So you want to know what the numbers and letters on the route cards mean? Well I’m here to tell you, as simply as possible.
The Two Main Grading Systems
When referencing climbing routes indoors, UK climbing walls use the Fontainebleau scale for bouldering, which would be referred to as font 5 for example, or 6A for others. For rope climbs, most UK climbing walls use French numerical grades (such as 5c, 6b+ etc.) and fine tune these with letters (ie: 6a, 6a+, 6a++ etc.).
How Colour Coding Works
There is also often a coloured hold on each route and often a coloured tag on the bottom of the route with the same colour key found on the wall near the front desk.
Where to Start
Bouldering is typically started on font 4 to 5 (V0 to V2) problems, and for roped climbing, a good starting point would be to try and complete routes of 5a to 6a grade. Again, most Climbing Walls Birmingham will have a ‘Beginners Guide’ and staff will be more than happy to show you where to find it.
Grades Feel Different Between Walls
It’s worth noting that Font 6A can feel a lot harder at some walls than others, because of the difference in style of setting and holds used. If you are looking for Climbing Wall Birmingham, see https://www.270climbing.com/climbing/birmingham/.
Using Grades as a Progression Tool
Grades to Follow for Progression. Font 5 to font 5+ is a great measure of progression over a few weeks. The steady climb through the numbers is the best way to track your progress as a climber.
