Climbing
Whether you’re new to climbing, want to develop your climbing skills or are already an experienced climber, we have a wide range of climbing activities across individual and group sessions.
Casual Adult Climbing
If you are already an experienced climber or have recently completed an adult beginner climb course you can climb in our unsupervised adult casual climbing sessions. You’ll need to register and complete a climbing competency test by showing us that you can put on a harness, tie in and belay and answer some questions. This can be done at the centre at any time during our casual climb opening hours. It takes around 5-10 minutes to register and take the test. Registered competent climbers can also be signed off to supervise up to two people (juniors or adults) in the wall. Once you have completed your competency test you will be able to book and pay for your casual sessions in advance online, via the app or at reception.
Beginner Adult Climbing Course
Thinking about getting into climbing or just want a refresher?
Our three week Beginners Climbing Course is perfect for people who’ve never climbed before or those who’ve done a bit and want to climb indoors safely and unsupervised.
What Will I Learn?
- How to tie into a rope correctly and safely
- How to correctly fit different types of harness
- How to belay and safely hold the fall of a climber
- The correct use of different types of climbing equipment
- Basic climbing technique
- How to use a ground anchor and clove hitch
- An introduction to bouldering
- Basic stretches and warming up exercises for adult climbing
- How to use an auto-belay
- About the grading system
- Learn the lingo! What is a crimp? Jug? Rock-over?
Beginner Climbing Course FAQs
Junior Competency Test
Children aged 14 and over can complete a competency test with us. The junior will need to show us that they are ready to take responsibility for themselves on the wall as well belaying for other climbers.
We require this to be booked in advance and a parent to be present during the test.
Private Tuition
Whether you want to refresh your climbing skills after a long break, try out climbing as a private group or work on improving your techniques we can offer private tuition sessions for up to four people – with both adults and juniors (aged 3+) welcome – that are tailor made to your requirements. There are short and intense sessions available with 30 minute or one-hour ones for more fun. Children under the age of five must have an active and paying adult. Family private session are up to 6 members with at least one adult, that is actively participating and making sure the children follow the rules. If your family is larger family, please speak to a member of staff. To book a private tuition session, please enquire online, speak to a member of staff in person or by calling the the centre. Shoes and harnesses are included.
Tots Climbing (NICAS Wild)
A great way to get younger kids, three years or older, climbing and having fun on the wall. Coaching is focused on developing ABCs (agility, balance and coordination) as well as respect for the climbing environment. All equipment is provided and the session is run by a qualified leader. Parents will need to stay present but not participate in the climbing. We recommend booking in half-term blocks to avoid movement in the group and maximise progress.
Fun Climb Course (NICAS Wild)
A great way to get younger kids, four years or older that are already in school, climbing and having fun on the wall. Coaching is focused on developing ABCs (agility, balance and coordination) as well as respect for the climbing environment. All equipment is provided and the session is run by a qualified leader. Parents will need to stay present but not participate in the climbing.
Home Education Climbing
Home education session run by a home education mum. For the whole family! Children over 7 can be on their own, children under 7 need a responsible named person or participant at the wall. Bookable in half term blocks.
Silver Climbing & Movement
You always wanted to try, but never had the time for climbing? Or you loved it as a child, but got dragged away by your life? It is never too late! Have fun on the wall and stay fit and healthy. Climbing teaches you a lot about balance, movement, coordination and staying healthy. There is never a must to get to the top. It is about the movement of the full body and that can be done even floor based.
Inclusive Climbing
Climbing is for everyone! It is a small group, no pressure and lots of fun. Carers are welcome. Please contact the team to discuss your requirements. Wild NICAS can be done, but it is no requirement.
Junior NICAS Climbing Lessons
NICAS is a level based curriculum for children. It teaches them to be confident on the wall as a climber, boulderer and belayer. Children are placed in groups to their ability rather than age. Please speak to a member of staff about the times of the levels.
Women’s Climbing
An session aimed at females where fundamental climbing skills are taught by a qualified instructor. All equipment is provided but if you have your own climbing shoes please bring them.
Adult Climbing Tasters
An introductory session where fundamental climbing skills are taught by a qualified instructor. All equipment is provided but if you have your own climbing shoes please bring them.