|
Amorino
Aug 8, 2012, 6:44 AM
Post #1 of 54
(6122 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 15, 2012
Posts: 39
|
Hey
I was just wondering if there are many UK climbers on here? I live in Swindon but climb in Gloucester, Bristol, and Birmingham.
(This post was edited by Amorino on Aug 8, 2012, 6:48 AM)
|
|
|
|
|
alien
Aug 8, 2012, 6:52 AM
Post #2 of 54
(6116 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 17, 2012
Posts: 2
|
uk here aswell, i'am from the mids 
adam
|
|
|
|
|
Amorino
Aug 8, 2012, 6:55 AM
Post #3 of 54
(6113 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 15, 2012
Posts: 39
|
Nice where do you climb Adam. have you been to red-point in Birmingham?
|
|
|
|
|
alien
Aug 8, 2012, 7:01 AM
Post #4 of 54
(6109 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 17, 2012
Posts: 2
|
Amorino wrote: Nice where do you climb Adam. have you been to red-point in Birmingham?
i only go to red point now to use there shop, it gets a bit busy in there and everyone hogs the climbs. i go to creation just around the corner and wolf mountain in wolvo.
adam
|
|
|
|
|
Amorino
Aug 8, 2012, 7:07 AM
Post #5 of 54
(6098 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 15, 2012
Posts: 39
|
Ive not been to creation but have heard its good.
I've set myself a challenge.I really want to try all of the indoor centres in the uk and then review them on my website.
If anyone has any recommendations i would be really keen to know.
|
|
|
|
|
sbaclimber
Aug 8, 2012, 7:17 AM
Post #6 of 54
(6092 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 22, 2004
Posts: 3092
|
Amorino wrote: I really want to try all of the indoor centres in the uk and then review them on my website.
(This post was edited by sbaclimber on Aug 8, 2012, 7:27 AM)
|
|
|
|
|
Amorino
Aug 8, 2012, 7:23 AM
Post #7 of 54
(6087 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 15, 2012
Posts: 39
|
Tell me about it! Should be a laugh though. Cant wait to get to some of the big ones in London.
Where you from epoch? been climbing long?
|
|
|
|
|
sungam
Aug 8, 2012, 7:26 AM
Post #8 of 54
(6086 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 24, 2004
Posts: 26629
|
I live in the UK (Scotland). It is a good place.
|
|
|
|
|
NikNak
Aug 8, 2012, 7:26 AM
Post #9 of 54
(6086 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 29, 2012
Posts: 38
|
I go to The Climbing Hangar in Liverpool, its meant to be really good, and Shauna Coxsey makes the odd appearance. We seem to get a lot of girls there too (prolly coz of the Shauna connection) so always some eye candy.
Liverpool is also home to Awesome Walls which has more top rope areas etc (The Climbing Hangar is primarily for indoor bouldering)
http://www.theclimbinghangar.com/
|
|
|
|
|
sbaclimber
Aug 8, 2012, 7:29 AM
Post #10 of 54
(6070 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 22, 2004
Posts: 3092
|
Amorino wrote: Where you from epoch? been climbing long?
|
|
|
|
|
Amorino
Aug 8, 2012, 7:30 AM
Post #11 of 54
(6069 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 15, 2012
Posts: 39
|
sungam wrote: I live in the UK (Scotland). It is a good place.
Ive just come back from Aberdeen If only i had some more trad knowledge the rock out there is just asking to be climbed!
|
|
|
|
|
Amorino
Aug 8, 2012, 7:35 AM
Post #12 of 54
(6062 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 15, 2012
Posts: 39
|
NikNak wrote: I go to The Climbing Hangar in Liverpool, its meant to be really good, and Shauna Coxsey makes the odd appearance. We seem to get a lot of girls there too (prolly coz of the Shauna connection) so always some eye candy.
Love it! nothing like a bit of eye candy to distract you from belaying your best mate. lol
The hanger looks good. that's one to put on my list.
|
|
|
|
|
NikNak
Aug 8, 2012, 7:43 AM
Post #13 of 54
(6055 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 29, 2012
Posts: 38
|
haha thankfully there is no roping in the hangar but yeah it can be distracting at times :o plenty of big fat comfy mats to fall on though so its all gravy.
Awesome Walls in Liverpool is for the ropers
http://www.awesomewalls.co/
|
|
|
|
|
Amorino
Aug 8, 2012, 8:06 AM
Post #14 of 54
(6041 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 15, 2012
Posts: 39
|
How long have you been climbing NikNak?
|
|
|
|
|
sungam
Aug 8, 2012, 8:38 AM
Post #15 of 54
(6031 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 24, 2004
Posts: 26629
|
Amorino wrote: Tell me about it! Should be a laugh though. Cant wait to get to some of the big ones in London. Where you from epoch? been climbing long?
Secondly please, please don't go to london to go climbing. Drive in the other direction and come up to Scotland. The routes are much bigger then any gym and entry is monetarily free (you pay in blood to the midge demons).
|
|
|
|
|
NikNak
Aug 8, 2012, 8:51 AM
Post #16 of 54
(6022 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 29, 2012
Posts: 38
|
only 11 weeks Amorino, im a newbie!
|
|
|
|
|
Amorino
Aug 8, 2012, 8:51 AM
Post #17 of 54
(6022 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 15, 2012
Posts: 39
|
sungam wrote: come up to Scotland.
I cant tell you how much i love Scotland the drive up is amazing.
I took a drive down the cost near Aberdeen when the weather was nice. some of the views were spectacular all i wanted to do was climb, most of it looked untouched.
I've done a lot of lead climbing but no trad i don't think I've been as disappointed about not being able to climb.
sungam do you use the ukc web forums much I'm sure I've seen your name on there?
|
|
|
|
|
Amorino
Aug 8, 2012, 9:04 AM
Post #18 of 54
(6009 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 15, 2012
Posts: 39
|
NikNak wrote: only 11 weeks Amorino, im a newbie!
I started when i was 30 hated my first time but my friend told to try again im 33 now and since then ive been hooked i love it.
To be fair its done a lot for my fitness and for someone who was scared of heights i now do really well.
I made a website 2 months ago which has started to do well and im in talks with stroud radio FM about a rock climbing radio show!
if you have a min check it out and let me know what you think.
My main issue is i need to get outdoors more ive done Spain and Sardinia but really want to get out more in the UK.
Do you find that every time you go you get noticeably better? I love the buz you get from improving and doing harder climbs.
|
|
|
|
|
NikNak
Aug 8, 2012, 9:24 AM
Post #19 of 54
(5993 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 29, 2012
Posts: 38
|
It's kind of weird if anything I have regressed not progressed. But not. The first few times I went I was jsut throwing myself at the wall but when I actually started reading about technique etc there was some routes I couldn't do when I was thinking about them but could do when I was jsut a complete idiot powering through.
So in some ways ive route regressed, but what I'm judging myself on atm for progression is recovery time. I'n 30 too and for the last 14 years all I did was work and party so I'm relatively unfit and nowhere near my right weight (about 3 stones over my ideal) but very strong shoulders/biceps..when i was the idiot flailing but topping out it was taking me almost a whole week to recover, now I can't do some routes I first nailed but it only takes me a day or so to recover.
So yeah ive route regressed but definetly (although im too inexperienced to be able to conciously see it) improving my technique week by week :D Still got a long way to go till I have strong tendons etc in my hands though, but im happy to plod along avoiding injury whilst working on technique, general fitness and weight loss.
Checked out your website the other day, i like it but I would prefer to see some more written articles.. most of the vids I had already seen on you tube..i'm not working atm so have a lot of spare time ;) but your website streamlines the search for them better, youotube is a bit higgledypiggeldy so thats good.
Going outdoors for the first time this friday, but more to just see a few spots and plan a proper trip. Lookiing forward to it though!
|
|
|
|
|
Amorino
Aug 8, 2012, 9:45 AM
Post #21 of 54
(5986 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 15, 2012
Posts: 39
|
I was exactly the same as you when i started. but you have to keep going!
One of the best things someone told me to do when i started was to climb a really easy route but rather than lowering off, climb down. It improves your skill and stamina.
Thanks for the feedback about the site. I find if you want articles there are tonnes of websites offering them. what i really want to do is focus on is stories from climbers to share and inspire hence the tag line climb share and inspire.
Im going to a story comp where the story that has the highest votes wins £50 and a tshirt.
You seem like you have the climbing bug too after all you have signed up to a forum about climbing I think all the going backwards talk is in your head. just keep at it the only way is up (ok bad joke)
I hope your outdoor climb goes well if its anything like my first it will scare the bejesus out of you but well worth it!
|
|
|
|
|
Amorino
Aug 8, 2012, 9:53 AM
Post #22 of 54
(5981 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 15, 2012
Posts: 39
|
sungam wrote: if you know how to belay without deathing me and you can drive - if you find yourself north of the border check if I am free, maybe I can show you some cool routes.
If only we had of chatted last week when i was up! Thanks though i may be back soon and will definitely take you up on the offer.
Have you been climbing long? im up to 6c top roping did my first 6 lead which was fun.
|
|
|
|
|
NikNak
Aug 8, 2012, 9:57 AM
Post #23 of 54
(5979 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 29, 2012
Posts: 38
|
haha sungam I was just looking at UKC earlier and thinking the same thing, but i like their crag logbook section, its helped me find crags local to me to explore
p.s. did i use the word crag correctly there
|
|
|
|
|
NikNak
Aug 8, 2012, 10:01 AM
Post #24 of 54
(5975 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 29, 2012
Posts: 38
|
yeah you are right about the plethora of article driven conetent on the net, though one thing I did get frustrated over when I started researching rock climbing was theres not a lot of clearly defined advice for noobs. For instance I spent 5 hours looking at campus/fingewrboards before I discovered they aren't for noobs. It was a bit of a long haul to work out which advice to follow and which to ignore for now.
I do like the idea of climbers stories, that seems what your site needs, a little personalisation, even maybe some personal vids and not just vids that can be dragged off youtube.
Yeah i got the bug :) going tonight to the climbing hangar but prolly just gonna stick to easy routes to get mileage and practise footwork, maybe a quick pump in the cave before leaving
|
|
|
|
|
Amorino
Aug 8, 2012, 10:38 AM
Post #25 of 54
(5962 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 15, 2012
Posts: 39
|
Yes exactly what I intend to do! i have T shirts being made up and I'm off to some climbing comps to do some filming to get some exclusive content.
I would also love to have a helmet cam section. (if any one has some helmet cam video please IM me)
Maybe you can take some pics when your outdoors send me your story. Would love to have it on the website.
|
|
|
|
|
cracklover
Aug 8, 2012, 12:22 PM
Post #26 of 54
(3510 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 14, 2002
Posts: 10099
|
Why is this posted in the General forum?
GO
|
|
|
|
|
smallclimber
Aug 8, 2012, 12:25 PM
Post #27 of 54
(3509 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 11, 2003
Posts: 301
|
sungam wrote: [I don't use UKC, I prefer to use websites that aren't terrible  .
So I am from the UK and although I live over here now I still look at UKC quite a bit. Just curious - why do you consider it to be a bad site? I quite like some of their articles and there is much less "flaming" on their forums. Even the lady toproping with the baby in her backpack got a couple of positive comments. If a nOOb asks a question people genrally try to answer it on UKC. Whereas here.....
Just wondered. I enjoy both sites, mostly as a reader rather than a poster.
|
|
|
|
|
sungam
Aug 8, 2012, 12:29 PM
Post #28 of 54
(3506 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 24, 2004
Posts: 26629
|
Amorino wrote: Have you been climbing long?.
|
|
|
|
|
sungam
Aug 8, 2012, 12:42 PM
Post #29 of 54
(3502 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 24, 2004
Posts: 26629
|
smallclimber wrote: sungam wrote: [I don't use UKC, I prefer to use websites that aren't terrible . So I am from the UK and although I live over here now I still look at UKC quite a bit. Just curious - why do you consider it to be a bad site? I quite like some of their articles and there is much less "flaming" on their forums. Even the lady toproping with the baby in her backpack got a couple of positive comments. If a nOOb asks a question people genrally try to answer it on UKC. Whereas here..... Just wondered. I enjoy both sites, mostly as a reader rather than a poster.
I stayed there for a while but all the fun/conversational threads got shitcanned, they get pissy if you use naughty words or make dirty jokes (I was actually banned for linking a photo I was first linked to by a mod on this site*).
It's much more a site for posting your opinions and less about having a conversation with climbers. It comes across as terribly for-profit and circle-jerky.
Whereas here or other similar sites things are kept on topic/in line not by the mods banzing everyone for stupid shit but by the other users (via flaming, recommendations, or ignoring). Much more of a community feel then a business feeling.
*Here is the image, except it was just the pic with the names of some users photochopped in:
Either way there is some great information and debate on UKC, I just don't like the atmosphere over there. Maybe I'm pissy because they deleted my threads/banzed me. Another example of a site with a similar feel to it is the sports section of SA. The threads tend to come across as a string of individual posts (usually stating an opinion) rather then a conversation.
|
|
|
|
|
sungam
Aug 8, 2012, 12:42 PM
Post #30 of 54
(3501 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 24, 2004
Posts: 26629
|
Welp, that came across as the most butthurt post ever
|
|
|
|
|
NikNak
Aug 8, 2012, 4:54 PM
Post #31 of 54
(3480 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 29, 2012
Posts: 38
|
Amorino wrote: Maybe you can take some pics when your outdoors send me your story. Would love to have it on the website.
Sure we'll take some pics, not sure how good a story it will be, a few ill equipped noobs trying to figure shit out way above their grade, but i'll take some anyways and write up a field trip and either you want to use it or not, but it'll be good practise for me i suppose. :)
|
|
|
|
|
Nappy-Sack
Aug 8, 2012, 6:04 PM
Post #33 of 54
(3470 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 8, 2012
Posts: 5
|
Hi guys. I'm from UK also noobish. All my climbings been indoors, mainly bouldering but have top-roped twice also belayed. Good to see some other UK peeps wanting to get out. I am keen to get outside and wanna go to the peak district but need people of similiar leve to myself if anyone is interested.
|
|
|
|
|
NikNak
Aug 8, 2012, 6:42 PM
Post #34 of 54
(3463 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 29, 2012
Posts: 38
|
Howdy Nappy Snack welcome to these forums! Where abouts are you in UK?
Peak District isn't too far from me but I'm way too inexperienced. If we are still around these forums this time next year maybe we can arrange something
|
|
|
|
|
sungam
Aug 8, 2012, 7:34 PM
Post #35 of 54
(3457 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 24, 2004
Posts: 26629
|
NikNak wrote: sungam wrote: Welp, that came across as the most butthurt post ever must.... resist.... sly... dig.... at.... the.... scottish.... DEEP BREATHS. the moment has passed.
|
|
|
|
|
NikNak
Aug 8, 2012, 7:39 PM
Post #36 of 54
(3453 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 29, 2012
Posts: 38
|
sungam wrote: NikNak wrote: sungam wrote: Welp, that came across as the most butthurt post ever must.... resist.... sly... dig.... at.... the.... scottish.... DEEP BREATHS. the moment has passed. If you're talking about the sheep that's only Aberdeen really
If thats what happens to the sheep in Aberdeen i dread to think what makes Aberdeen Angus beef so good!!!!!
Lol i lived/worked in glasgow for a year. My views on the scottish are quite warped :x Lovely country though and being a scouser on Sauchie Hall street.... yeah.. it was fun :D
|
|
|
|
|
Gmburns2000
Aug 8, 2012, 8:57 PM
Post #37 of 54
(3448 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 6, 2007
Posts: 15183
|
sungam wrote: Amorino wrote: sungam do you use the ukc web forums much I'm sure I've seen your name on there? I don't use UKC, I can only use sites where the other users don't think I'm so prefer to use websites that aren't terrible that they kicked me off for trolling, and by kicked off I mean they know my IP addresses (yes, all of them) and won't let me breath on those letters on the keyboard. Well - if you know how to belay without deathing me and you can drive - if you find yourself north of the border check if I am free, maybe I can show you some cool routes.
fixed
|
|
|
|
|
Nappy-Sack
Aug 9, 2012, 7:28 AM
Post #38 of 54
(3432 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 8, 2012
Posts: 5
|
I'm from down Milton Keynes way. Wanna get outside try some outdoor bouldering or top roping but prob would need someone with some experience for top roping outside setting the gear up, etc. Do get a bit bored of climbing inside though I've only been doing it a few months. Climbing is surely an outdoor sport right!!!
|
|
|
|
|
JohnCook
Aug 9, 2012, 8:44 AM
Post #39 of 54
(3425 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 26, 2006
Posts: 221
|
You need to go to Wirksworth. It's cheap, and the routes are great fun. Much more interesting than most indoor walls, although why you would be climbing indoors when there is so much real rock around I'm not sure.
|
|
|
|
|
JohnCook
Aug 9, 2012, 8:52 AM
Post #40 of 54
(3425 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 26, 2006
Posts: 221
|
On this forum, most of the advice is poor, if not downright dangerous!
I live in Rotherham (I know, it was a mistake but now I'm stuck here) and have climbed for a total of about 25 years, there was a big gap in the middle. Find some experienced outdoor climbers and tag along. Be prepared, tr 6c indoors, lead 6a indoors, trad lead HVD outdoors tends to be the norm.
And in response to others, there seems to be less BS and more humour on UKC than one here!
|
|
|
|
|
Amorino
Aug 11, 2012, 4:24 PM
Post #41 of 54
(3378 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 15, 2012
Posts: 39
|
Hi Nappy-Sack
I went to the climbing wall in Milton Keynes where the snow dome is. first time I've ever seen climbing walls in a shoe shop!
I love climbing outdoors but i work 12hour day so indoor climbing keeps me fit. If your ever around Wiltshire you should give me a shout if you fancy a clamber.
|
|
|
|
|
Nappy-Sack
Aug 11, 2012, 6:41 PM
Post #42 of 54
(3364 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 8, 2012
Posts: 5
|
Amorino wrote: Hi Nappy-Sack I went to the climbing wall in Milton Keynes where the snow dome is. first time I've ever seen climbing walls in a shoe shop! I love climbing outdoors but i work 12hour day so indoor climbing keeps me fit. If your ever around Wiltshire you should give me a shout if you fancy a clamber.
Hey man, I ain't been to xcscape only to big rock. Where do u climb outside, what level r u?
(This post was edited by Nappy-Sack on Aug 11, 2012, 6:42 PM)
|
|
|
|
|
theguy
Aug 12, 2012, 1:11 PM
Post #43 of 54
(3337 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 13, 2004
Posts: 462
|
sungam wrote: if you know how to belay without deathing me
Amorino wrote: im up to 6c top roping did my first 6 lead which was fun.
That answers that question :)
|
|
|
|
|
theguy
Aug 12, 2012, 1:16 PM
Post #44 of 54
(3334 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 13, 2004
Posts: 462
|
cracklover wrote: Why is this posted in the General forum? GO
Because the instructions on posting to the Regional forum were too complex for them to follow?
Because they're from the UK and can't decide whether they belong in the Eurofreaks forum?
|
|
|
|
|
Nappy-Sack
Aug 12, 2012, 3:58 PM
Post #45 of 54
(3322 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 8, 2012
Posts: 5
|
Yes we are British and proud of it.
|
|
|
|
|
NikNak
Aug 12, 2012, 5:37 PM
Post #46 of 54
(3310 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 29, 2012
Posts: 38
|
theguy wrote: cracklover wrote: Why is this posted in the General forum? GO Because the instructions on posting to the Regional forum were too complex for them to follow? Because they're from the UK and can't decide whether they belong in the Eurofreaks forum?
funny how this thread gets this kind of response in this general forum, yet the multiple US specific threads in this general forum do not illicit the same response.
Meh. I really don't want to pick a fight over this its so insignificant it isn't worth anybodys time. If the mods feel its out of place i'm sure they will do their duty.
Back on topic Amorino - we didn't end up going on Friday one of the lads got some freelance work. Went the climbing hangar saturday instead and did some damage to my shoulder speed climbing (there was a kids ninja warrior session starting on the traverse so i stupidly skipped my usual stretching and warm up). Some ibuprofen and a cold/hot bath kept it minimal though... planning on hitting the climbing gym twice this week and weather permitting going to check out helsby, frodsham and pex hill this friday. will let ya know how it goes :)
(This post was edited by NikNak on Aug 12, 2012, 5:39 PM)
|
|
|
|
|
Amorino
Aug 16, 2012, 3:49 AM
Post #47 of 54
(3255 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 15, 2012
Posts: 39
|
Sound great! The weather seems a bit hit and miss at the moment so i really hope it turns out good for you.
Is it bad that i don't really do warm up stretches? I generally just start off with a really easy route to get me going.
I'm off to Gloucester tonight but i only get 2hrs climbing so i tend to power climb and do the same wall 2/3 times in a row.
|
|
|
|
|
ferny
Aug 25, 2012, 4:28 AM
Post #49 of 54
(2992 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 23, 2012
Posts: 2
|
Just starting out with climbing as well and also use Big Rock. I've only been a few times and at first my arms would kill me for a few days then settle down. Poor technique not using my legs was causing it but I've always had pain in my arms when trying something new. I'm still recovering from spending seven hours there the other Sunday then going again on the Tuesday night! I smacked my ankle on the way down on the auto-belay - not fun... 
I've been looking around for where else to go and most places seem a bit pants in comparison. The general consensus for doing it outdoors appears to be to head a couple of hours further north as there's nowt around here worth trying.
|
|
|
|
|
Nappy-Sack
Aug 25, 2012, 8:14 AM
Post #50 of 54
(2980 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 8, 2012
Posts: 5
|
u r right. I'm bored of my local wall now (Cambridge). Compared to Big Rock it sux lol. Really its either peak district or tunbridge wells ain't it nearest. Wish there were some real big rocks round here.
|
|
|
|
|
tifenni
Nov 15, 2012, 12:45 AM
Post #52 of 54
(5721 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 15, 2012
Posts: 1
|
To see a [url=http://www.mmolive.com/]http://www.mmolive.com/ and [url=http://www.mmohome.com/]http://www.mmohome.com/ world in a granda of [url=http://www.diablo4shop.com/]Buy Diablo 3 Gold stand.And a heaven in a wild flower.Hold infinity in the palm your hand and eternity in an hour.
|
|
|
|
|
sungam
Nov 15, 2012, 6:53 AM
Post #53 of 54
(5712 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 24, 2004
Posts: 26629
|
tifenni wrote: To see a [url=http://www.mmolive.com/]http://www.mmolive.com/ and [url=http://www.mmohome.com/]http://www.mmohome.com/ world in a granda of [url=http://www.diablo4shop.com/]Buy Diablo 3 Gold stand.And a heaven in a wild flower.Hold infinity in the palm your hand and eternity in an hour.
|
|
|
|
|
DemolitionRed
Nov 18, 2012, 2:56 PM
Post #54 of 54
(5671 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 30, 2012
Posts: 77
|
Amorino wrote: Ive not been to creation but have heard its good. I've set myself a challenge.I really want to try all of the indoor centres in the uk and then review them on my website. If anyone has any recommendations i would be really keen to know.
I spend half my time in the UK and half my time in the French southern alps.
Whilst in the UK I prefer to climb outside. Bristol Avon Gorge, North Yorkshire, Scargill, Malham Cove and Portland.
The problem with the UK is the rain and because of the ongoing unpredictable dampness, I have done a lot of climbing gyms.
Bristol (undercover rock) dirty, miserable staff, awful coffee but fantastic high climbing routes. Lots of roofs and opportunities to multi-pitch.
Harrogate climbing wall is fairly new and very friendly. Some challenging overhangs with some good high climbs.
Mile End in London is a gym I like but not on a weekend as it gets too busy. Mile End is the nearest in grading to the real French grades.
Cambridge is bloody dangerous because of its lack of knowledgeable staff but it has a great bit of concrete rock with some nice cracks.
I really wish the English gym builders would come out here to the French gyms and see how its done. You won't likely find a top rope in a French gym but you will some really challenging climbs. They have a lot of outdoor walls as well which are free providing you have the right equipment. I climbed one last week which was a 33meters chunk of concrete. You just have to watch the local dogs don't come by and nick your sandwiches or piss on your belayer!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
