Danny's Peak progress
Danny Brown is a mountaineering Instructor and part time physiotherapist with Sheffield United Football Academy
He first gravitated towards the Peak District and Sheffield in the late 80s in the pursuit of the great outdoors.
This passion led him to becoming a climbing instructor since when he has subsequently worked and climbed worldwide and has been working in and around Sheffield since 1997.
He helps the Blades with their physiotherapy and lives with his partner, Jess, a photographer and lecturer, in Nether Edge.
Recently he founded the first youth club dedicated to competition, the Foundry Academy. With six members in the national finals and two in the British team, it is already providing support to the wealth of young talent in the Sheffield area.
www.foundryclimbing.com/theacademy
Stoney Middleton cliffs
There is so much climbing in the Peak, but we all have our favourites and for me, the cliffs above Stoney Middleton have everything I want from climbing. They are steep, high, a little precarious and not for the faint hearted. Climbing is about the whole experience – the movement, the views, the comradeship as well as the fear and Stoney has it all. The place is not as popular as it once was, but it is blessed with some of the finest climbs in the Peak – if you are brave enough.
The Cremorne, London Road
Like many climbers I live as close to the climbing as I can afford . This has meant a disproportionate amount of us live in S7. I also like a good drink and a lively bar with good music. The Cremorne has it all - a favourite of Blades fans on match days and most evenings it hosts top quality, live music and entertains a most eclectic crowd.
London Road
There is so much to like about this part of the city – it has life, character, diversity and great places to eat and drink. The Coop is a lovely new caf with great food and The Rude Shipyard also hosts great evenings out such as music and poetry. If that's not your cup of tea there is plenty more to go at.
Kelham Island
Home to The Foundry climbing wall, The Fat Cat pub and The Milestone restaurant. These three, in that order, are my perfect day in Sheffield. Meet the kids of The Academy, have a climb, relax with a quiet pint and then eat what is, without a doubt, the finest local dishes in Sheffield.
The Foundry, Mowbray Street
This climbing wall has been around for a while and has supported climbers and been part of the development of climbing for as long as I can remember. They have created an environment where regulars are become part of 'the team' and newcomers are welcome. The Academy consists of volunteers from the wall encouraging talented kids and even giving up their time to take them climbing. In this modern age this has proved difficult to get off the ground but not impossible. We are backed by the British Mountaineering Council and by a local business – Moon Clothing - and have a team of about 20 kids that regularly represents Sheffield in competition.
Parkwood Springs
I know there is quite a reputation surrounding this area but the view from the top is wonderful. Being close to Sheffield United Football Academy means a walk to the top is a good way to wind down after a long day. The view even takes in a landfill site, but for some reason to understand what is going on, how we are protecting and developing the area makes you feel part a city that is becoming really special.
Old industry
All of my favourite places have grown up out of the industrial heritage of Sheffield's once great past. You only have to go around the corner from any nice, shiny new development to discover run down but still utilised buildings with evocative names such as 'Lion Works' or 'Stag Works'. I love these little reminders of what the city must have looked like and to explore these areas is a little disconcerting and not recommended late at night on your own. They seem to be populated by musicians, artists, electrical goods dealers and other strange shops – a far cry from Meadowhall. There are also large piles of industrial waste in dark corners – metal filings, tons of screws or bits of metal which look like they once had a purpose. They are slowly all being tarted up, and not before time, but they are fascinating and terrifying in equal measures.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 04 February 2012
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