In reply to Alex Pryor:
I think they've all got their own pros and cons...
Awesome Walls (AW): Located in Stockport (approx. 7miles from Manchester according to Google map, guess it'll depend which area of Manchester you're travelling from to get to the wall), close to the Peak District so a great indoor venue if it starts to rain whilst you're climbing outdoors. Boasts the highest (23.5m) wall in England. Has some excellent problems at all grades, some were set by "celebrity" climbers (apologise if that’s not the correct term to use!) such as Ian Vickers, Jamie Casidy, & James Pearson. Good bouldering, traversing, campus and finger board. Has a cafe, facilities for children parties (away from the cafe areas) free secure parking facilities and usual facilities (lockers, toilets, showers, etc)
Manchester Climbing Centre (MCC): Located closer to the city centre (approx 2miles from Manchester according to Google map), again excellent routes at all grades set by celebrity climber Dave Barran and is run by John Dunne. The main 20m lead wall is overhanging (which makes it slightly more interesting to climb on than vertical, to me anyway, no doubt some will disagree!) Good bouldering, traversing and campus board, the place has an excellent cafe WITH a proper coffee machine, facilities for children parties (away from the cafe areas) plus a good size climbing shop, free secure parking facilities, and a fitness room (very impressive!) and again all the other usually facilities (lockers, toilets, showers, etc)
Overall I don’t think one is better than the other, both are excellent in their own rights, both complements the needs of climbers in the area at every level.
Never been to Broughton… However, I’ve heard it’s a good bouldering venue and it’s the place to go to get strong!
Salford University Wall: Small wall, pretty basic, however they’ve made use of the very small area they’ve been given. It’s not a dedicated climbing centre but located in their sports centre, I’ve been a couple of times just for a change of scenery and to try out routes that have been set slightly differently.
Chille Factor: Based in Trafford. Again haven’t been on this wall, have seen it many a times when I’m in the building. Personally I would go to either AW or MCC, but having never climbed any of the routes at this wall I can’t comment too much. I get the impression it’s not really aimed at climbers (potential climbers perhaps or those who just want to “have a go” at climbing)
Enjoy the climbing, no doubt I'll see you down at the wall some time!