There are hundreds of great places to go climbing worldwide, but where are those gems that climbers in the know head to? Here we reveals some of the best destinations for climbers.
Red River Gorge, Kentucky, USA
Located in Stanton, Red River Gorge climbing is truly amazing. It is a sport climbing heaven with permanent anchors and bolts so that climbers of all abilities can enjoy spending time here. It is also a place where you will easily meet like-minded people so you can enjoy the social side of climbing as much as the sport side of climbing.
Otter Cliff, Maine, USA
Another American dream for climbers, the 110ft cliff in Acadia National Park has a wide variety of routes and easy accessibility.
It is actually a sea cliff and climbers should look out for the buoy that marks the “Spindle,” which is a rock formation often hidden by the waves
Gibraltar Rock, California, USA
Another American hotspot for rock climbers, Gibraltar Rock in in Santa Barbara has multiple crags on the south face. These are perfect for single pitch climbs and range from easy to challenging. You can also enjoy some superb views at the top of each climb.
El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California
No top list of climbing spots should exclude El Capitan, although the imposing cliff face is a tough climb for even the most expert of climbers. Simply looking up at the 3000ft will leave you in no doubt that you need to be an excellent climber and have a head for extreme heights.
Skaha Bluffs, Canada
Another great place to climb is Skaha Bluffs in British Columbia. There are numerous crags with numerous different climbs so that you can enjoy a trip here with a mixed ability group of friends.
Dumbarton Rock, Scotland
Scotland is a climbing Mecca with many fantastic rock climbs, especially those on the north face of Ben Nevis. However, Dumbarton Rock, near Glasgow, is one of the most famous.
The basalt crag cannot be described as beautiful but it does have an impressive climbing claim to fame. The Rock has been home to Scotland’s hardest trad route on not one, but two occasions: Requiem in 1983 and then Rhapsody in 2006.
The Frankenjura, Germany
The Frankenjura area in Bavaria is a great place for climbers who are looking for a scenic challenge. There are 8000 routes, including those that are described as easy right through to very strenuous routes.
Railay Beach, Thailand
Railay is a small peninsula between the cities of Krabi and Ao Nang in Krabi. You need to take a boat to reach the incredible limestone cliffs, where you can climb above a deep blue sea. Climbers of all abilities will enjoy this location and there are also bolted routes for those who like the added security.
Kalymnos Island, Greece
Kalymnos in the Dodecanese Islands is known to be one of the greatest sport climbing destinations in the world. The rouses are bolted and the cliffs have so many different routes to attempt you will never run out of challenges.
Costa Blanca, Spain
Another European favourite, Costa Blance in Alicante Spain boast superb limestone cliffs overhanging white sandy beaches and the Mediterranean Sea. This area is a climbing paradise with sea cliffs, crags and canyons to enjoy.
Wharepapa South, New Zealand
There are claimed to be more than 800 routes at this climbing Mecca on North Island. And, apparently, the sun is always shining. Why not go and see for yourself…
