BMC Rock Solid Youth Meet 2025: Young climbers take on Northumberland

Thanks to Abbie Boyd and Sophie Tarran for their report on the Youth Meet this year! Photos from Michelle Hordern, Chris Bullock and Max Forrest.

From indoors to outdoors

For many of the participants, this was their first proper taste of climbing outside. Inspired by Rock Solid’s fun and welcoming competition scene, climbers like Abbie and Sophie signed up after hearing about the meet.

“I wanted more experience climbing outdoors as most of my training is in indoor gyms,” said Sophie. “The youth meet sounded like the perfect chance to learn.”

First steps on rock

After settling into Wooler Youth Hostel on Friday night, the group hit the crag on Saturday for their first day of climbing. Splitting into groups based on outdoor experience, everyone was able to learn at their own pace. The volunteers shared their knowledge, covering everything from footwork to outdoor etiquette.

Alongside top-roping, the young climbers got to boulder, belay, and even experiment with placing gear in the rock under careful supervision.

“The climbs were awesome,” said Sophie. “ranging from grades 5 to 7s, consisting of 90 degree overhangs as well as smooth, slippy, slab climbs.”

Rain stops play – and teaches a lesson

Sunday dawned wet, but instead of forcing the issue, the group embraced the learning opportunity. With sandstone too fragile to climb when wet, the focus shifted to bouldering, abseiling, and essential rope skills.

“The following day, the weather was against us" said Sophie. "Rope climbs were out of the picture as when sandstone gets wet, the rope is like a knife through butter, so we learned how to rig up an abseil instead.

“The idea of protecting our environment and ourselves was a common theme throughout the trip,” said Abbie. "For example, when it began to rain we stopped climbing so as not to damage the delicate sandstone rock or hurt ourselves.”

More than just climbing

While the climbing was the highlight, the meet was also about friendship, fun, and building confidence. Evenings back at the hostel were filled with fun, team dinners, and laughter.

“As someone with limited experience of climbing outside, the highlight for me was not only the opportunity to climb outdoors but also being able to climb with a range of people around my age from around the country," said Abbie. "I was able to try many routes at a range of grades without it feeling overwhelming and unnaturally scary."

A weekend to remember

By the end of the meet, the young climbers left with new skills, new friends, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a responsible outdoor climber.

“To anyone thinking about joining next year – just do it,” said Abbie. “There is something for everyone and you will be surrounded by a variety of friendly and outgoing climbers. I’m so grateful to the organisers for this fun, educational and invaluable experience.”

Sophie said" “I honestly cannot thank the instructors and my fellow climbers enough for such a fantastic weekend. I will definitely be signing up next year and recommending it to any other eager youth climbers!”

With thanks to Chris Bullock and the incredible team of volunteers, the BMC North East / Rock Solid Northumberland Youth Meet continues to inspire the next generation of climbers – on and off the rock.