If you are in and around the Steel City, then you know that there are many opportunities to go outside. Even so, when bouldering Sheffield-wide is restricted due to the weather, then you will want to head indoors.
Luckily for you, Sheffield bouldering gyms are second to none. There are plenty of options and you will always find something to suit your needs. Even if the weather is good, you may find yourself heading indoors due to the quality on offer here!
You’ll find that all of the gyms cater to all types of boulderers. From beginners to those who are focused on specific training and are more advanced.
List of Bouldering Gyms in Sheffield
In the following section, we will list all of the bouldering gyms in Sheffield. We’ll provide you with the key information, what each gym offers and our verdict. Of course, you should try a few of them for yourself, before you settle on a favourite. We can honestly say that they are all very good options.
The Depot Climbing Centre, Sheffield
Address:
232 Woodburn Road,
Sheffield,
South Yorkshire,
S9 3LQ
Opening Times:
Mo – Fr : 10:00 – 22:00
Sa – Su : 09:00 – 21:00
Website: www.theclimbingdepot.co.uk/sheffield
Verdict – Our Favourite
This is a huge bouldering gym and one of the best that Sheffield has to offer, if not the UK. It opened in April 2019 and has of 1000m² of climbing space. The problems are graded from VO all the way to V11+, so there is plenty for everyone. They also have two French graded circuits graded 6a to 8b+/8c.
A fun little fact is that they boast to have the most variety of hold manufacturers than any other wall. This means that you will always feel like you are climbing something different. The training section here is also very nicely done, with campus boards, Moon Boards and more.
The transport links are also a plus, with it being located just off the Sheffield Parkway, and the centre of the city just 10 mins away. The tram link is also very convenient. Overall it is a top-end gym.
The Climbing Works
Address:
Unit B,
Centenary Works,
Little London Road,
Sheffield, S8 0UJ
Opening Times:
Mo – Fr : 10:00 – 22:00
Sa – Su : 10:00 – 20:00
Website: www.theclimbingworks.com
Verdict – Great for Everyone
This is one of the longest-running bouldering gyms in Sheffield. With 1500m² over two buildings, there is a lot of room. In 2013 ‘the mini-works’ was an expansion opened in 2013, which allows younger children to learn to climb in a safer environment and is a great option for families.
There are over 12+ graded circuits, which have upwards of 20 problems each. These are then changed on a rolling basis throughout the year. One thing that sets this wall out from the rest is the comp wall. With 25-40 problems that are changed every month in the winter, it provides a great training opportunity for comp climbers.
It is listed as a ‘National Performance Centre’, and is a wall of international significance. It really is a great option for all types of boulderers.
The Foundry Climbing Centre
Address:
Unit 2, 45 Mowbray Street
Sheffield
S3 8EN
Opening Times:
Mo – Fr : 10:00 – 22:00
Sa – Su : 10:00 – 20:00
Website: www.foundryclimbing.com
Verdict – A Classic
Bouldering Sheffield-wide, and even world over, owes a lot to the Foundry. It opened in 1991 and was the brainchild of Jerry Moffatt and Paul Reeve. We will focus on the bouldering section here, but there is also lead and top rope sections.
The wall is well known amongst expert-climbers, and it is unique in that it is a resin wall. This leads to unique shapes and setting and is different from most modern-day gyms. It can be seen as restrictive in the way routes are set, but the setters here have got it down perfectly. If you are looking for your inside gym to replicate the outdoors, then this is your choice!
The routes are technical and require good strength, with 70-80 problems graded from 5 – to 7c+. There is also a great training area. Overall, this is one of the absolute classics in the bouldering community and is good for more experienced climbers.
Amewome Walls Sheffield
Address:
Garter Street,
Sheffield,
S4 7QX
Opening Times:
Mo – Fr : 10:00 – 22:00
Sa – Su : 10:00 – 20:00
Website: www.awesomewalls.info/sheffield/
Verdict – Better for Rope Climbing
Part of the Awesome Walls franchise, the Sheffield variations is a top climbing centre. It boasts over 230+ climbing routes and 2000m²of climbing. If you are into the roped variation, you won’t find much better than this gym.
In terms of bouldering, it is not the best, but they still provide over 60+ problems for you to have a go on. The centre is regarded as one of the best for climbing for a reason, even so, if it is bouldering you are looking for then we advise you to go elsewhere.
The Matrix
Address:
Sport Sheffield
Goodwin Sports Centre
Northumberland Road
Sheffield
S10 2TY
Opening Times:
Mo – Fr : 07:00 – 22:00
Sa – Su : 08:00 – 18:00
Website: www.sport-sheffield.com/bouldering-wall
Verdict – Top For Students
The final bouldering option in Sheffield is the Matrix – part of the University of Sheffield’s Goodwin Sports Centre. The walls are moulded from fibreglass, to mimic real rock. Unless the setters do a great job this can really limit the types of climbs that you can find.
It opened in 2002, and probably hasn’t seen many upgrades since then! It’s also quite small in comparison to some gyms. The problems are generally reset every 6 weeks, but this is even longer when there is a semester break. For members of the public, there are better options, however, it is relatively cheap. Students will get a further discount, so this would be a top choice for them.
Great Choice for Bouldering in Sheffield
Unlike some other cities around the world, Sheffield boasts a great number of options. In comparison to the bouldering gyms we have reviewed, you can see that there is plenty of quality on offer. So no matter what you are looking for, you will find your needs are looked after.
It is difficult to create a ranked list, as here at TopBouldering, we loved them all! So go and have a try for yourselves!