It may come as a surprise, but the British are pretty passionate about outdoor climbing, and, as such, the UK has thousands of climbing spots. The sheer number of climbing opportunities available across the four nations is staggering, with something for everyone, from fresh beginners to seasoned climbers.

If you're keen on trying out something new this weekend, consider looking up a climbing group. There's nothing like trying out a new activity with a group of like-minded people, led by experts passionate about climbing.

But first, just what do we mean by “climbing”?

What is climbing?

Climbing is a physically strenuous activity that typically involves using specialised equipment to ascend a steep incline, rock formation or artificial structure. There are a few different types of climbing, each with unique characteristics. There's rock climbing, bouldering, free climbing – that's split into sport and traditional (trad) climbing – multipitch, lead and ice-climbing.

Climbing is done for the challenge of technical climbing, exploration and adventure – on top of the physical workout, of course. Some people use climbing to work off stress, improve overall health and fitness or simply as a means of transportation to get up to some of the best views that Mother Nature has to offer.

Whether they are professional guides or weekend warriors, climbers in the UK. are all subject to the rules set forth by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC). On behalf of climbers, the BMC deals with issues like access rights, conservation, equity issues, and safety standards.

So, excited about your next outdoor rock climbing adventure but unsure where to start? Let's take a look at some of the best outdoor climbing adventures around the UK:

Best Outdoor Climbing Adventures in England

There are a surprising variety of landscapes that England has to offer, from vast mountain ranges to deep caves. England is also home to some of the best outdoor climbing adventures across the UK, with routes that can be navigated by climbers across all experience levels.

Peak District

The Peak District is England's first designated national park, founded in 1951. It covers approximately 215 square miles and boasts the largest limestone cave system in the UK. While the Peak District boasts some of the best caves in the UK, it is also a mecca for outdoor rock climbing and bouldering.

The Peak District is the perfect location for outdoor climbing newbies and experts alike. The national park offers both easy approaches and lots of friction, giving climbers loads of route choices regardless of what their skill (or their mood) may be!

One of England's most iconic crags is Stanage Edge. Located on the eastern side of the Peak District in Hope Valley, Stanage Edge is a gritstone crag offering over 1,000 routes along its mile-long edge. Unlike other gritstone crags, there are some big lines and some steep sections, but it is worth mentioning that there have been at least a few improvements since the original guidebook was written in the 1980s. If you're looking for a day out climbing in the Peak District, here's the spot for you!

Lake District

Another renowned spot for outdoor adventurers and despite what its name may suggest, the Lake District is another great spot for outdoor climbing. Although the Lake District offers mainly rock climbing routes, there are a few spots for bouldering, too!

There are roughly 15 classic climbing routes – as detailed by Ken Wilson whom the British Mountaineering Council described as "one of the most influential voices in British climbing". The routes in the four main areas of the Lake District include Sloggers Jug, Crag Hill, Horn Crag and the Seaforth Pillar. Plus, you only have to cover about 10 miles from Dale Head to reach most of these climbing locations. Consider taking a classic rock climbing week in Lake District for something different this summer.

If you're new to climbing, Scafell Crag is the spot for you. It offers over five routes to climb, from easy to hard, and it is known as one of the best venues for outdoor climbing as a beginner. The rocks are stable, there are easy approaches, and the climbs are worth it, thanks to the gorgeous views you are rewarded with when you reach the top.

Dorset

Dorset is famous for its coastal parts – especially its extensive coastline – which could be why outdoor rock climbing over there is so popular. There are some excellent rock climbing areas to try out here, too, with about 1,300 routes mostly centred around Portland.

The unique feature that draws climbers down to Dorset is the area's unique limestone cliffs that feature crimps, jugs, pockets and beautiful flowstone features. These are basically unheard of in the UK and can only be experienced while climbing in Dorset. The amazing cliffs are doable for newbie climbers and experts alike, thanks to their classic features and a good level of friction.

Dorset is a great spot for both bouldering and outdoor rock climbing. If you're considering a climbing day out in Dorset, the New Cuttings crag is absolutely perfect for it!

Best Outdoor Climbing Adventures in Wales

Wales is home to a vast expanse of natural beauty, from pristine beaches to snow-topped mountains. It’s a great place to embark on some great outdoor adventures, and if you’re looking for your next outdoor climbing experience, you’re in luck! Here are some of the climbing spots Wales has to offer:

Snowdon

Perhaps the most famous climbing spot in Wales is over at the Snowdon mountain range. Even though it's not a national park (yet!), Mount Snowdon is a World Heritage Site and consequently has acquired a reputation as one of the best places to climb in Europe.

Snowdonia is amazing for trad climbing and bouldering. In fact, climbers would say the Welsh mountain region offers some of the UK's finest climbs. There are loads of multi-pitch routes, a few gorge climbing sites and plenty of bouldering areas to keep you busy for years as Snowdon is perfect for days out, weekend adventures and even entire climbing weeks!

A recommended spot to visit in Snowdonia is the Llanberis Pass – one that's on every climber's bucket list. It's a disused slate quarry that features rugged natural beauty. There are varying rock types that make it a great spot for bouldering, but the Pass is also an amazing spot for trad climbing.

Gower

Source: Big Blue Adventures Group

Gower was the first-ever area in the UK to be designated an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" (AONB) back in 1956 and it's not hard to see why. With jarring cliffs and vast woodlands surrounded by some of Britain's best beaches, this 70-square-mile AONB has been winning award after award for the beautiful nature it has to offer. But, what's so great about Gower Peninsula is that it has something for everyone who enjoys outdoor adventure sports – from wild surfing to swimming and cycling.

And, as you may have guessed, the Gower Peninsula is a great spot for some absolutely gorgeous climbing experiences. What's even better is that it's great for climbers of all levels, offering a mixture of trad and sport routes with plenty of challenges for climbers to tackle.

The recommended spot for climbing in Gower is by Rhossili Bay, which won the Best Beach Wales award back in 2018. The most popular outdoor climbing routes can be found by Shipwreck Cove and is sure to tickle any climber's fancy.

Anglesey

Source: BASE Magazine

Here's one for the more intermediate climbers. Anglesey is an island off of the northwest coast of Wales, with some beautiful coastal landscapes. A short ferry trip from the mainland, Anglesey offers some of the best beaches along with beautiful ancient sites.

UK Climbing mentions Gogarth, over on the western side of the island, as a great spot for outdoor climbing adventures. The trails are along an array of complex quartzite sea cliffs, with Gogarth being notable for its "consistently wild and occasionally serious routes". Some of the trails require climbing on loose rock, so a good guide and extreme caution are needed when climbing here.

The Main Cliff is a highly praised crag in Gogarth. The area is a massive stretch of white and brown quartzite rock, and it is laced with dozens of multi-pitch routes that can only be reached by descending a steep and treacherous cliff. Definitely for the more experienced climbers, but one to add to your bucket list if you're an aspiring climber!

Best Outdoor Climbing Adventures in Scotland

Surprisingly enough, some of the best climbing holidays in the UK can be found up in Scotland. The northernmost tip of the British Isle offers great outdoor climbing adventures year-round, giving climbers the opportunity to enjoy challenging rock climbing as well as ice climbing.

Orkney Islands

The Orkney Islands, off the northeastern coast of Scotland, are known for their white sandy beaches. But, it's also a great spot for outdoor rock climbing adventures. Like many locations on the island chain, Orkney is home to some spectacular rock formations that reward climbers with breathtaking views.

Outdoor rock climbing on the island is still a fairly new sport, but one that's growing in popularity thanks to the number of sites and the variety of terrain. The islands also have plenty of coastal climbs, as well as some inland climbs with technical challenges.

One of the most iconic climbs you could experience here is to climb the Old Man of Hoy. An iconic sea stack standing at around 449 feet tall, this is a must-see for any climber! The primary route up this red sandstone stack is now thought to be rather easy technically, but it is still a significant endeavour because of the sandstone's fragility and the significant "exposures" along the way.

Glencoe

Source: Visit Scotland

The picturesque Scottish village of Glencoe is nestled between the banks of Loch Leven and the mouth of the glen it's named after, Glen Coe. These 88-square-mile mountains are home to some gorgeous waterfalls and hiking trails, as well as some stunning rock formations, making it a great outdoor climbing spot.

For over 150 years, Glen Coe has served as the focal point for Scottish mountaineers. Each year, over 150,000 climbers flock to the area to test their mettle against the steep hills, take advantage of the incredible variety of climbing opportunities, and gaze out at the breathtaking scenery below. Some of the most challenging winter and summer routes in Britain can be found in Glen Coe, keeping it at the forefront of the sport. With that, a majority of climbing routes in Glen Coe are strictly for the more experienced climbers.

With new routes being added frequently, it's hard to just pick a singular one as a recommendation. The highest peak in Argyll and the farthest crag in Glencoe, Bidean nam Bian offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters and excellent rock and ice climbing, according to the National Trust of Scotland. Those keen on winter climbing should head over to Aonach Eagach in the east, which offers some of the most challenging climbs in the UK.

Glen Nevis

Glen Nevis is a popular tourist destination located around 18 miles west of Fort William in the Highlands of Scotland. The scenery is breathtaking, with the UK's highest summit, Ben Nevis, slumbering in the background, and it's great for some adventure climbing. And the good news is: it's not only for advanced climbers.

The famous glen presents some of Scotland's finest climbing, with a wide variety of routes on offer across its over 70 crags. Glen Nevis is also a great spot for some of the best bouldering in Scotland - with thousands of problems spanning an array of difficulties. It's no wonder that it is one of the country's fastest-growing outdoor climbing destinations.

The most popular crag on the glen is Polldubh Crags, a relatively accessible spot that offers some of Scotland's best roadside climbing. Polldubh features an abundance of accessible slabs with steep walls and cracks – offering routes for both beginners and expert climbers alike! Consider booking out a weekend bouldering and climbing trip in Glen Nevis for your next outdoor climbing adventure.

Best Outdoor Climbing Adventures in Northern Ireland

Some of the finest outdoor climbing in the UK can be found in Northern Ireland. Most of its routes are centred around two locations, but even then, the northern expanse of the Emerald Isle has plenty to offer – making climbers come back for more!

Fairhead

Fairhead is a stunning sea cliff in County Antrim, on the northern coast of Northern Ireland, where its highest point stands at 660 feet. Widely known as the location of Dragonstone in the hit series Game of Thrones, this 3.1-mile-long cliff offers breath-taking sea views, all enjoyable alongside a good climbing session. Fairhead is a stunner but still well kept by the locals. The climbing here is top-notch, and it would be hard to fault this stunning location, even if you were only doing some bouldering.

The sea cliff has been gaining popularity in recent years as one of the best trad climbing venues that Europe has to offer. The rock at Fairhead is of dolerite, and the climbing there consists of massive, vertical walls, columns, soaring corners, and a crack system with decent rock quality with the occasional loose rock.

If you're seeking a thrilling rock climbing experience with some great people, hundreds of climbers from all over go upon Fairhead every year for the annual climbing weekend to maintain the routes and, if possible, establish new ones.

The Mourne

Source: Kerry Climbing

The Mourne Mountains are located in County Down and are the highest range in Northern Ireland. With its 1,000-foot cliffs and a lush landscape to match, The Mourne Mountains are some of the most beautiful in Northern Ireland. In fact, the region was designated an AONB in 1986, and the area is well on its way to becoming Northern Ireland's first national park.

Within the granite cliffs of these mountains, you'll find some of the best rock climbing spots in the country, with about 1,000 routes available for all levels of climbers across its 26 crags. The Mournes is also a great spot for climbers of any level!

The simply named "FM" is the longest route in the Mournes and features a multi-pitch climb at a 45-degree angle along the south face of Slieve Lamagan. This route takes climbers on a fairly direct path up the slabs and features mostly solid and immaculate granite.

Best outdoor climbing adventures in the UK