Outdoor Bouldering in the Wye Valley & Forest of Dean?

You may have visited one of the rock climbing walls in and around Gloucestershire like The Warehouse in Gloucester or Boulders in Cheltenham and wondered… is there any good bouldering in the Wye Valley or Forest of Dean, England?

Well you will be glad to know, there is LOTs of good bouldering in the area!

To start with, the Forest and Wye Valley are areas of outstanding beauty, with a wealth of beautiful features. From an old castle, to a Royal forest and the activity ridden River Wye. These ancient rolling forest hills contain old colleries from the coal and iron mining era, man made lakes and host many activities from mountain biking, running and walking, canoeing and of course rock climbing and bouldering.

Let’s get back to the bouldering shall we? Well, if you are after Fontainebleau style sandstone boulders then we have it. Limestone cave climbing is more your thing? we have it! Esoteric bouldering in the Forest tickle your fancy? then the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley can offer it all.

From short walk-ins, to a full day out exploring quiet woods, there is something for everybody to enjoy, from beginner boulderers to climbing wads. And that is what makes this area and it’s bouldering developement cool, we are beginner friendly with lots of easy bouldering problems ranging from f3+.

Beginners need not stay in the climbing or bouldering walls. Save your money, stick on some old clothes and head out to 3 Rocks for example, where you will find lots of easy and lowball bouldering problems to try out. Bouldering matts/crash pads can be found as cheap as £126 at Go Outdoors in Gloucester, just remember your climbing shoes, chalk bag and an old towel to wipe you shoes before tries.

Indoor climbing is a massive commercial machine nowadays, and sadly the focus is often on it being the only route to start rock climbing. This is simply not true. The outdoors is very climber friendly and with a few bits of kit, no more expensive than a day out at a theme park, you can enjoy magical moments in the Forest. From spotting wild deer to purple beatles, maybe even the odd wild boar! Outdoor climbing brings the complete experience…