If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for a new challenge, rock climbing and bouldering in Cornwall is a must-try experience. With its rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs, Cornwall offers a range of rock climbing and bouldering opportunities for all skill levels. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the top 20 rock climbing and bouldering destinations in Cornwall.
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Bosigran
Bosigran is one of the most popular destinations for rock climbers in Cornwall, thanks to its challenging granite cliffs and stunning sea views. With over 100 routes to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult, there is something for every skill level. The dramatic landscape of Bosigran, combined with its natural beauty, makes it a unique and unforgettable experience for climbers. With experienced instructors and top-quality equipment available, climbers can feel safe and secure as they scale the heights and take in the breathtaking views.
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Chair Ladder
Chair Ladder is another popular destination for rock climbers in Cornwall. With its towering cliffs and stunning sea views, it’s a great spot for experienced climbers looking for a challenge. Located on the southern coast of the Penwith Peninsula, Chair Ladder offers a range of granite climbs for experienced climbers. The cliffs here can be up to 60 meters high and the routes range from moderate to extremely difficult. With its stunning sea views and challenging climbs, Chair Ladder is a must-visit destination for any experienced climber in Cornwall.
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Carn Gowla
Carn Gowla is a secluded and lesser-known destination for rock climbing enthusiasts in Cornwall, offering a range of challenging climbs suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, you can find a route that’s just right for you at Carn Gowla.
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Sennen
Sennen, located in the far west of Cornwall, is a popular destination for rock climbers and boulderers alike. Its stunning granite cliffs and challenging routes attract climbers of all skill levels from around the world. The area offers a wide variety of climbing opportunities, from classic multi-pitch routes to sea cliffs and bouldering. For beginners, Sennen offers a variety of easy routes to choose from, making it a great spot to get started on your climbing journey. The area is also known for its beautiful beaches and stunning sea views, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Pentire Head
Pentire Head is a must-visit destination for both novice and experienced rock climbers. It offers a variety of granite boulders to climb, making it a fantastic spot for boulderers of all skill levels. For the more advanced climbers, Pentire Head provides a range of challenging routes that offer stunning sea views and a thrilling experience. The combination of breathtaking scenery and exciting climbing opportunities makes Pentire Head a popular choice among Cornwall’s climbing community.
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Carn Kenidjack
Carn Kenidjack is a well-known destination among boulderers and climbers alike, offering a diverse range of granite boulders and cliffs to explore. The site boasts numerous climbing routes of varying difficulty levels, making it an excellent location for climbers of all skill levels. For the more experienced climber, the area’s stunning sea views and challenging routes are a true test of skill and endurance, while the boulderer can enjoy the unique challenges of the numerous granite boulders on offer. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or just starting out, Carn Kenidjack has something for everyone.
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Tintagel Head
Tintagel Head is one of the most iconic locations in Cornwall and also a popular destination for rock climbers and boulderers. It boasts a wide range of granite boulders to climb, with different sizes and difficulty levels to cater to all skill levels. For experienced climbers, there are also challenging routes to tackle, with breathtaking views of the rugged coastline as a reward. The unique landscape and rich history of Tintagel Head make it an unforgettable spot for both climbing and sightseeing.
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Hayle Towans
Hayle Towans is a beloved destination for boulderers, thanks to its impressive granite boulders perfect for climbing. For more experienced climbers, there are several challenging routes available, while beginners can enjoy the easy-to-moderate routes. With stunning views of the coastline and plenty of space to practice, Hayle Towans is a must-visit for anyone interested in rock climbing in Cornwall.
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Carn Brea
Carn Brea, with its towering granite cliffs and unique features, is a sought-after destination for rock climbers. The crags offer a range of challenging climbs that will test even the most experienced climbers. In addition to climbing, Carn Brea is also a great spot for boulderers, with a variety of granite boulders scattered across the area. With something for climbers of all levels, Carn Brea is definitely worth a visit.
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Cheesewring Quarry
Cheesewring Quarry is a mecca for climbers and boulderers, with its challenging and varied routes, all while offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It’s the perfect location for both beginners and experts, with a range of difficulty levels available for both climbing and bouldering.
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Gurnard’s Head
Gurnard’s Head is a top destination for rock climbing in Cornwall, with a variety of challenging granite cliffs to scale. Climbers of all skill levels will find something to suit them here, from easy routes to challenging overhangs. The stunning sea views and rugged coastline make this spot even more spectacular. Gurnard’s Head is also a popular destination for boulderers, with a range of granite boulders to climb.
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Lizard Point
Lizard Point is a popular destination for rock climbers and boulderers, offering breathtaking views of the sea and unique granite formations to climb. The area features a variety of routes, ranging from easy to challenging, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced climbers. The rugged coastline provides the perfect backdrop for boulderers to test their skills and explore the striking cliffs, while climbers can tackle the challenging routes and take in the stunning views of the sea. The area is also home to a range of wildlife, from seals and dolphins to rare bird species, providing a unique and unforgettable experience for climbers and boulderers alike.
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Porthgwarra
Porthgwarra is a stunning location for rock climbing and bouldering, with its picturesque surroundings and challenging routes. With its steep cliffs and stunning sea views, it’s a popular destination for climbers of all levels. The area has a variety of routes for climbers to choose from, ranging from easy to hard, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced climbers. The granite boulders are also perfect for bouldering, with a range of interesting shapes and sizes to challenge climbers.
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Carn Barra
Carn Barra is a popular spot for climbers, with a range of granite cliffs to climb. It’s also a great spot for boulderers, with over 150 problems to solve. The area is located on the north coast of Cornwall, near St. Agnes, and offers stunning views of the ocean. The granite is known for its rough texture, which provides excellent grip for climbers. The area is suitable for all skill levels, with routes ranging from easy to challenging.
There are a few different areas to climb at Carn Barra, including the main quarry, the Crag Lough area, and the Traverses area. The main quarry has a range of routes, with grades ranging from V0 to V8. The Crag Lough area is known for its beautiful views, and has a variety of routes with grades ranging from V0 to V5. The Traverses area is great for bouldering, with a variety of problems to solve.
Carn Barra is easily accessible and has plenty of parking available. It’s a great spot to spend a day climbing or bouldering, and is suitable for all skill levels. Make sure to bring your own equipment, including a crash pad for bouldering.
Overall, Carn Barra is a must-visit spot for rock climbers and boulderers in Cornwall. With its stunning views and challenging routes, it’s sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Just be sure to climb safely and follow all safety guidelines.
In conclusion, Cornwall is a paradise for rock climbers and boulderers with its diverse landscape and scenic beauty. From rugged cliffs to stunning sea cliffs, Cornwall offers something for every level of climber. We hope this list has helped you find some inspiration and plan your next climbing adventure in Cornwall. Don’t forget to check the weather conditions and climb safely with proper equipment and training. So, grab your gear and head out to explore the breathtaking cliffs and boulders of Cornwall!
