How to get into Climbing

Want to face your fear of heights and build incredible strength and endurance? Perhaps you want to just enjoy life outdoors and appreciate the views after climbing to the top of the world. Anybody can get into climbing, and it is just like getting into any new activity. Don’t over do it in the beginning, or you can risk injury, and take your time so that you can make progress to be proud of.

Climbing is not your average endurance sport. It is not always linear and like climbing a ladder. Aerobic endurance is the best way to describe what climbers need and are working towards to be able to climb different types of walls and for a varied amount of time.  Climbing is extremely fun, rewarding, and an indelible experience.

The best part is, no matter what level you are, when you’re climbing a wall, you look like an expert. Nobody is expecting you to climb Mt. Everest anytime soon. But if that’s your dream, here’s how to start!

Practice basics at indoor climbing centres

The best place to start climbing for beginners is in indoor climbing centres. They are specifically designed for all levels, but especially beginners as it’s a safe, guided, and controlled environment. It’s all about learning and exploring with safety! Note: do not let the images in this article deceive you, these climbers may be beginners! When caught in action, you’ll always look like an expert!

The first thing everyone should do before a session is to start bouldering. Bouldering is basically free climbing, climbing without any gear, and you’re focusing on techniques rather than just getting to the top. And because it’s focused more on technique and climbing horizontally, the bouldering walls are not that tall and will have crash pads beneath them. When you start proper lessons, you’ll also be using the great equipment they have and learn about what you need and how to use them. From wearing proper climbing shoes to learning how to tie proper rope knots, you’ll know it all.  But the goal is to experience life and nature outdoors, so don’t get too caught up with indoor climbing! 

Spot fun things to climb when you go for walks 

Make climbing a fun part of life and find the opportunities in your own neighbourhood or area! Take a walk in the park or perhaps a nice forest and spot potential trees that look inviting to climb. While tree climbing is not exactly the same, it still requires strength and creative movement to reach to the top. Each tree is different, which makes it a fun challenge! If you’re lucky to see climbable rocks in nature or in your area, practice climbing on them! Natural rocks are usually much more complex than your indoor climbing centre walls. Indoor climbing centres have perfectly designed rocks to grip onto, and hook your fingers in. No matter what, if you’re free climbing in nature, always be careful as there are no crash pads below you in the wild, so climb with care and safety. It’s always best to have a companion with you as well, for fun and for security!

Start bouldering outdoors

Bouldering outdoors is another great way to get into climbing because you’re already starting out in nature. You can also start bouldering outdoors after some indoor lessons, whoever you prefer. The advantages are that you already train your body to climb on natural surfaces and dents. The disadvantages of bouldering outdoors is finding good climbing rocks to safely boulder without a crash pad. If you’re serious about climbing you can rent or invest in crash pads to bring with you! However, you can also skip a step and simply go to designated natural areas for climbers, where there are rocks perfect for climbing and bouldering. There will most likely be guides and local businesses offering proper climbing shoes or chalk.

Sport climbing outdoors

This is in many ways the rewarding part of climbing. Sport climbing is rock climbing with proper gear and permanent anchors fixed to natural rocks for safety. This is the type of climbing you’re most likely looking forward to! Putting your bouldering skills and climbing techniques to practice, all while climbing higher and higher to the top. When you reach the top, another level of relief, pride, or peace just washes over you. You have an incredible view of nature around you as well as the people and ground below. Outdoor sport climbing will fully expose you to the varied textures and rough surfaces of natural rocks, as well as the different inclines that make the climb easier or more challenging. It’s extremely fun, and you truly feel like you’re adapting to nature in a way. If you can climb over a rigid rock wall, what can stop you?

Climb with a buddy

Double, triple, or quadruple the fun by including your friends or family on this exciting hobby and sport! Whether they’re experienced or beginners, it’s always fun to include someone with you on the adventure. It’s also very important to be safe. Climbing requires at least two people. One climbing, and one on the ground relaying you or for security. Always have a companion with you as a beginner, intermediate and even advanced climber. Rock climbing is also considered an extreme sport for many reasons. So bring your friends and be careful!

Places to go climbing for beginners

There are so many opportunities out in nature in every country. In the UK, there’s plentiful of natural wonders to visit. Whether they’re close to home or further away, you can always make a weekend camping trip or road trip out of it! 

1. Stanage Edge, Derbyshire

With over 2000 climbs, Stanage Edge stretches for about six and a half kilometres and up to 20 metres high. It is great for beginners, and for those who are feeling a bit more confident. Because you’ll be climbing on gritstone, the rough and coarse-grained texture of the rock makes it great for grip and bouldering.  Not to mention the incredible views, your problems will feel small and your goals big.

2. Horseshoe Quarry, Derbyshire

With about 350 climbs, Horseshoe Quarry is made up of limestone, is up to about 35 metres high, and is one of the most popular places for climbing. Also known as the Furness Quarry, this natural climbing wonder is also in Derbyshire, and not far from the village Eyam. 

This is a perfect location for beginners and intermediate climbers.

3. Anglezarke Quarry

With about 200 climbs, Anglezarke Quarry is made up of gritstone and is up to over 20 metres high. It’s a 30-minute drive Northwest from Bolton, a town near Manchester and is a great and beautiful location for beginner climbers. 

A note is to avoid this location during bird nesting season around the end of June to September because Tawny owls have been known to attack people climbing near their nest. So to avoid disturbing nature and for your own safety, check if there’s any other notes for the following places you want to go to. 

Visit a campspace

Climbing is one thing, but allowing yourself to enjoy a full weekend for yourself is another. Combien your drive to the beautiful climbing wonders with a night outside at a campspace!  At Emma’s incredible campspace in Macclesfield, you can pitch a tent or sleep in your motorhome for the night and be no more than 1 hour and 40-minute drive away from Stanage Edge and Horseshoe Quarry! You’re also a 3-hour drive away from Anglezarke Quarry, which is certainly not bad either. Imagine waking up with a view of the hills of Peak District National Park, cooking up a campfire breakfast and heading out to climb. Not to mention, after a long day of climbing, you settle down and spot some wildlife or enjoy the Stanley Arms which has amazing home cooked food!

And, there you have it! It’s not that hard to get into climbing and it’s so fun! With a mix of simple to complex aerobic and dynamic movement, you’ll strengthen your muscles and techniques over time. One step towards climbing Mt. Everest if that’s what you wish! 

So what are you waiting for? Bring your enthusiasm, book a campspace, and get ready to climb!