Outdoor Rock Climbing in Yorkshire & the Peak District
Try Climbing on Real Rock
If you’ve enjoyed climbing indoors and fancy trying something completely different, or you’ve never climbed before and want to give it a go, an outdoor climbing day is a great way to get started.
Climbing outside is different from climbing at an indoor wall. You’re working with natural rock, finding your way up real routes and spending the day outdoors in some of the best climbing areas around Yorkshire and the Peak District.
Our outdoor climbing experiences are suitable for complete beginners as well as people with some previous climbing experience. We’ll explain what you need to know, help you get comfortable with the equipment and give you plenty of time to actually climb.
The focus is simple: learn some new skills, have a good climb and enjoy being outside.
What Happens on an Outdoor Climbing Day?
Every group is a little different, so the day will depend on your experience, the venue and the weather.
For a first outdoor climbing experience, we can cover:
Getting familiar with your climbing equipment and how to use it
Basic rope skills and climbing safety
Moving efficiently on natural rock
Climbing a selection of suitable outdoor routes
Learning how to approach and work out a route
Having a go at abseiling with your instructor
Building confidence while climbing outdoors
Understanding how climbing at a real crag differs from an indoor wall
You don't need to know how to tie climbing knots or belay before you arrive. We'll teach you the relevant skills during the session.
Outdoor Climbing Locations
We climb at a range of venues across Yorkshire and the Peak District. The location isn't chosen at random — we'll consider the experience of your group, what you'd like to do and the weather when deciding where to go.
Some of the crags we regularly use include:
Almscliff Crag · Brimham Rocks · Wainstones · Scugdale · Strange Edge · Burbage · and other local crags
If you have a particular venue in mind, mention it when you contact us. We can discuss whether it's a good option for your group.
Outdoor Climbing Experience Prices
Half Day — 3 hours
£195 for up to 3 people
£45 for each additional person
Full Day — 6 hours
£295 for up to 3 people
£65 for each additional person
Group size: Up to 6 people per instructor
Equipment: All technical climbing equipment required for the session is provided.
Typical start time: 9am, although alternative times can be arranged where possible.
What Should You Bring?
Outdoor climbing means being prepared for changing conditions.
We recommend bringing:
Comfortable outdoor clothing that allows you to move freely
Waterproof clothing
Warm layers
Suitable footwear for walking to the crag
Food and plenty of water
Sun protection on warmer days
We’ll keep an eye on the forecast before your session. A bit of typical British weather doesn't necessarily mean a cancelled climbing day, but if conditions become unsuitable or unsafe, we'll discuss the options with you.
Climbing Outdoors with Under 18s
Under 18s are welcome, but a parent or legal guardian must be present throughout the session.
They don't have to take part in the climbing, but they must remain with the group.
Improver Rock Climbing Course
Take Your Indoor Climbing Outside
Already climbing indoors and wondering what it's like on real rock?
Our Improver Rock Climbing Course is aimed at climbers who have some experience but want to become more comfortable and capable outdoors.
Outdoor climbing introduces a whole new set of things to think about. You’re dealing with natural features, route finding, different types of rock and rope systems that you may not have used indoors.
Rather than giving everyone exactly the same lesson, we'll find out what you've already done and use the day to work on the areas where you want to improve.
What Can We Work On?
Depending on your experience and what you'd like to achieve, the day can include:
Improving your belaying skills at the bottom and top of the crag
Learning how to set up ropes safely from different positions
Tying in correctly and using different belay devices
Selecting suitable routes for your ability
Organising yourself and your equipment at the crag
Improving climbing movement and technique on natural rock
Making better use of slabs, cracks, edges and other rock features
Developing skills that can lead towards trad or sport climbing
Learning to abseil independently with a Prusik backup
Outdoor bouldering where the venue is suitable
We can also spend time on the areas you personally find difficult. If there is a particular skill you're struggling with indoors or something you've always wanted to learn outside, let us know before the day.
Who Is the Improver Course For?
This course can be a good fit if you:
Regularly climb indoors and want to make the move outdoors
Have tried outdoor climbing but don't yet feel confident
Want more practice with ropes and belaying
Want to improve your outdoor movement skills
Would like to understand more about climbing at a natural crag
Are considering progressing towards trad or sport climbing
You don't need to arrive with a list of things you want to learn. Tell us where your climbing is currently at and what you'd like to work towards, and we'll plan the day from there.
Yorkshire & Peak District Climbing Venues
We have access to a wide range of outdoor climbing areas throughout Yorkshire and the Peak District, including:
Almscliff · Brimham Rocks · Wainstones · Scugdale · Hathersage · Strange Edge · Burbage · and other local crags
We'll choose the most suitable venue based on your experience, the type of climbing you'd like to do and the conditions on the day.
Improver Course Details
Duration: Full day — 6 hours
Price: £295 for up to 3 people
Additional participants: £75 per person
Equipment: Technical climbing equipment provided
We don't expect perfect weather every time we go climbing. We'll work with the conditions wherever possible and only cancel when the weather makes the session unsuitable or unsafe.
Ready to Get Outside?
Whether you're completely new to outdoor climbing or you've already spent plenty of time on a climbing wall, there's always something different about climbing on real rock.
Tell us a little about your experience, who you'd like to climb with and what you'd like to get from the day. We'll help you choose the right venue and session.
FAQs
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We provide safety equipment: harness, helmet, ropes, hardware and technical kit. Climbing shoes can be provided if needed. You’re welcome to bring any of your old gear to the session.
Please bring a rucksack, tracksuit or warm top, waterproofs, trainers or walking boots, govers, hat and food and drink for the day. In summer bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and shorts. Weather can change quickly, so pack layers and extra kit to keep you warm and dry.
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We don’t cancel a session because of bad weather — there’s always something to try, learn, or experience. However, if the forecast is dangerous or unsafe, we will rearrange the session.
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As climbing is an adventurous activity, we believe it is best experienced without bringing dogs along with you.
Dogs can be unpredictable in busy crags, on narrow paths and near exposed edges. They may startle other climbers, distract handlers who need full concentration, or put themselves at risk on loose rock and steep terrain. Many climbing routes require careful footwork, the ability to move freely and the use of both hands — situations in which managing a dog safely is impractical.
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Bookings are taken up to 48 hours before your session. Your place is confirmed once payment has been received.
Please note:
Bookings made within 48 hours of the session cannot be guaranteed.
Payment must be completed at the time of booking (reseaving the invoie) to secure your slot.
Cancellations and refunds are subject to our standard terms.
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No matter your fitness level, we’ve got you covered. At Climb yorkshire, we plan and deliver personalized climbing training tailored to your goals and abilities. Our expert-led sessions ensure that every workout is safe, effective, and—most importantly—fun!
Whether you’re a beginner looking to build strength or an experienced climber aiming to push your limits, we provide quality training that elevates your fitness and your confidence.
Why Choose Us?
Customized programs for every fitness level
Professional guidance from experienced trainers
Fun, engaging, and motivating sessions
Improve strength, endurance, and agility
Make every day a quality climbing day. Start your journey to peak fitness today!
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The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) Participation Statement states that climbing, hill walking, and mountaineering involve a risk of personal injury or death. Participants must recognize, accept these risks, and be responsible for their own actions and safety. It is a core tenet for managing risks in these activities.
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Climb Yorkshire holds business insurance covering our activities and operations. We do not provide personal insurance for injuries or personal belongings. We recommend that all participants arrange their own cover, such as through the BMC (British Mountaineering Council) insurance, for this service.
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Where We Climb
Yorkshire, the Peak District, the Lake District and North Wales give us an incredible choice of outdoor climbing.
From Yorkshire gritstone and Peak District edges to limestone crags and the bigger mountain venues further north and into Wales, there's a huge variety of rock, routes and climbing styles to choose from.
We don't use the same venue for every session. The crag we choose will depend on what you want to climb, your experience, the type of session we're running and, of course, the weather.
Some of the venues we regularly visit include:
Almscliff Crag
Brimham Rocks
Stanage Edge
Horseshoe Quarry
Wainstones
Scugdale
Burbage
Strange Edge
Shepherd's Crag
and other crags across the region
Whether you're trying outdoor climbing for the first time, developing your skills or have a particular route in mind, we'll choose a venue where you can get the most out of your day.
If there's a particular crag you'd like to visit, let us know when you enquire. We'll look at your experience, the climbing you're hoping to do and the current conditions before deciding whether it's the right choice.