Introduction
This web site offers information on suitable venues to climb with children in England and Wales. Offering additional opportunities to those who enjoy the sport and wish to continue to climb whilst with the family and in addition to times when you might have arranged your children to stay with family or friends whilst you undertake more serious climbs.
Having enjoyed climbing for some years before our son was born we were keen to continue and over the past two years have sought after suitable places to take children and still enjoy the sport.
The most well trodden areas are those in the Peak District a) because that's where we live, and b) because there's a great concentration of short single pitch climbs which lend themselves to family days out.
The main inspiration was the families and picnics section of the 'On Peak Rock' BMC guide although I soon realised that there were many more crags that were similarly suitable.
As well as offering information one of the main reasons for producing this web site is to gain further information on suitable crags in the UK and in Europe.... saving all that footwork and disappointment when you arrive at the crag and find it unsuitable.
If you know of anywhere please go to add new crag, if you don't here's some that we have found.
* Some of the suggested crags may not have been visited by ourselves and therefore may not be as suitable as others... discretion will be required with all crags suggested.
Cumbria & the Lakes
 |
Tillberthwaite Quarry, Tillberthwaite Valley, Nr Coniston |
Quarried slate (with loose bits) Upper quarry- 18m in height offering 15 or so routes from HVS to E6 although there are easier routes not in the guide book. This is the only one we have managed to find in the lakes as yet. The upper quarry being better for children, a small sheltered quarry, flat at the bottom with great views down the Tilberthwaite valley.
Tilberthwaite upper quarry
|
Seathwaite Buttress, Duddon Valley |
Great crag... the little sister of Wallabarrow. Climbing in the mid grades with the classic routes being- Snap, Crackle & Pop. Plenty of grass at the base of the crag, a great beck running by it and lots of areas to walk and explore. Only problem is the man eating ants that make Duddon their home. *Suggested by G Newbold
|
Shepards Crag, Borrowdale |
This is a convenient crag only five minutes walk from the car park/road. There are grades for all, the Brown Slabs area would be most suitable ideal for top roping or basic lead climbing and giving the children a go. *Suggested by R Walker.
|
Woden's Face, Borrowdale |
Close to the Bowderstone car park, this crag offers several short routes with good belays at the top at about Severe standard. Good descent route too. *Suggested by J. Hunston.
guide unknown?
|
Hoad Slabs, Ulverston. |
Small slate slab offering a dozen routes in the mid grades. Set in a park underneath England's only lighthouse. *Suggested by G Newbold.
Rock Climbs in the North of England
|
The Hoff, Eden Valley, Cumbria |
Flat lush meadow to the base of the crag 60ft at it's highest with routes in the mid range. Easy walk in 200m from the road car park 200m's further along. A perfect place for the kids to play and a good place to call on the way back from Lakes/Scotland. *Suggested by A Say & G Newbold.
Lancashire
BMC Lancashire & North of England guide
|
Hutton Roof, Kirby Lonsdale |
Mainly a bouldering area with short climbs at the northern end. All grades on Limestone pavement outcrop ranging from 40ft and a mile in length. Situated on top of a hill overlooking the M6 (not so nice) but not in view. Grass at the bottom of the crag & no loose rock that I am aware of. *Suggested by G Newbold & A Say.
|
Warton Upper Crag, Warton |
Not the main crag mentioned in the Lancashire guidebook but on the fell overlooking the main area above Warton village is an area of solid single pitch climbs. *Suggested by G Newbold.
|
Trowbarrow Quarry, Leighton Moss |
Limestone quarry with routes of all grades. The rock is prone to some instability so its not that suitable with kids. However opposite the quarry is the Leighton Moss RSPB reserve which offers lots of things to do if there is a group of you to entertain the kids. *Suggested by G Newbold.