Why did Iain Bisset and Kat Von Goldacker open the Northern Problems climbing gym?

They were inspired to open Northern Problems after calculating they drove about 8,000 miles a year to access climbing venues and wanted to reduce this environmental impact and cost, while also addressing the lack of local facilities.

What is bouldering and where is the new gym located?

Bouldering involves climbing short routes called problems without a rope. The new gym, Northern Problems, is located at Haig Enterprise Park in Whitehaven, Cumbria.

What are the goals of the Northern Problems climbing gym?

The gym aims to provide convenient access to climbing for west Cumbria, reduce travel for enthusiasts, introduce the sport to newcomers, and serve as a social asset for the community.

Home / Lifestyle / Couple Drives 8,000 Miles for Climbing, Opens New Gym

Couple Drives 8,000 Miles for Climbing, Opens New Gym

21 Feb

•

Summary

Couple drove 8,000 miles annually to reach climbing venues.
New bouldering gym 'Northern Problems' opens in Whitehaven, Cumbria.
The gym aims to boost local sport participation and reduce travel.

Couple Drives 8,000 Miles for Climbing, Opens New Gym

A couple has established a new climbing facility in Whitehaven, Cumbria, after realizing they drove approximately 8,000 miles annually to access suitable bouldering walls. Iain Bisset and Kat Von Goldacker were motivated by the considerable environmental impact and cost associated with their frequent long-distance travel for the sport.

The newly opened gym, named Northern Problems, is located at Haig Enterprise Park and seeks to provide local residents with convenient access to climbing. Bisset noted that friends also traveled significant distances to climbing venues, highlighting a broader need for such facilities in the region.

Beyond catering to experienced climbers, the project aims to introduce bouldering to individuals who have never considered it a sport. Bisset emphasized climbing's benefits for mental and spatial challenges, hoping to foster broader community engagement. The facility also includes a cafe and is situated near an area recognized as the birthplace of British climbing.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.