Climbing All Year Long - How To Embrace The Seasons
In the British Isles, we’re lucky to have a diverse landscape in a compact area, which combined with our varying weather conditions provide us with unique climbing opportunities throughout the year. From the sun-drenched limestone of England’s south coast, to the wild mountain crags of Eryri, to the sub-arctic climate of the Scottish Highlands, a climber in the UK can be climbing in an entirely different environment within a relatively minimal amount of time. This means we have the gift of being able to adapt our climbing to the seasons, shifting our weekends at the crag to suit the conditions we’ve been dealt
Spring: The Season of Renewal
Spring breathes new life into many of our climbing spots as the damp chill of another long winter starts to dissipate. Spring is an ideal time for visiting the limestone crags in the Wye Valley or the sea cliffs of Pembrokeshire on our doorstep here in Wales, where the rock dries quickly after winter's dampness. Take advantage of the mild temperatures and lengthening days to enjoy more hours at the crag, and venture to some spots where the walk-ins might be a little longer.
Summer: Peak Climbing Adventures
Summer in the UK is perfect for venturing into the higher altitudes of Eryri or tackling the iconic gritstone edges of the Peak District. The long daylight hours allow for extended climbing sessions, so it could even be time to make the long trip north to take on a big adventure like the Cuillin Traverse. The popularity of these spots can lead to crowded routes and car parks though, so plan ahead and don’t be scared to venture to the more esoteric crags. The occasional heatwave may require starting climbs early in the morning to avoid the midday sun, especially with the likes of Peak gritsone, where shade is often hard to come by. Lightweight, breathable clothing and plenty of water are essential!
Autumn: Prime Time for Performance
A good autumn is arguably the best time to climb in the UK, particularly for trying to push your grade or complete a project outdoors. The days are still relatively long and in many parts of Britain the sun will likely make an appearance, but the cooling temperatures provide excellent friction and grip out on the rock. A good bet for Autumn is heading south to the English Riviera, where there are many sun-trap crags around to make the most of the lingering sunshine. The limestone crags on Portland are often dry and pleasant to climb when it seems like the rest of the country is starting to enter an early winter.
Winter: Embrace the Cold
Winter climbing in the UK is famously tough, but incredibly rewarding. The extreme conditions that winter brings to Scotland are perfect for ice climbing and winter mountaineering, where the frozen landscapes of the high mountains provide the ideal setting for character-building adventures! Further south it seems increasingly uncommon for us to have a harsh enough winter to dust off our ice axes, but it does still happen from time to time! Winter climbers in Wales must be poised and ready to take advantage of a cold spell, rushing to the hills as soon as the turf is frozen. For most, winter is the ideal time to head back into indoor climbing hibernation and get training, ready to tackle the outdoors again when the rain and wind let up.
The UK's climbing scene is vibrant and varied, offering something for every climber in every season. By understanding the seasonal variations and choosing the right locations and gear, us climbers can enjoy year-round adventures in some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet!
Share your stories and suggest your favourite spots to spend each season in the comments!