If you are in Carlisle, it's as easy to go East as to head down to the South Lakes for the Langdale Boulders etc. Try Windmore End (above Brough) for some good short routes/highball problems. Further East are Goldsborough Carr (just outside Barnard Castle) and Healaugh Crag (Swaledale)- both grit crags. I'm not sure either would be particularly suitable for a complete newbie, but both are good quiet venues. There's also a quarry just outside Penrith (forgotten the name) - somewhere near the golf course that is apparently very good for bouldering. Once you get stronger, try the Bowderstone in Borrowdale! If you are really stuck for ideas, go to Penrith Wall one night and ask the bouldering boys!
