something more advanced.
The routes can be downloaded from: http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=486
8. Dow Crag
There are climbing routes of all grades to be explored at Dow Crag, which features an impressive 143 climbs in total. Uncover the secrets of ‘Pandora’s Box’ or climb your way to the ‘Paths of Victory’. With names like these, you’re sure to be as intrigued as we were.
The routes can be downloaded from: http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=355
9. Fairy Steps (Whin Scar)
If shorter routes and boulders appeal to the climber within you then Fairy Steps is the place for you. With plenty of problems for climbers of all abilities, it’s easy to while away the hours getting stuck into climb after climb.
The routes can be downloaded from: http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=1407
10. Gouther Crag
The perfect rock routes to climb in the winter or summer, Gouther Crag is drier than most and offers a variety of climbs to suit all ages – a fantastic day out for the whole family!
The routes can be downloaded from: http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=485
For more information on these routes, please visit the British Mountaineering Council links here:
- Heron Crag
- Hodge Close Quarry
- Langdale Boulders
- Badger Rock
- Buckbarrow Crag
- Dow Crag
- Fairy Steps
- Gouther Crag
Got everything you need for your climbing adventure? If not, don’t worry! Check out our climbing section here at Go Outdoors:
