Nestled amidst the majestic mountains and picturesque lakes of northwest England lies a bouldering paradise waiting to be discovered: the Lake District.


Renowned for its stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, this region offers a wealth of opportunities for climbers seeking brilliant problems and breathtaking views. Whether you're a seasoned boulderer or a beginner, the Lake District has something to offer for everyone. The Lake District is a top destination for bouldering in the UK.


The Lake District, with its rugged mountains, tranquil lakes, and diverse rock formations, provides a perfect playground for bouldering. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an array of bouldering areas that cater to climbers of different abilities and preferences. From the world-famous Langdale Boulders to the hidden gems scattered throughout the valleys and coastlines, the Lake District offers a wide variety of challenges waiting to be conquered.

Langdale Boulders, with its high-friction rock and technical routes, is a favorite among climbers. St. Bees Head offers the exhilaration of coastal bouldering, where crashing waves provide a dramatic backdrop. The Bowderstone, an iconic giant boulder, is a must-visit for its classic problems and enchanting woodland setting.

Bouldering in the Lake District isn't just about the climbing—it's an immersive experience amidst some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the UK. As you navigate your way up the boulders, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of glistening lakes, rolling hills, and towering mountains.


LakesBloc have created this amazing map, which details most of the key bouldering areas in the Lake District. The stars are colour coded:

  • Gold Star = Major Area

  • Green Star = Good Area

  • Blue Star = Minor Area

  • Grey Star = Highly Esoteric

(c) Lakesbloc.com


Area Highlights

Langdale Boulders

Langdale Boulders, situated in the picturesque Great Langdale Valley, offer a diverse range of bouldering experiences. The area is known for its high-friction rock, which creates excellent grip and intricate, technical routes. Langdale Boulders cater to climbers of all levels, with problems ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced. The scenic surroundings, with the rugged Langdale Pikes as a backdrop, add to the allure of this popular bouldering spot.

St. Bees Head

For a unique coastal bouldering experience, St. Bees Head, located on the Cumbrian coast, is a must-visit. Climbers can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea while tackling challenging boulders set against the rugged cliffs. St. Bees Head offers a blend of climbing styles, including powerful overhangs and delicate slabs, making it an exciting and varied destination. The crashing waves and dramatic landscape really set this apart as one of our favourite locations in the Lakes.

The Bowderstone

The Bowderstone, situated in the Borrowdale Valley, is an iconic boulder that has become synonymous with Lake District bouldering. This massive 30-foot boulder sits in the heart of a picturesque woodland and offers a range of classic problems. The Bowderstone's impressive size and unique setting make it a popular and photogenic spot for climbers.

Eskdale Boulders

Eskdale, a pretty valley, is home to a collection of boulders waiting to be explored. The Eskdale Boulders offer a mix of problems, from easy warm-ups to more demanding routes, set against the stunning backdrop of the surrounding fells. The tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty of Eskdale create an idyllic setting for bouldering, away from the crowds and amidst the natural splendor of the Lake District.

Woodwell

Woodwell, located near Coniston, is a hidden gem for bouldering enthusiasts. Tucked away in a peaceful woodland, this bouldering spot offers a range of problems with different grades. The serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make Woodwell a delightful and secluded destination for bouldering.

Honister Pass Boulders

Honister Pass, a mountain pass connecting Borrowdale and Buttermere, is not only renowned for its scenic drive but also for its bouldering opportunities. The Honister Pass Boulders feature a variety of bouldering problems scattered along the road, offering climbers a chance to test their skills amidst the dramatic mountain scenery. The boulders have a mix of challenges, including technical slabs and powerful overhangs, making it an exciting spot.

Logistics

When should I go?

You can climb these areas any time of year that it is dry.

 

Which guide should I buy?

Lake District Bouldering by Greg Chapman is a great guidebook, covering about 3000 different problems. It is considered the definitive resource for bouldering in the Lake District. It covers a wide range of bouldering locations in the region, including Langdale, St. Bees, The Bowderstone, and many others. The book provides detailed information about each area, including maps, grades, access details, and problem descriptions. It also features stunning photographs to inspire and aid in route finding.

“Lake District Bouldering is the long-awaited guide to bouldering in the Lake District National Park. Written by Greg Chapman, one of the pioneers of bouldering in the Lakes, it features almost 3,000 individually numbered problems and dozens of variations and linkups at over 70 venues. Greg created the LakesBloc website in 2003 with the sole aim of providing the very best online information relating to bouldering in the Lakes and surrounding areas. Lake District Bouldering builds on LakesBloc and brings together this huge amount of information in a comprehensive guidebook for the very first time.”


Handy websites

Lakesbloc is the wonderful website created by Greg and is well worth a look before your bouldering trip to the Lake District.