Can you share your gym recommendations? Please include where the gym is and why you would recommend it.
- Red spider (Fareham - UK) https://spiderclimbing.com/red-spider/
Bouldering-focus. Good size, good settings, not usually overcrowded.
- Kimera Climbing (Gavà - Spain) https://kimeraclimbingbcn.com/
Bouldering-focus. Small, good settings, very cozy and friendly.
- Sharma Climbing Gavà (Gavà - Spain) https://www.sharmaclimbing.com/es/espana/barcelona-gava/
Mix between sport climbing and bouldering, probably leaning more towards sport climbing. Huge - biggest climbing gym in Europe. Usually crowded during peak hours, but opens early and closes late so you can easily avoid them. Great settings, good variety. Other activities in the same place - yoga, fitness, etc.
I know London is big but it still amazes me how many climbing centres there are. Last time I counted it was 33 or so.
I am going to throw Yonder in the mix. It used to be the new kid in town before a lot of other new climbing gyms opened and it felt quite different at the time.
I haven’t been in a while but every time I was there it was great setting with grades that actually match the outdoors and don’t stroke your ego. Also just feels very welcoming. Not that big in comparison to others in town.
Also RIP Hackney Wick Boulder Project. That one just had such an awesome community.
Ahh we do like Yonder too! We met Louis Parkinson there and asked for a selfie 😂 he’s such a nice guy.
Have to warn people about the slide though, it’s a lot steeper than expected and the air in there is filled with the smell of burnt rubber from shoes 😢
I think Louis is basically the mascot for London climbing nowadays :D