Rock Climbing
Peak District

The Peak District is the cradle of modern British climbing. Gritstone edges run along the moorland skyline from Stanage south through Burbage, Froggatt and Curbar — short, steep, traditionally-protected routes that taught most of the country's climbers how to place gear. Limestone climbing in Stoney Middleton, Cheedale and the Peak's western dales provides the harder modern bolted complement.

What to expect

Stanage alone has over a thousand routes from VDiff to E10, mostly single-pitch, mostly trad. The gritstone climbs hard for the grade by international standards — the friction is excellent but holds are often rounded, balance-heavy, and committing. Limestone routes (Raven Tor, Cheedale, Water-cum-Jolly) are bolted sport climbing of the highest order. Bouldering is everywhere — the Plantation, Burbage North, the Roaches.

Practical notes

Best season April-October for grit; limestone climbs year-round but is greasy in summer warmth. Most edges are 10-20 minutes' walk from a road. Stay in Hathersage, Castleton or Sheffield — all have good climbing shops (Outside in Hathersage is the institution). A trad rack with cams to size 4 and a set of nuts will get you up almost everything; helmets are sensible on the steeper trad lines.