CLIMBING

Features & Links within the Climbing Section

Climbing is a complex area, the aim here is to introduce an overview to rock climbing in the Lake District with links to seek further information.

Rock Climbing is one of the fastest growing sports around the world due to fact it can be exhilarating, strenuous, challenging, healthy and of course fun. The advances in safety equipment, especially in protection has helped to develop the sport, when in the earlier days they would climb in nailed boots and with the use of a sixty to eight [60-80] feet of rope length.

The English Lake District is the home of rock climbing which is unique and spectacular from the high mountain crags down to the crags in the valleys. Climbing in the Lakes is very popular due to the fact it's ease of accessibility and the climbing within the area, ranging from V Diff [Very Difficult] to the more strenuous Extremes Climbs [E+] challenges the Lake District has to offer the beginner and the experience rock climber.

Climbing in the Lake District began over hundred and twenty [120] years ago from The Wasdale Head Inn, in a remote valley known as Wasdale Valley and is also one of the most beautiful valleys of the beaten track in the Lakes. In the area you will find Pillar Rock with the summit only being reached by climbing, Scafell Pike and England's Biggest climbing crag the Scafell Crag.

One of the climbers of the early days was W P Haskett Smith who was the first to climb the Napes Needle on Napes Crag, Great Cable in June 1886 and is also believed to have left his handkerchief on the top fluttering in the wind. Napes Needle is one of the most photographed climbs in the Lake District which is only around sixty five [65] ft. high, very exposed and the position being very dramatic with great views. In 1907 the first climbing club in the area was formed the

FRCC [Fell Rock Climbing Club] and just after the First World War the first guide books began to appear.

Borrowdale close to Keswick is excellent place for the climber with Shepherds Crag being one the most popular has it offers various grades for everyone, close to the road [B5289] and an excellent cafe at the High Lodore Farm. The most popular route on Shepherd's Crag is known as Little Chamonix which is V Diff [Very Difficult] with the last pitch being also one of the most popular photographed. In the Langdale area you will find excellent climbs on the exposed Gimmer Crag, a multi-pitch on Middlefell Buttress for the beginners and close by Pavey Arc with various grades.

On the wet days in the Lakes you will find a number of climbing walls around the Lake District with Kendal Climbing Wall being the main one. For a list of climbing walls Click HERE.

In the most popular areas of the Lake District like Ambleside, Coniston, Grasmere, Keswick and Windermere you will find excellent retail shops that sell and can advice you on the right equipment, clothing and route books you require.

If you would like to try Rock Climbing or improve your skills whilst in the Lake District contact the people below for more details or visit one of the climbing walls or the retail shops where more details can be found.

It is recommended that you have a route book & map of the area you intend to climb in, able to read a map and that you abide to the correct routes and paths to protect the area and the Lake District of it's beauty. If you are intending to head onto the higher fells to climb it is recommended that you have a compass and that you know how to use it, waterproofs, warm clothing, food and drinks.

If you would like to submit a climbing route, article, pictures or a link to your site please Contact Us

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