Depot Climbing Manchester

“A small climbing city disguised as an industrial unit” The Manchester branch of the climbing centre originally built in a bus depot in Pudsey, Leeds, has been the premier indoor “bouldering” climbing venue in the north west since it first opened its doors in 2016. The wheelchair accessible indoor climbing facility has repurposed four large industrial units to form Depot Climbing Manchester. The centre offers courses, climbs at all levels, a state of the art training facility for experienced climbers, a gym, and boasts a cafe and climbing shop headed by a team of knowledgable warm-welcoming-to-all staff. Together, these create an inclusive space for people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. A remarkable aspect about depot is its size. One of the largest bouldering centres in the uk (possibly the largest- needs confirming). There are delicately set “problems” that require similarly delicate climbing for all levels, whether a child beginner or Olympic athlete (note GB climbing team members regularly train here). The cafe offers an array of sweet treats among a more substantial savoury offering (Scott “the chef” Gordon is renowned for his efforts in the pizza kitchen) and snacks appropriate for pre and post session. The centre can get very busy despite its seemingly boundless size, particularly at peak times (during winter there will be a queue out the door on weekday evenings). This has more recently been diluted by the opening of its larger counterpart in Wythenshaw (review coming soon). The “quiet hours” the centre offers (for those that struggle in loud environments) are certainly not generous, at just 1.5 hours a week. I would suggest there are at least 3 days a week and for at least 2 hours at a time! The training area occasionally falls in a blind spot to staff, with partly malfunctioning computer systems on the training boards, resistance to appropriate fan control during heatwaves and a slight lack of the most popular training equipment (lifting pins, weight belts). I will stress that these small teething issues do not detract from the exceptional quality of the bespoke facility (probably the best in the uk). Today I fell foul to a splinter in my foot, which caused me annoyance for approximately 30 minutes during my session. It does not however warrant subtraction of the stars I have given, and perhaps this issue arose from my choice of footwear (no footwear). Overall, worth visiting whether you’re new to climbing or a seasoned professional.

· via Google

One of the best indoor bouldering centres in the UK, that and it has a nice cave with accessible routes for various skill levels. Downside is due to how busy they are parking can be a challenge.

· via Google

Big bouldering venue with great route setting and a good variety of different walls. Safe and inclusive environment. Amazing training/gym area also. Some staff are decent, however a lot are a bit aloof. Not always geared towards good customer service experience and not particularly attentive. The coffee regularly tastes burnt :( If you’re going for the bouldering then it’s great!

· via Google

One of the best bouldering gyms I've been to. Lots and lots of climbing and also a gym area with dumbbells, skierg, trap bar etc. Boulders also use the griptonite mobile app. Rental shoes are from Scarpa.

· via Google