Summerhill Boulders

The Summerhill Boulder Park, Hartlepool.

Summerhill is a 100 acre site on the western edge of Hartlepool which was created in late 1998. Summerhill has matured into a unique Country Park, set on the western edge of Hartlepool it is both a Local Nature Reserve and an Outdoor Activity Centre. You can enjoy most of the facilities on site, including rock climbing, free of charge with no need to pre-book. Unrestricted access is available day and night, so don't forget to pack your head torches! The Boulder Park provides climbing on eight purpose built boulders that aim to recreate natural climbing areas. More information about Summerhill can be found on the sunny summerhill website. The most popular climbs are detailed in the new draft of the Summerhill MiniGuide (PDF Acrobat reader required). Any feedback on grades or description would be most welcome.

The Summerhill Boulder Park
Summerhill is a 100 acre site on the western edge of Hartlepool which has been transformed for the benefit of conservation and outdoor sports. Rock climbing is one of 8 key sports that was identified for the site. ln order to provide for climbing a ground breaking Boulder Park was created in late 1998. The Boulder Park provides climbing on eight purpose built boulders that aim to recreate natural climbing areas. For information about Summerhill, including how to join the Friends of Summerhill Group, please Contact (01429) 284584.

How to find Summerhill
From the North:
Take the A179 Hartlepool turn off from the A19. Turn right at the Hart roundabout. Follow the road for about 1¾ miles and turn right at the traffic lights. Head straight on for about a mile and turn right down Summerhill Lane.
From the South:
Take the A689 turn off from the A19. Travel into Hartlepool and turn left along Truro Drive at the traffic lights. At the 'T' junction at the end of this road turn right along Catcote Road. Head straight on for about a mile and turn left down Summerhill Lane.

Access and Approaches
Summerhill is an open access Country Park, you do not need to pre-book. The Visitor Centre has a car park. Be aware that between November and March the car park is only open between 9.00am to 4.30pm. Take the path that leads west from the Summerhill Visitor Centre. After five minutes take a left turn at the sign. This leads to Area A: Dingly Dell.

Bouldering Etiquette
Keep your boots squeaky-clean, it makes good sense and can make the problems feel easier. Do not use wire brushes or resin, nylon brushes are acceptable. Due to the nature of the sprayed concrete construction no leading is permitted and no protection (Rocks, wires, cams or pegs) should be placed in the cracks. Natural threads are situated at the top of each boulder to permit top roped climbing.