Outdoor bouldering near Preston
Preston is well located when it comes to accessing a range of quality bouldering areas if willing and able to drive for up to an hour. To the North there are several limestone venues which can offer good bouldering into the summer months. There are good gritstone outcrops within reach, and then the quarried gritstone which has a charm all of its own. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Photo credits: Pete Wilkinson and Boulder UK Staff
1. Craig y Longridge
If you like getting pumped this is the place for you! Mega traverses complemented by newer up problems on quarried grit. Bought by the BMC to preserve it as a quality bouldering venue – the access rules are for the benefit of the neighbouring houses, please respect them.
2. Thorn Crag
High quality gritstone in a wild setting, one to visit once you have a little bit of experience outdoors to reap the full benefits. Strictly NO DOGS and park carefully as access problems have been caused previously.
3. Brownstones Quarry
Great bouldering on quarried grit where strong fingers and precise footwork will pay dividends. Can get hot and midgey in summer but dries quickly after rain. More bouldering nearby in the Wilton quarries, which are owned or managed by the BMC.
4. Fairy Steps
Fantastic limestone bouldering and highballs in a woodland setting. Access is not officially permitted, and you may be asked to leave – if asked please do so politely. Keep an eye out for hobbits and other woodland creatures.
5. Widdop
Cross border raiding at its finest on gritstone of the highest quality. Check restrictions for nesting birds and don’t let the wild setting fool you – car break ins can be a problem, leave nothing on display. The bouldering is outstanding though.
6. Newbiggin
Cracking limestone bouldering in a beautiful setting, with other useful venues close by.
7. Blackstone Edge
Gritstone right on the edge of civilisation (i.e the Yorkshire border) which is well worth the effort of getting to.
8. Trowbarrow – Red Wall
Slippery and polished yet strangely alluring – an old school venue based on traverses which often remain dry in the rain.
Further afield and notable additions
There’s plenty to go at in this list, but for the adventurous many of these venues have more to offer nearby. To the limestone of Newbiggin can be added Hutton Roof and Farleton Crags, to Trowbarrow there are the Woodwell crags, and Warton Pinnacle is worth a visit.
For the gritstone season, it cannot be denied that sneaking into Yorkshire opens up some fantastic venues such as Earl Crag. Further again are many more quality Yorkshire venues and as your horizons expand, you’ll have the rough mountain rock of the Lake District and North Wales to explore.
Go forth and enjoy but don’t forget to be safe and responsible when bouldering outside!