Where to Climb (in and around Leeds)

Interested in the Leeds climbing scene? You’re about to discover why the city has become one of Britain’s premier climbing destinations. We’re talking world-class indoor walls, stunning outdoor crags just minutes from the city centre, and a community that genuinely welcomes newcomers with open arms.

Whether you’ve never set foot on a climbing wall or you’re already addicted and looking for your next challenge, Leeds offers something special for every level of climber.

Indoor Climbing: Your Perfect Starting Point

The Climbing Lab – Olympic-Standard Training

Here’s something impressive: you can train on the exact same boulder that Olympic athletes tackled in Paris 2024. The Climbing Lab in Kirkstall spans an impressive 16,000 square feet, featuring routes from complete beginner level through to challenges that test world-class athletes.

Here’s an insider tip – arrive before 9 AM on weekdays and you’ll get complimentary filter coffee with your session. Students get an excellent deal on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at just £7.50 including free shoe hire.

Getting started: Day passes cost £11 for adults or £10 for students and concessions. With routes reset weekly, every visit offers something new to discover.

City Bloc – Leeds’ Original Climbing Community

Step into Leeds’ climbing history at City Bloc, housed in a beautifully converted Victorian train foundry. This is where the city’s bouldering community took root back in 2009, and the welcoming atmosphere remains as strong as ever.

New climbers get a fantastic introduction with three sessions at just £9 each, shoes included. Once you’re hooked (and you probably will be), the first month’s unlimited pass is half price at £21.

Worth knowing: Their free Monday evening coaching sessions are perfect for beginners, and the community here is genuinely welcoming to newcomers.

Big Depot Leeds – The Complete Experience

If you want to try both bouldering and rope climbing under one roof, Big Depot delivers. With over 200 roped routes reaching 14-meters high, plus 60 boulder problems, you’ll have plenty to explore.

The 12 auto-belay systems are particularly clever – they let you climb solo without needing a partner, perfect for fitting sessions around your own schedule. At £14.50 for adults, you’re getting access to routes that change weekly.

Outdoor Climbing – Yorkshire’s Natural Playground

Almscliff Crag

You don’t need to travel far for outstanding outdoor climbing. Just 25-minutes north of Leeds, Almscliff offers over 600 boulder problems carved into beautiful Yorkshire gritstone, including “The Pebble” – arguably the county’s most famous boulder problem.

The approach is refreshingly simple: a gentle 500-metre walk from roadside parking brings you to routes with spectacular views across the Yorkshire Dales. The gritstone here dries quickly after rain, making it climbable year-round.

What you’ll need: Bring 2-3 crash pads for the rocky landings, and note that night climbing isn’t permitted by the landowner.

Malham Cove

Malham Cove represents something special in British climbing. This stunning 70-80 meter limestone amphitheatre hosts ‘Rainman’ Britain’s first 9b route, alongside 280+ routes for every ability level.

Even if you’re climbing at a more modest grade, there’s something magical about being in this natural limestone cathedral. The setting is genuinely breath-taking, and the quality of climbing matches the spectacular surroundings.

Finding Your Climbing Path

Complete Beginners

Never climbed before? Leeds’ climbing community excels at welcoming newcomers. The best places to start your journey include:

• The Edge (University of Leeds): £8 taster sessions with all equipment provided
• City Bloc: Free Monday evening coaching sessions
• Any major climbing centre: All offer structured Learn to Climb courses

Your first step: Book a taster session this week. Most people are surprised by how quickly they pick up the basics.

Intermediate Climbers

Ready to challenge yourself further? Leeds offers excellent progression opportunities through MoonBoards, Kilter boards, and weekly route changes at indoor centres. Outdoors, you can graduate from Almscliff’s easier problems to increasingly demanding challenges.

Consider joining Leeds Mountaineering Club for their Tuesday outdoor meets – it’s a great way to learn from more experienced climbers.

Advanced Climbers

Leeds isn’t just keeping pace with world-class climbing standards – it’s helping set them. From Olympic training facilities to cutting-edge first ascents on Yorkshire limestone, serious climbers will find everything they need here.

The Leeds Climbing Community

What truly sets Leeds apart is its welcoming climbing community. Join Leeds Mountaineering Club for their popular Tuesday evening meets, or connect with university clubs that organise weekend adventures to the Lake District and Scottish Highlands.

Worth knowing: Most climbing centres host regular competitions and social events. It’s not just about the climbing – it’s about becoming part of a community that genuinely looks out for each other.

Getting the Right Gear

Don’t have equipment yet? No problem. Every major climbing centre rents everything you need:

• Climbing shoes: £3-4 rental
• Chalk bags: £1.50 rental
• Ropes and harnesses: Available at rope climbing venues

For your own gear, visit Cotswold Outdoor in the Victorian Quarter or the pro shops at major climbing centres. The staff include experienced climbers and can help newcomers get properly equipped.

Year-Round Climbing Opportunities

One of Leeds climbing’s best features is its year-round accessibility. Indoor walls operate regardless of weather, while Yorkshire’s outdoor crags offer different seasonal experiences:

• Autumn/Winter: Excellent gritstone conditions with cool, dry air
• Spring/Summer: Perfect limestone weather and extended daylight
• Wet weather days: Indoor walls provide consistent training opportunities

Your Leeds Climbing Adventure Awaits.

Ready to begin? Choose your climbing centre, book that first session, and discover what thousands of Leeds climbers already know – this isn’t just exercise, it’s a gateway to adventure, community, and personal growth.

See you at the crag!