This thesis focusses on the Social World of Climbing in North West Wales whilst also drawing on particular examples either nationally or internationally when illustrating certain arguments. The study applies an ethnographic approach in order to examine what climbing is and how its relationship to style and competition is inherently bound with the sport and raises questions of authenticity in its activity. The work attempts to give insights and develop an understanding of processes that are important to the climbing world whilst at the same time taking account of climbers and groupings of climbers positions in relation to it. The study includes both historical and contemporary analysis which is relevant to the work as a whole. The aim of the thesis is to provide a deep understanding of the climbing world and its many facets