Lakeland Bouldering Curiosa: A Guide to the 20 Best Esoteric central Lakeland & South Lakes Limestone Boulder Problems.

Warning: This information is not for those climbers who enjoy well trodden, well documented, easily accessible, compact, roadside bouldering areas. If on the other hand you fancy combining a gentle stroll, in some of Britain's most beautiful countryside, with some top class bouldering on stunning lines then read on…


With spring upon us and summer not too far away, this short piece of writing, and subsequent “Tick List”, is designed to be used in combination with the Rockfax Lakes Bouldering guide, the information on the LakesBloc website and the interactive map below, to get you off the beaten track, and to seek out some of the best boulder problems central Lakeland and the South Lakes limestone has to offer.

The author enjoying Cove Traverse (V3/6b), Fleswick Bay, St. Bees Head.


Mike Binks makes ready for the tough move across into Right Y Crack (V6/6c+) Eskdale Granite Circuit.


Nick Clement praying for 3 seconds more cohesion on the awesome Voodoo People (V8/7b) Warton Pinnacle Crag.


Most of the lines described here are secreted high on Lakeland fells, barren calcareous hilltops, remote coastal inlets or dense deciduous woodland. Consequently these hidden and/or far-flung destinations bestow, on the intrepid explorer, a wondrous feel of isolation and oneness with the surroundings, which in my view enhances un-quantifiably the overall climbing experience.

The list is aimed at the competent/serious mid to higher level boulderer - as these are usually the only sorts who are sad enough to love lists, and the ensuing debates and arguments of the contents therein - so I apologies if the suggestions look a little elitist. If you you would like a similar list containing a higher concentration of lower grade climbs, please feel free to comment below this article.

Interactive Map




Use the interactive map above to locate all the problems on the list. The first person to send us pictures of themselves on all the suggested problems (you don't even have to climb them!) wins a crash pad...

DOWNLOAD THE "20 BEST ESOTERIC LAKELAND BOULDER PROBLEMS" TICK LIST HERE