Climbing gym chain · United Kingdom
Depot Climbing grades, explained
Depot Climbing started in 2009 in a former bus depot in Pudsey, Leeds, which gave it its name. It now runs bouldering centres in Sheffield, Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester (Trafford Park) and Leeds (Armley), plus two roped 'BIG Depot' centres in Leeds and Manchester (Wythenshawe); the original Pudsey centre closed for refurbishment in September 2026. Bouldering is set in colour circuits graded from V0 up, and there is no booking system. Depot Manchester hosts Battle of Britain, an open bouldering competition.
Bouldering grades
Problems are grouped into 10 colour circuits spanning V0 to V11+, and each wall has a display explaining the colours. Depot's website gives V-ranges only for groups of colours, not for each colour. So the ranges below are the group ranges the gym states, and the top circuits are not documented.
| Level | V-scale | ≈ Font |
|---|---|---|
| GreenEasiest circuit; no V-range given. | – | – |
| WhiteRange given for White and Blue together | V1–V3 | 5A–6A+ |
| BlueRange given for White and Blue together | V1–V3 | 5A–6A+ |
| BlackBlack and Red together are given as V2–V5; Black, Pink and Red as V3–V5. | V2–V5 | 5B–6C+ |
| PinkRange given for Black, Pink and Red together | V3–V5 | 5C+–6C+ |
| RedBlack and Red together are given as V2–V5; Black, Pink and Red as V3–V5. | V2–V5 | 5B–6C+ |
Depot Climbing uses this grading at all its gyms. From climbers' descriptions and photos of the gym's grade boards. Gyms reset and regrade often, and grades vary between setters, so treat this as a guide and check the boards when you visit.
7 Depot Climbing gyms
Each gym's page has its address, how to book, and links to prices and opening hours.
Leeds
Manchester
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Questions
- What V-scale grade is White at Depot Climbing?
- White at Depot Climbing is V1–V3, about 5A–6A+ in Font.
- What V-scale grade is Blue at Depot Climbing?
- Blue at Depot Climbing is V1–V3, about 5A–6A+ in Font.
- What V-scale grade is Black at Depot Climbing?
- Black at Depot Climbing is V2–V5, about 5B–6C+ in Font.
- What V-scale grade is Pink at Depot Climbing?
- Pink at Depot Climbing is V3–V5, about 5C+–6C+ in Font.
- What V-scale grade is Red at Depot Climbing?
- Red at Depot Climbing is V2–V5, about 5B–6C+ in Font.
Sources
- Depot Climbing: home (centre list)
- Depot Climbing: About us (2009, Pudsey bus depot, 8 centres)
- Depot Climbing: Learn to Climb (circuit colours and V-ranges)
- Depot Climbing: Common climbing questions (no booking system, BIG Depot walls up to 15 m)
- Depot Climbing: Registration
- Depot Climbing Pudsey: Centre closure (Aug 2026)
- Depot Climbing Manchester: About / Key Facts
- Depot Climbing: 10 easy bouldering tips (green/white easiest; wall displays)
Checked 3 October 2026. Gear Loop isn't affiliated with Depot Climbing.