There are some magnificent places to go rock climbing all over the world. These places aren’t necessarily high mountains or rocky cliffs. The places to go rock climbing vary in terrain and the expertise required but all offer an amazing experience.
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1. Old Man of Hoy, Scotland
Scotland has many brilliant places to go rock climbing but one of its most famed locations is actually on one of its flattest islands – Hoy, in the Orkney Islands. The Old Man of Hoy is an iconic sea stack standing just offshore from some of the highest cliffs in Great Britain. It took until 1966 for the first person to scale the stack, which stands 450 foot tall, and these days you need to be an experienced climber to tackle it.
2. Perito Moreno Glacier, Agentina
The Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate in Argentina must surely be one of the most spectacular rock climbing locations in the world. The climb is 65 feet of sheer ice wall – although you’re allowed to abseil back down again. Perito Moreno is one of the few glaciers that is not retreating and if you aren’t a rock climber, you might fancy the ice trek instead. Walk for 5 hours getting acquainted with the fissures and peaks of the glacier and depending on conditions, you may be able to see the ice caverns formed by the lake underneath.
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3. Stok Kangri, India
Rock climbing in the Himalayas usually means technical climbs for experts. However, Stok Kangri is achievable and is probably the highest point on the planet non-professional mountaineers can reach. Take some time get acclimatized and then take a 4-5 day trek up to 19,600+ feet to enjoy spectacular views of K2 (the world’s 2nd highest mountain) and the sheer awesomeness of the Himalayas.
4. Corti, Corsica
The French Island of Corsica in the Mediterranean has some incredible landscapes. There are various places to go rock climbing in Corsica but the most popular is Corti, or Corte. The main attraction of this area of central Corsica is the Gorges de la Restonica – a stunning river valley filled with low and high crags that stretches for 6 miles. The granite rock faces provide sport for all abilities.
5. Yosemite National Park, USA
One of the most famous locations for rock climbing in the USA is the wonderfully scenic Yosemite National Park in California. Dominated by the huge granite walls of El Capitan, Sentinel and Half Dome, the climbing here suits all comers. El Capitan is the star; standing at 1000 meters (3300 feet), it is the largest continuous wall in the US. There are plenty of smaller walls around the 150m/500 foot height.
6. The Dolomites, Italy
The craggy, sharp, vertical peaks of the Dolomites tower 3,000m/10,000 feet from picturesque alpine meadows just south of the Italian/Austrian border. What makes this one of the best European locations for rock climbing is that the climb's walls are generally a short trek from the starting point, meaning more time is spent climbing than hiking there, and most can be tackled in a day without the need for overnight stays. The area stretches for about 50 miles in the Northeast of Italy.
7. Banff National Park, Canada
Mount Temple towers over the lovely tourist town of Lake Louise in Canada’s Banff National Park. The North Face of the mountain is known as the Eiger of the Rockies because it is as big and as serious as that famous European mountain. The other faces, however, are less challenging and more accessible. The South West Route is probably the easiest and is known for its scrambling.
8. Mount Buffalo, Australia
Offering the tallest routes in the country, Mount Buffalo is one of the premier places for rock climbing in Australia. This is an Alpine area so you can expect the same conditions as the European Alps and US Rockies, even if the scenery isn’t quite the same. Mount Buffalo is quite a challenging climb and shouldn’t be attempted without someone who knows the area well.
9. Laguna Toncek, Argentina
Located at 1,700 meters (5,500 feet) above sea level, the glorious and beautiful Laguna Toncek is in the Patagonian region of Argentina. One of the most striking sights and climbs are the jagged granite spires of Cerro Cathedral. This mountain together with M2, La Vieja, Campnile, Cohete Lunar, Aguja Frey and others provide faces, slabs and cracks for excellent climbs. After a day’s tough climb you can cool off with a dip in Lake Toncek.
10. Taghia Gorge, Morocco
One of the best places for rock climbing in Africa is the Taghia Gorge in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Climbing in Morocco is still under-developed, so even just getting to the sites is part of the adventure. The village of Taghia is located at 1,900m (6,200 feet) above sea level and is so remote that the best way to get there, other than a very long hike, is with a 4x4 vehicle. It is surrounded by overhanging red limestone walls and peaks that offer excellent climbs.
This is just a very small selection of the fabulous places to go rock climbing around the world. It’s a great sport if you have a head for heights and as well as the challenge, gives you some incredible views. Where are your favorite places to climb?
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