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The Ultimate UK Bouldering Road Trip: Peak to Coast

Sheffield grit, Dorset limestone, and North Wales slate — one week, three rock types, zero rest days. Sort of.

The idea

One week. Three rock types. Start on grit because that’s home, then chase different movement so you don’t spend the whole year campus-boarding your way up the same Staffordshire sloper.

Days 1–2 — Peak District

Base in Leek or Sheffield. Roaches / Ramshaw if it’s cold and dry; Stanage Plantation if you want the famous circuit. Wet? Peak Climbing Wall or The Climbing Works. Don’t force greasy grit. That’s how you learn nothing and trash your skin.

Days 3–4 — Dorset limestone

Drive south. Swanage / the coast for a complete change of rock: steeper, more gymnastic, less “stand on a pebble and pray.” Pack the same pad. The landings are friendlier; the pump is not.

Days 5–7 — North Wales slate

Slate is a head game. Bring shoes that still edge. Rest is a cafe in Llanberis, not a rest-day hangboard. Then home via whoever is still speaking to you.

Kit that earns its seat

One full pad, one slider if you own it, a pair of shoes that work on grit and plastic, and chalk you trust when the sea air turns everything to soup.