This new climbing and bouldering centre is to open in York within weeks

A new climbing and bouldering centre is set to open in York next month.

Freeklime will be based on Kettlestring Lane, Clifton Moor, and will open on Monday, 20 March.

The business is the brainchild of Chris Whitehead, Freeklime’s managing director. He was introduced to climbing by a family friend on local Yorkshire Gritstone edges such as Brimham Rocks & Almscliff Crag.

“The beauty of climbing is that it forces you to be completely present and the feeling of moving upwards is completely addictive,” said Chris, 27.

“I have been climbing three to four times a week and 15 years later my love for climbing hasn’t wavered. As a young person it gave me an outlet to express myself, develop self-confidence and meet like-minded people.

“It has been awesome to witness so many people discover the joy of climbing through Freeklime and see their progression into confident climbers.”

Chris set up his first climbing centre in Huddersfield in 2019 which now proudly hosts regular social climbing events for LGBTQIA+ groups, schools, local businesses, university students and charities.

He is looking to replicate this model in York.

“Inclusion and accessibility plays a huge part in the Freeklime model,” said Chris, who’s originally from Harrogate but now lives with his partner Anna in Brighouse.

“We’re always making changes within the business to become more barrier free and hope once the York site opens that there will be an opportunity to also add regular climbing socials for neurodivergent adults and children, retired people and regular business networking sessions.”

Membership costs £28 per month. Instructor-led sessions such as ‘Mini Freeks’, National Indoor Bouldering Award Schemes and improver sessions will be available.

More at the website.