The Climbers Shop

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1 History
2 The Shops
3 Services
4 Event Sponsorship
5 External links and references

[edit] History

In 1959 Frank Davies opened The Climber’s Shop [1] the first outdoor shop in Ambleside, Cumbria. Although this was 10 years after the Lake District was designated a national park [2], climbing and walking were just in their emergence as a popular adventure recreation activity. Far from the 12 million visitors that the Lake District receive now [3], the fells were the territory of a hardcore of climbers and walkers. It didn't take long for people to realise that they were missing out on some great fun and even better scenery and before long shop after shop sprang up in Ambleside offering everything and anything you could want for the outdoor lifestyle. Today, Ambleside is a honeypot for visitors wanting to kit themselves out for a day on the fells but the Climbers Shop stands firm and can still be seen there now.

[edit] The Shops

Nearly half a century later after the shop opened, The Climbers Shop still thrives in the centre of Ambleside and is a focal point for many climbers, walkers and holidaymakers after the latest outdoor equipment.

In 2005 [4]The Climber's Shop diversified by opening The Outdoor Family (previously called The Next Generation). With this store they endeavour to provide clothing and equipment for the younger members of the adventurous family.

They also set up an online store for selling the equipment from the two shops to a wider audience.

[edit] Services

The Climbers Shop staff are all experienced outdoors people[5] and try and maintain Frank Davies' tradition of offering objective advice to customers.

For those visiting Ambleside and wanting to go out for a day on the hills they post the Mountain Weather forecast [6] on the window every day which gives a good prediction of the day to come.

As well as selling equipment the Outdoor Family also hire out papooses and buggies to get your young family on the move in the fells.

[edit] Event Sponsorship

The Climbers Shop are sponsors of the Lake District Mountain Trial, a long standing annual fell running race held in a different location each September in the Cumbrian mountains. First held in 1952 the men's route covers some 20 miles including over 800ft of ascent and descent[7].

In addition to the Mountain Trial, The Climbers Shop also hold the record book for the Trident Walk. This 110 mile circular route around the Lake District takes in the highest and grandest of the Fells including Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, Skiddaw, Coniston Old Man, High Street amongst many others. Those attempting the route are requested to sign out and in at the shop.