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Guidebooks

There are two definitive guides to Northumberland climbing:

Northumberland Climbing Guide (2004):

Covers: Back Bowden, Berryhill, Bowden, Callaly, Callerhues, Coe, Coquet View, Corby's, Crag Lough, Curtis, Drake Stone, East Woodburn, Goats, Great Wanney, Harehope Canyon, Henhole, Howlerhirst, Jack Rock, Kyloe In, Kyloe out, Linshiels One, Linshiels Three, Padda, Peel, Queens, Ravensheugh, Rothley, Sandy, Selby's, Simonside, South yardhope, Thrunton, Whiteheugh, Wolf, Minor Crags section.

Northumberland Bouldering Guide (2000):

Covers: Back Bowden, Berryhill, Bowden, Caller, Corby's, Doveholes, Goats, Heckley, Hepburn, Jesmond Dene, Kyloe In, Kyloe out, Oxen Wood, Raven's Crag, Rothley, Shaftoe, Simonside and Ravensheugh

Climbing Walls

  • Berghaus Wall, Newcastle
    Part of a sports centre (Eldon Leisure) in the City Centre, the Berghaus Wall is an old style Bendcrete bouldering wall. It has however stood the test of time and is still popular.
    Bouldering:
    Routes:
    Cost: £3.30 peak, £2.70 off-peak.
    Getting there: The Berghaus wall is located in Eldon Leisure on the top floor of Eldon Square. Eldon Square is a large shopping centre in Newcastle city centre and is easiest to reach by metro.
    Nearest Metro: Monument

  • Sunderland Climbing Centre, Sunderland
    Dedicated centre with a 23 metre lead wall. All flat panels. Well set and varied bouldering wall. Adequate facilities.
    Bouldering:
    Routes:
    Cost: £7 adults, £6 concession, £5 juniors (membership options available). Off peak before 3:30pm £1 cheaper.
    Getting there: The wall is situated on the south bank of the river Weir. Half a mile west of the Queen Alexandria Bridge is a commercial estate including Matalan and Pallion metro station, turn at the roundabout and continue down the bank to pick up signs for the wall.
    Nearest Metro: Pallion
    www.sunderlandwall.co.uk

  • Rockantics, Newton Aycliffe
    Dedicated wall forming part of a larger leisure centre. Varied walls comprising of both flat panels and features. Excellent top roping and friendly staff.
    Bouldering:
    Routes:
    Cost: £6.50 adults, £5 concession, £4 juniors ( membership £5)
    Getting there: Head to Newton Aycliffe town centre and follow signs for the leisure centre.
    Nearest Metro: Pallion
    www.rockantics.co.uk

  • Concordia Leisure Centre, Cramlington
    10 metre lead wall with a small variety of angles. Unfortunately routes are rarely changed.
    Bouldering:
    Routes:
    Getting there: Head for Cramlington town centre and follow signs for the leisure centre.

  • Whickham Thorns Boulder
    Outdoor boulder in a park near to Gateshead's Metro Centre. Can be pleasant on a summer's afternoon.
    Bouldering:
    Routes:
    Cost: Free
    Turn off the A1 for Dunston, turning right at the junction towards Dunston Hill. Turn right on the entrance to Dunston Hill and the centre is on the right.
    Dedicated station at Metro Centre on local mainline. Trains from Newcastle Central Station.

Summer Shade

Northumberland's top secret is that you can climb here all year round at any grade you like. You just have to know where to go. Here are some venues for summer shade and their aspect:

Rest Day Activities


Want to make the most of your rest day? Or make your trip into a family holiday? Here's a guide to some great places to visit in the area..
  • Bamburgh Castle
    Bamburgh was the first castle to come under fire from cannons and has been restored many times in its history. Today it stands proud on the coastline and contains a museum detailing its history. Can be combined with the excellent beach to its south. Admission: Adult £6, Concession £5, Child £2.50.
    Entertainment:
    Family:
    Website

  • Hadrian's Wall:
    Hadrian's Wall was constructed in the 2nd century AD under orders from roman emporer Hadrian. Today, museums, forts and ruins are found along its length. Of particluar note are the areas near to Queen's Crag (named after the King Arthur's queen) and Crag Lough (where the famous tree from the film Robin Hood stands).
    Entertainment:
    Family:
    Website

  • The Farne Islands:
    One of the most affluent bird sanctuaries in the UK and home to a large colony of grey seals, a short boat ride will take you around this unspoilt island. Boat trips cost from £12 for adults and £8 for children.
    Entertainment:
    Family:
    Website

  • Seahouses:
    A traditional fishing village, Seahouses is an excellent place to stop for fish and chips. Enjoy excellent views out to the Farne islands, take a walk through the shops or take in a round of crazy golf.
    Entertainment:
    Family:
    Website

  • Newcastle City Centre:
    Going for a night out in newcastle was recently voted the number 1 thing to do on a visit to britain - if you haven't been yet, you are less than an hour away. Alternatively spend a day with the family at one of the cities museums or on a stroll past the bridges of the quayside.
    Entertainment:
    Family:
    Website


Venues