Home: Stanage Edge, South Yorkshire

The gritstone outcrops of the Peak District are an ideal introduction to the rock climbing world. Sun blessed, quick drying escarpments fringing the edges of the bleak moorland, they sport solid rock, excellent friction, superb climbs of all grades and all in a magnificent, panoramic location.

Where to stay: The youth hostel in Hathersage (yha.org.uk/hostel/hostelpages/269.html) has beds from £10.60 per night. Accommodation at Duke's Barn outdoor centre in Beeley, Derbyshire (01629 733039, dukesbarn.org) costs £17pp per night, self-catered, £30pp catered.

How much: Duke's Barn can tailormake programmes. A day's introduction costs £150 (for groups of three); a two-day course (for three), £250.

And away: Ardeche, France

The area upstream from the famous Ardeche gorge is a fantastic. Sun kissed limestone cliffs, delightful scenery and routes of all grades make it an idyllic place to try your hand. The routes all have pre placed protection bolts and most cliffs have beginners areas where the holds are bigger, the angle easier and the protection bolts closer together.

Where to stay: guideweb.com/ardeche has numerous possibilities. Campsite places are about €8.5pp per night and B&Bs start at about €50 a double.

How much: Escapade Loisir (00 33 475 88 07 87, escapade-loisir.com) for example offers a day's climbing for €27. For details of other providers visit vallon-pont-darc.com.

Mick Fowler, climber and winner of the Piolet D'Or award 2003.