As you may see when browsing Instagram, Facebook or other social media, there’s seemingly a huge variety in what climbers get up to, and what kit they’re carrying round! Some will be dressed as if they’re going for a quick gym workout, others will have ropes and harnesses, and some might even have full hillwalking backbacks, full of shiny bits of metal, cord and other devices.

The three varieties that have just been described are perhaps better known as Bouldering, Sport Climbing and Traditional Climbing. If you want to know a little more about them, and see some photos, select them from the drop-down menu at the top or click the links in this paragraph.

You don’t have to pick one and stick to it – many of us take part in some or all of them, whilst we have our preferences at which ones we want to get really good at, it’s still a very social activity and all varieties of climber are welcome in the club!