Milnsbridge Climbing Boulder

A boulder on the rec

Milnsbridge's climbing boulder stands on Crow Lane Recreation Ground, beside the playground and basketball court, a couple of miles west of Huddersfield town centre. The Milnsbridge Enhancement Group spent more than three years raising money for it, with the main funding from the Colne Valley Area Committee and SITA Trust, and it opened in November 2014.

The boulder is about 10 metres long, 3 metres wide and 3 metres high. Bendcrete Leisure built it from concrete sprayed over a metal frame, with holds and features carved into a stone-coloured surface, so there are no bolt-on holds or set routes: just the shapes of the boulder to traverse and top out. When it opened it was the only boulder of its kind in Kirklees.

Before you go

• Free: anyone can climb it, with nothing to book or pay.
• No staff or hire: bring your own shoes and chalk, and a pad if you're topping out.
• Getting there: the recreation ground is on Crow Lane, HD3 4QT, next to Crow Lane Primary School, and is on two bus routes.
• Indoor climbing nearby: Freeklime Huddersfield is about two and a half miles away.