Substation Macclesfield brings a different kind of climbing experience to the western edge of the Peak District. This purpose-built indoor bouldering centre gives experienced climbers somewhere to train and practise, while also providing an accessible introduction for people who are completely new to climbing.

Being in Macclesfield makes Substation particularly interesting for visitors exploring the Cheshire side of the Peak District. The town sits just outside the National Park, with the landscape changing remarkably quickly as you travel east towards Macclesfield Forest, the Goyt Valley and the high moorland around Shining Tor.

That makes it easy to combine an indoor climbing session with time outdoors. Our Macclesfield Forest Circular Walk explores a beautiful mixture of woodland, reservoirs and higher ground around Teggs Nose. The eight-mile route takes in Ridgegate, Bottoms and Teggsnose reservoirs, with extensive views from the surrounding hills.

Venture a little further into the Peak District and the landscape becomes increasingly wild. The Shining Tor and Goyt Valley walk is another excellent option, following moorland paths and ridges through one of the most distinctive landscapes on this western side of the National Park.

Of course, Peak District weather doesn't always cooperate with carefully made outdoor plans. That's another reason Substation is useful to know about. A wet or particularly unpleasant day doesn't necessarily mean abandoning an active day altogether, and an indoor bouldering session can provide a completely different challenge while the hills disappear into the cloud outside.

Whether you're already a climber, travelling with someone keen to give bouldering a try, or simply looking for something active to add to a Peak District break, Substation provides an interesting contrast to a day spent walking the surrounding hills. Explore Macclesfield and its countryside, tackle one of the nearby routes, or save Substation for the day when the Peak District weather decides to rewrite your plans.