Rock climbing
Here in Keswick we are surrounded by some of the country’s best rock climbing. Whether you are a novice or an expert there is something for everyone, and it is a good activity for all the family to take part in — a real sense of achievement on a Lakeland classic.
The different ways up
- Scrambling — get off the beaten track and onto some classic Lake District scrambles. It is the next step from mountain walking: gain new skills, improve your old ones, or head out with an experienced guide.
- Bouldering — rock climbing without a rope, normally limited to very short climbs over a padded mat called a crash pad.
- Abseiling — ideal for groups, and abseiling vertical rock can really test your nerves. It is often part of a climbing session with one of the local providers.
- Winter climbing — the Lake District in winter is spectacular, and a completely different world. Different equipment, different skills, different safety issues to consider, and an unbelievable experience when you are out there.
- Ghyll scrambling — jump off waterfalls, slide down water chutes and dive into plunge pools, on the way down a mountain stream.
Indoor climbing
Indoor climbing is perfect for wet days, or for getting to grips with climbing in the first place. If you have never been climbing before this is a great way to start, and a good place to perfect your technique.
Via ferrata, and climbing the mine
Via ferrata is Italian for "the iron way" — a system built so troops in the Second World War could cross the mountains safely. Using a series of metal cables, rungs, ladders and bridges to ascend Fleetwith Pike, the via ferrata gives the most spectacular and dramatic viewpoints of Honister Pass.
The Honister via ferrata is the only one in the UK with a choice of two routes, classic and extreme. You can also climb the mine, an adventure deep inside the mountain.
Four routes, picked by Leo Houlding
Leo Houlding is a world class climber, alpinist and BASE jumper. These four routes need some prior climbing experience, so if you are a beginner we recommend visiting a climbing wall or going out with an activity provider first.
- Browns Slabs Arete, Shepherd’s Crag — V Difficult, 40m
- Little Chamonix, Shepherd’s Crag — Very Difficult, 71m
- Napes Needle, Great Gable — Severe, 21m
- Central Buttress, Scafell — E1 5b, 171m
Who to go with
Keswick Climbing Wall, Keswick Adventures, Mountain Memories, Honister Slate Mine and the Lake District Calvert Trust all run climbing, and are in things to do.
Before you head for a crag, read safety on the fells. The approach walk is on the same ground as everything else here, in the same weather.
More to do outdoors
Walking, cycling, running, water sports and multi-activity days — all the outdoor activities around Keswick in one place.