Climbing

Nidderdale National Landscape’s unique geology and dramatic natural landscape make it a superb location for rock climbing.

Nidderdale National Landscape hosts a wide variety of different rock climbing locations and climbing routes within a relatively small area of the Yorkshire Dales. Wherever you choose to climb, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views of the Yorkshire countryside.

Brimham Rocks

Most well known for climbing in Nidderdale is Brimham Rocks, on the hills between Pateley Bridge and Ripon. This collection of amazing rock formations carved into the millstone grit is a fabulous outdoor playground with the most varied rock climbing on offer in Yorkshire. It suits a wide range of grades from beginner to expert.

Slipstone Crags

Popular with rock climbers, Slipstone Crags is in Colsterdale. Tucked away on the edge of the moors, these millstone grit crags are about eight metres high. But looks can be deceiving – these crags host numerous rock climbing routes and boulder problems!

New to climbing?

If you’d like to learn some basic climbing techniques How Stean Gorge in Upper Nidderdale is a great place to start. The gorge is a limestone ravine, and a climbing route has been specially designed up the walls of the gorge. Working with the Harrogate Climbing centre (who host an indoor climbing wall if the weather is really bad!) How Stean Gorge provides climbing sessions for all ages and abilities.

** Please note that the tourism information on this website is designed to provide an overview of opportunities in the area. The Nidderdale National Landscape team do not have the facilities or resources to deal with individual tourism enquiries and these should be directed to the tourist information office at Nidderdale Plus or one of the other local Tourist Information Centres.