WCS23 is just around the corner. Many of you are travelling quite a distance to attend this year's Women's Climbing
Symposium (some internationally!) and we're so glad that you are - we can't wait to see you there!
To help you plan your WCS23 weekend we chatted to local members of the women's climbing community for the beta on where to stay, climb, get a brew...all the most important things of course!
In the first of our series, The Climbing Hangar marketing team member, Megan Murray, kicks us off with her recommendations for Liverpool and beyond!
Megan Murray
crediton, liverpool
marketing executive, The climbing hangar
LOGISTICS:
Eat:
I’m a huge foodie and, aside from the amazing food at The Hangar café (including pizzas, toasties, cakes and so much more), Liverpool is home to some incredible independent restaurants. If you’re staying in the city centre you will find some gems like Maray, Mowgli and Rudy’s on Bold Street, or the Baltic Market in the Baltic Triangle area if you’re a fan
of street food. I would also recommend exploring the Sefton Park area, specifically up Lark Lane, home to places like Minna, Press Bros., The Bookbinder, Hafla Hafla, and Lunko Bakery. For veggies and vegans, Sanskruti, near Moorfields train station is incredible.
Booking is highly recommended for all restaurants in Liverpool, especially on the weekend.
Stay:
The Climbing Hangar Liverpool Sandhills is very well connected by public transport to the city centre so I would recommend looking for accommodation in the city centre so you can explore the best of everything else Liverpool has to offer (other than amazing climbing). Sandhills train station (which is a 5-minute walk from The Hangar) is one stop from Moorfields and two stops from Liverpool Central station.
A post WCS drink:
Again, I’d recommend heading back into town for a drink, the Ropewalks area in town is full of bars, pubs and even clubs to suit any taste, and just a 2-minute walk from Liverpool Central station. The Merchant, L’Aperitivo and Le Petit Café are my personal favourites.
CLIMBING:
Liverpool is well-situated to access 3 national parks within a 90-minute drive. This gives you the best opportunity to choose the best climbing based on weather and style.
The Merseyside area is home to a few urban crags which have been the training ground for climbing legends. However, they can be an acquired taste.
Sport:
There are loads of limestone gems that are accessible along the A55 into Wales.
Trad:
The western edges of the Peak District (Macclesfield and Staffordshire) offer some amazing single pitch grit classics.
Bouldering:
The Ogwen Valley is a little further to travel but has some incredible bouldering with some of the best views. There’s a wide variety of crags whether you want something close to the car park or secluded and quiet.
IN CASE OF WET WEATHER:
Gear shops:
The Climbing Hangar has a pretty good gear shop for shoes, clothes, bouldering pads, chalk bags and chalk but there are some bigger chain shops around the city centre like Cotswold (Hangar members can get 15% off in Liverpool), Ellis Brigham, and Decathlon.
Walls:
We have another centre in South Liverpool, The Climbing Hangar Matchworks, that is always worth a visit, it has recently been renovated and extended to include a training area with a gym and kilter board.
If you’re more into rope climbing, Awesome Walls is around the corner from Hangar Sandhills, and The Boardroom in Deeside (about 45 minutes from Liverpool) is a great option.
Places to get a brew:
I’m biased, but The Hangar Café is always popular with lots of people, wider than the climbing community. But again, the same areas I mentioned above, Bold Street and Lark Lane, have loads of nice coffee shops. Bold Street Coffee is a super popular option in the city centre.
DON'T MISS:
Sefton Park is a must-visit if you fancy a Sunday morning walk after the event to stretch your legs, make sure to pop into the Palm House. The Albert Dock is also agreat place to explore, but make sure you take a coat as it can be very windy!
Thank you so much Megan! Keep an eye out for her...she may be challenging you to climb a table at WCS23!
