WCS25: sheffield Beta

We can't believe WCS25 is just around the corner. Many of you are travelling quite a distance to attend this year's Women's Climbing Symposium and we want to share some resources to make sure you get the most out of your visit to The Outdoor City.

To help you plan your WCS25 weekend we chatted to local members of the women's climbing community for the beta on where to eat, stay, climb, eat some more...

In the first of our series, TCH Sheffield's Gee Barker shares her recommendations for (lots of!) places to eat and what not to miss in Sheffield!

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GEE barker

sheffield

deputy general manager,

tch sheffield

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LOGISTICS:

Eat:

Sheffield has food options for all pockets of vibe. In the centre you'll find small plates, fancy cocktails - anything really! We have several food courts; Leah's Yard is the biggest, with food from all over the world. My friend has also just opened an amazing vegan cafe called Puck & Pollen on Abbeydale Road on the outskirts of town.

Stay:

If you're looking for something that is convenient for TCH but also for getting out on Sunday (eating, drinking, climbing) then there's obviously the centre. The crags are on the opposite side of town to the wall, so you're going to have to go through at some point - the Crookes area might be a good bet.

A post WCS drink:

For a bar, Public is definitely on the pricier side, but it is really cool - a former public toilet done out as a bar. The Fat Cat is a great real ale pub as are The Gardener's Rest and The Broadfield (Thornbridge Brewery).

CLIMBING:

The Peak District is just a short drive away...

Sport:

It's not really the season for it, but there is plenty about if you can find anything dry, you could try the tors?

Trad:

Bamford is really easy to get to with great walks around the Ladybower Reservoir. I love Lawrencefield which is a little quarry that looks like fairies live in it. Froggatt is great for trad and has some brilliant boulders.

Bouldering:

Apart from all the usual suspects, I really like Houndkirk, which is one of the closest crags, is unlikely to be busy and is a gorgeous little spot. It's not a big walk-in either, maybe 10 minutes.

IN CASE OF WET WEATHER:

Gear shops:

The Climbing Hangar has a good range of gear but if you're looking further afield you're best off heading to Hathersage. Outside is the absolute classic (with a great cafe) but there are a load of other outdoor shops there too.

Walls:

Of course you're welcome back to The Hangar to finish off your drills and problems, but every wall in Sheffield has a different vibe. Awesome Walls is massive with huge roped walls and the olympic speed route, The Foundry is a piece of climbing heritage with old-school outside style climbing.

Places to get a brew:

Birdhouse Tea is a short walk from The Hangar and is excellent if you like teas. Marmadukes is a set of excellent cafes, as is The Depot Bakery. Honestly, Sheffield is just full of tea, cake and coffee.

DON'T MISS:

The Parkhill Flats is pretty cool - an old squat with a great story behind it and now redeveloped into its own little community with restaurants, shops and bars. South Street Kitchen is Middle Eastern inspired and well worth a visit, as is Pearl, the sister bar to Public with its very own running club.

Honestly, there are so many pockets of vibe around town, hippy, gentrified, party - you'll find something great whichever way you head.

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Thanks so much Gee! If you want any further beta, why not head down to the Hangar Women Rock social on Friday night and quiz the knowledgable local TCH staff?