In reply to demdyke:
Being in Carlisle obviously North Lakes is easier for you. For single pitch climbs the obvious (but often busy, best on a week day) answer is Brown Slabs at Shepherd's Crag in Borrowdale. Quite a few easy climbs there, as well as further along the crag. A similar but quieter and less polished experience is to be had at Glaciated Slabs at the entrance to Combe Ghyll. Convenient parking (£3 honesty box) and a pleasant stroll will get you a wealth of short easy (D and VD) climbs. And no crowds.
If you get more adventurous Raven Crag in Combe Ghyll has the excellent Corvus (D) and Raven Crag Buttress (VD) longer climbs, and Dove's Nest Crag, on the sunny side of the combe, has nice climbing too, especially Outside Route (D). I seem to recall I thought Adam's Rib a bit stiff for V Diff.
South Crag at Castle Rock of Triermain has a few Diff and V Diff climbs too, tho I can't recall what the protection is like on them.
If you do go as far South as Langdale for the above mentioned Middle Fell Buttress, Route One on Scout Crag (VD) is practically roadside and very good, though poorly protected.
As you progress to harder things when VD and Severe maybe even MVS become attractions you might have a look at the rather shy Kettle Crag, also in Langdale - doesn't get a lot of attention but has a lot to offer in that grade range and has not too long an approach, and a pleasant one at that. In the same area Long Scar has many single pitch climbs that might suit, and a short approach from Wrynose Pass. Once again I can't vouch for the protection - maybe someone else knows more?
Sorry - rambled on a bit there! Happy hunting.
