As we’re giving away FREE Inductions this January (no that is not a typo, yes they really are free) in order to try and inspire as many of you to take up Climbing and get fit this 2017, we decided to give you all a little something to look forward to and to keep your motivation up. We decided to give you an insight into the Instructors favourite places to go climbing each month, and hopefully we’ll see you all out there soon as well!
January/February
We had a few discussions about this time of year. Some of the Instructors reckon Bouldering up in the Peak District; specifically Stanage Edge is the place to be around this time of year. They enjoy the fresh wintery days up on Pebble Arête, one of the finest Boulder routes around.
There was also the discussion of Ice Climbing up in Scotland. The icy peaks boast the best of the UK’s outdoor ice climbs. The Northern Corries in the Cairngorms National Park have a full range of grades, from beginner to expert, while Glencoe has some incredible and remote routes with some amazing views, or if something a bit more challenging is what you’re seeking then Ben Nevis is the place to go.
Then again, for those of you that want to go further a field, Costa Blanca is perfect for this time of year. It is widely known as the winter sunrock for climbers from all over Europe because:
- Guaranteed sunshine
- Heaps of different sport crags that certainly do not disappoint
- Recent additions of Deep water Soloing venues dotted around the coast – sounds like paradise!
March/April
The limestone climbs on St. Govans Head in Pembrokeshire are a clear favourite amongst our Instructors. It is one of the best sea cliff climbing spots in Britain, with 147 Climbs, of which some are the highest quality in the UK and a beautiful back drop – need we say more?!
Our Instructors also take a trip to Fontainbleau around this time of the year. It is considered the best destination for Bouldering in the world, and has become a must-visit destination for all ages and abilities. It is set in a beautifully tranquil pine forest, with no less than 20,000 routes. Also, at this time of year the sunshine is a top selling point amongst our Instructors, can you see a pattern emerging here?
June/July/August
After many options, it became apparent that North Wales is the top spot amongst the Instructors for the summer months. Llanberis Pass, or ‘The Pass’, is where they recommend for an adventurous day out, with world-class trad climbing and bouldering on Mountain Rock.
One of the main crags, Dinas Cromlech, offers enough challenging routes to keep any climber busy for a lifetime. These routes are hard won and require plenty of stamina to overcome. This place provides an idyllic setting for a challenging day out in the sunshine, and one that you won’t forget for a while!
South Wales came in a close second for summer climbing. With plenty of sea-cliff climbing on offer, The Gower routes are generally much easier and friendlier and some routes even offer the chance to climb straight off the beach, presenting the opportunity to marvel over a beautiful sunset at the top of the route at the end of the day – perfect.
September/October
Throughout Autumn, a clear favourite of the Instructors has to be sport climbing at Cheddar Gorge. It is one of England’s most iconic landscapes and an extremely popular climbing destination, with a range of pitches for trad, sport and even some bouldering for the keen! It is the perfect place for varying weather conditions; you can always find a spot of sunshine, shade or shelter all year round.
Greece, specifically Kalymnos, is also ideal for the Autumn months. The small island has some top-quality routes amongst some of the most beautiful beaches. The climbing is found along the huge cliffs and caves, with routes available for all ages and abilities. This time of year is actually the best time to go as the summer is often far too hot and becomes crammed with holidaymakers. The winter months can get very wet, and much of the island from December through until February is closed. There is so much climbing on offer here that even if it does get busy, there are high quality routes at every crag so the crowds can be left behind by those seeking a quieter climbing experience.
November/December
As it starts to become wetter and colder here in the UK, the Instructors would prefer to stay indoors. However, if you did want to stick to the great outdoors, then Italy is perfect for the wintery months!
Sicily, Italy, has great climbing throughout the winter season. With an abundance of sunshine, this place offers a great sense of adventure and breathtaking views generally found along the northern and eastern coastline. There are routes to suit everyone, from big wall multi-pitch routes to single-pitch sports routes.
San Vito Lo Capo is popular amongst climbers, particularly in October when weather averages around 15-24 degrees; the perfect spot to wash away those winter blues. The variety of rock and style offers routes ranging from dominant overhangs to risky moves requiring lots of balance, so there’s something for everyone.
