Best Lake District bouldering spots for beginners

The Lake district and the 2,362 km² of exquisite land it covers, is one of the UK’s most beautiful and popular national parks. This little slice of heaven, located in the North West of England, is perhaps best known for Lake Windermere, Scafell Pike, Beatirx Potter and William Wordsworth. 

However, for the more vertically inclined, the Lake District also boasts some of the best bouldering spots in the UK, thanks in part to the millions of years of high glacial activity in the region. 

Now we know that for the more advanced climbers, there are a plethora of guides available for the best spots and routes. So instead, we wanted to create a guide specifically for those of you who might be at the more beginner or intermediate level. 

Have a read, try them out and let us know how you got on. And don’t forget to share your snaps with us at @dyno.climbing 

All the spots we’ve picked have at least a few V1/f5 or below graded routes (easy enough for beginners). 

See all the spots on our handy map. 

Pudding Stone - Coniston

Picture source: www.geograph.org.uk 

This large boulder is situated in the Coppermines Valley above Coniston and consists of several good smaller boulders scattered around the main boulder. There are 11 well documented routes in this area up to V1/f5 grades making it a perfect day out for beginner climbers to experience a real range of climbs. 

The area is also perfect for more advanced climbers with routes reaching grades of f8B+, making it a perfect spot for a session with a large group of varying abilities. 

The area is easily accessed from Coniston village which is about 20 minutes from Ambleside on the A593. Take the first turn right up the hill after the main road crosses the river in the centre of the village and follow this up the very steep fell road until the tarmac ends.

You can view a complete list of routes around Coniston here: https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/coniston_bouldering-1786 

Farleton Crag

Picture source: www.ukclimbing.com 

A brilliant solid limestone crag but may be getting a bit polished. Located near Farleton village which can be found near Milnthorpe in the South Lakeland district. There are several scenic walks around Farleton Knott, making your approach just as enjoyable! There are 6 documented routes in this area up to V1/f5 grades

The area is also perfect for more advanced climbers with routes reaching grades of V11, making it a perfect spot for a session with a large group of varying abilities. 

The area is easily accessed from Farleton village, and whilst there are no dedicated car parks, there are always plenty of spots to park safely. It is only a short walk of up to 15 minutes from the village to the crag. 

You can view a complete list of routes around Farleton here: https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/farleton_crag-465#overview 

Carrock Fell Crag

Picture source: www.climber.co.uk 

Situated in the Northern Fells, there are well over 20 documented routes in this area up to V1/f5 grades. A word of warning to those with a softer skin, as the rock is rough crystalline, there is a fair chance it will be finger fatigue rather than arm fatigue that causes you to stop. 

As the boulders face East, they tend to catch the sun in the early afternoon, making them perfect for the early afternoon in spring and autumn. In the summer, we recommend waiting until the afternoon unless a bit of heat is your thing!

The area is also perfect for more advanced climbers with routes reaching grades of V13, making it a perfect spot for a session with a large group of varying abilities. 

The area is easily accessed from the road that runs directly below the crag and is just a short 5 minutes walk from the road. 

You can view a complete list of routes at Carrock Fell here: https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/carrock_fell_crag-447 

Eskdale Fisherground

Picture source: www.ukclimbing.com 

Touted as being home to some of the Lakes’ best bouldering, Eskdale Fisherground is a popular and tranquil spot, ideal for all abilities. There are 13 documented routes in this area up to V1/f5 grades. 

The area is also perfect for more advanced climbers with routes reaching grades of f7/C+, making it a perfect spot for a session with a large group of varying abilities. 

The area can be accessed from Eskdale. Park at The Green station on the miniature 'ratty' railway on your LHS. Walk back to the white house and opposite is a public footpath. Follow the footpath which goes through a couple of stiles and curves to the right (less than 5 mins walk).

You can view a complete list of routes at Eskdale Fisherground here: https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/eskdale_fisherground-3628 

Black Crag (Wynrose) 

Picture source: www.keswickmountaineeringclub.com 

A number of the routes have thought provoking levels of protection. A fantastic venue for late/early season, catching any sun that's going. With high elevation, Black Crag boasts incredible views across the surrounding landscape. There are 4 documented routes in this area up to V1/f5 grades. 

The area is also perfect for more advanced climbers with routes reaching grades of V5, making it a perfect spot for a session with a large group of varying abilities. 

The area can be accessed by parking at the summit of Wrynose Pass by the Three Shire Stone. It is then a fairly steady, uphill walk of 20 minutes so make sure you pack smart! 

You can view a complete list of routes at Black Crag here: https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/black_crag_wrynose-350 

Dunnerdale Boulders

Picture source: www.lakesbloc.com 

With a southeasterly orientation, all the sections in this area get plenty of sun and ventilation throughout the day. As a fairly exposed area, it can get cold on more windy days so be sure to bring sensible layers. This does also have the benefit of drying quickly after rain!

The real standout boulders are the Buckstone, Cool Logic Block, Brandy Stone and the Laser Quest Block. There are 5 documented routes in this area up to V1/f5 grades which include routes on the majority of these boulders. 

The area is also perfect for more advanced climbers with routes reaching grades of f7C+, making it a perfect spot for a session with a large group of varying abilities. 

The area can be accessed by parking at Birk Bridge Car Park and continuing on foot across the bridge and on up the large bridleway. The first boulders start a mere 300m from the parking! DO NOT drive up the bridleway

You can view a complete list of routes at Dunnerdale here: https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/dunnerdale_boulders-16639