270 Climbing

NICAS TASTER SESSIONS

Introductory taster sessions aimed at novices and beginners who are interested in learning about what’s involved with climbing and bouldering

Book Now

GET A TASTE OF CLIMBING!

A one-off introductory taster session aimed at novices and beginners who are interested in learning all about what’s involved with climbing and bouldering.

Sessions are split into two separate age groups, one for 7-11 years olds and one for 12-17 year olds. Both offer a fun, no-pressure way to learn new skills and experience climbing for the first time! Young people learn basic elements of climbing with ropes and bouldering, as well as covering safety and techniques.

All equipment is included and the sessions are run by our friendly, knowledgeable instructors in small groups.

Book Now

NICAS Tasters can just be a load of fun climbing, or act as a introductory gateway to our comprehensive weekly NICAS sessions. These are perfect for those who want to commit to a regular, longer-term development and take their climbing skills onwards and upwards. 

If you sign-up to our NICAS following your Taster Session you can get £15 off your Intro to NICAS Level 1 Course.

Read on for more details about NICAS.

TAKE THINGS FURTHER

WHAT’S NICAS?

NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Schemes) is a nationally recognised climbing course with Levels from 1-5, which help young people to develop a host of physical and mental skills – all whilst having fun!

They are aimed at children keen to develop climbing skills and knowledge in weekly educational sessions that help achieve personal growth and progression.

Sessions provide a structure for children to develop their skills in order that they gain the most out of climbing as well as having their achievements recognised. These are recorded in personal Log Books so developments are continually monitored. Find out more by visiting the NICAS website.

JUST HERE FOR FUN?

For those just wanting to go climbing, without any long-term commitment, then our Fun Walls sessions are the way to go to get on the walls and start enjoying yourselves!

FAQs ABOUT CLIMBING

 

General Rules of Conduct

Pre-Climbing:

  • Registration: Climbers must be registered and pay for entry or membership before climbing. Any supervising adults or accompanying guests of climbers must be registered before climbing.
  • Safety Briefing: During registration, climbers watch a safety briefing video to understand the risks involved in climbing. By registering, you agree to follow our rules, maintain safety and abide by our terms and conditions.
  • Orientation and Induction: First-time visitors will receive a site orientation and safety induction before climbing.
  • Wristbands / Tags: Some areas require a wristband or tag to gain access. Whether worn on your wrist, ankle or attached to your harness, it must always be clearly visible.

 

Behaviour:

  • Kindness: Try to be kind. It doesn’t cost anything and it makes the world a better place!
  • Respect: Be respectful of the surroundings and our team, other climbers and visitors. We have zero tolerance to any forms of abuse to anyone.
  • Guidance: Please take any suggestions or advice from the team with good intention. Safety instructions must be adhered. We reserve the right to speak with you and potentially ask you to leave if we feel your actions are compromising the safety or wellbeing of yourself and/or others.
  • Etiquette: Be considerate of other people – we all have our own levels when climbing. No one should feel pressured to do anything they are not comfortable with.

Personal Responsibilities:

  • Dangers: Climbing is an inherently risky activity. Climbing beyond your capability is more likely to result in an injury. You climb at your own risk and acknowledge this by registering.
  • Warm-Ups: Warming up properly before climbing helps prevent injury. A warm-up should include; a pulse raiser to elevate heart rate (eg. running on the spot); dynamic stretches to engage key muscles groups and then followed by several easy climbs appropriate to your level.
  • Help: Any questions or if you need any assistance at any time, please ask a member of the team.
  • Noise: Be mindful of others and avoid excessive noise (loud screaming, shouting or playing music). Also be considerate of our neighbours when arriving and leaving the park by keeping noise levels reasonable.
  • Waste: Don’t dump everywhere, keep it clean and dispose of any rubbish and litter in bins.
  • Tidiness: Clutter creates hazards so help keep things orderly by storing personal belongings in designated areas or lockers and avoid leaving items on the floor and matting.
  • Smoking (incl. vaping): Smoking is only permitted in designated areas as signposted. Please ask a member of the team if you are unsure of the areas.
  • Food & Drinks: Sealable drinks may be taken into climbing areas but must be stored in designated drinks areas. Hot drinks must be in takeaway style containers with a lid. Keep drinks off the mats. Only water bottles are permitted on mezzanine areas. Please consume food away from the mats (preferably in the café bar or on any of the outside benches around the park). In the café bar please refrain from consuming food not purchased on the premises.
  • Alcohol & Drugs: Climbing after consuming alcohol or drugs is prohibited. Supervision of children (under 18’s) after consuming alcohol or drugs is prohibited.
  • Headphones (incl. all types): Headphones are not allowed in any roped climbing areas. The use of headphones while bouldering is allowed if they are not noise cancelling headphones and the volume is low enough for you to hear instructions or communications from a member of the team or other climbers.
  • Dogs (incl. all animals): Dogs must be kept under control and on a lead at all times. Well behaved pooches are welcome in reception, seated areas of the café bar and all outdoor areas of the park. No dogs are allowed in other areas. Dogs may be tied in numerous locations around the park, however not where they block access or cause issue to passing people. Clean up any mess your dog may make. Please ask reception if you need any help. Assistance dogs are of course allowed in all areas of the park and all buildings.
  • Music: We do generally have music in climbing areas and within the café bar. There are times when no music is played, please ask at Reception for details. B1 Bouldering zone will mostly remain music free.
  • Clothing & Appearance: Tops must be worn in all indoor areas. Tops may be removed in the outdoors climbing areas. Please change clothing in the changing facilities. Jewellery must either be removed or appropriately covered before climbing. Loose hair must be tied back.
  • Shoes: Climbing shoes must be worn whilst climbing. Climbing shoes must not be worn in toilets. Barefoot entry is prohibited in the café bar and the weights area.

Bouldering:

  • Safety Matting: Our matting is designed to minimise injury risk, but it does not eliminate it completely.
  • Supervision: All under 16’s must be supervised by an adult throughout climbing areas unless they have been assessed by our management and registered for unsupervised climbing.
  • Climb Down: Always climb within your capabilities and down climb where possible. Only use a controlled fall or jump where applicable, making sure to land on your feet and bend your knees.
  • Safe Climbing: Never climb or walk directly below another climber, paying special attention to overhangs and corners.
  • Top-Outs: We do not have top out boulders. Finishes will always be on the last hold. Do not attempt to climb over or use any part of the walls above any of the last holds.
  • Chalk: Both powdered and liquid chalk are permitted but please be mindful around using it – a little goes a long way! If you spill chalk anywhere, please let the team know so we can help you clear it up. For anyone sensitive to powdered chalk, our B1 Bouldering area is a liquid chalk only zone.

Weights & Gym Area:

  • Rules: The rules and instructions for the safe use of the weights and conditioning area are displayed on entrance to the area. These must be always adhered to.
            Setting & Grading

            We aim to provide quality problems for all abilities and make climbing enjoyable and accessible for everyone.

            We use our own grading system designed to test different elements of climbing strength, skills and techniques. 

            • Levels (1-6) show the physical intensity, power and strength required.
            • Tags reflect how technical the climb is and the amount of skills required.

            Specific Compact/Short Reach circuits are shown accordingly. 

            See our Grading posters for further details.  

            Chalk
            Both powdered and liquid chalk are permitted in B2 but please be mindful around using it – a little goes a long way! If you spill chalk anywhere, please let the team know so we can help you clear it up.
            For anyone sensitive to powdered chalk, our B1 Bouldering area is a liquid chalk only zone.
            Climbing with Children & Supervision
            All under 16’s must be supervised by an adult throughout climbing areas unless they have been assessed by our management and registered for unsupervised climbing.
            The responsible adult must supervise children throughout their visit and are liable for their behaviour. When climbing this means actively supervising. The ratio of a supervising adult to children climbing is 1:2.
            No under 7’s are allowed in B2.
            Shoes, Clothing & Appearance
            Climbing shoes must be worn whilst climbing. Climbing shoes must not be worn in toilets. Barefoot entry is prohibited in the café bar and the weights area.
            Tops must be worn in all indoor areas. Tops may be removed in the outdoors climbing areas. Please change clothing in the changing facilities.
            Jewellery must either be removed or appropriately covered before climbing.
            Loose hair must be tied back. 
            What about bags & personal belongings?
            Try to only bring essential items and store backpacks, bags and unnecessary clothing in lockers or designated areas.
            Lockers are available in changing rooms and in climbing areas and can be locked (using your own padlock).
            We cannot take any responsibility for theft or loss of personal items during your visit.
            Food & Drinks
            Sealable drinks may be taken into climbing areas but must be stored in designated drinks areas. Hot drinks must be in takeaway style containers with a lid. Keep drinks off the mats.  Only water bottles are permitted on mezzanine areas.
            Please consume food away from the mats (preferably in the café bar or on any of the outside benches around the park). In the café bar please refrain from consuming food not purchased on the premises.
            Can I get additional support?

            If you need extra assistance in participating around the park please get in Contact with us prior to booking to discuss your requirements.

            Do you have parking?

            Yes we have ample parking facilities for motorbikes and cars to larger vehicles such as coaches. We also have a bicycle rack if you prefer non-motorised modes of transport! 

            Are dogs welcome?
            Dogs must be kept under control and on a lead at all times.
            Well behaved pooches are welcome in reception, seated areas of the café bar and all outdoor areas of the park. No dogs are allowed in other areas.
            Dogs may be tied in numerous locations around the park, however not where they block access or cause issue to passing people. Clean up any mess your dog may make. Please ask reception if you need any help.
            Assistance dogs are of course allowed in all areas of the park and all buildings.
            Skip to content