CLIMBING

Most people initially take up climbing indoors, which has the benefits of being able to learn to climb in a safe and controlled environment without the effects of weather.

Many towns and cities now have at least one climbing centre and a full list of approved centres can be found using the link below.  The disciplines of indoor climbing can include:

• Bouldering (short routes without a rope)
• Top-rope climbing (longer routes where you are attached to a rope and belayed)
• Lead climbing (longer routes where you are belayed, but you take the rope with you and clip into pre-placed carabiners for protection)

The BMC have produced an excellent article on How to start indoor climbing and we’re happy to answer any queries that you may have, and to help point you in the right direction, to get you up and running.

As your skills develop, and you become more competent at climbing, you may wish to progress into the world of outdoor climbing. This is a natural progression for many climbers once they have learned the more challenging discipline of lead climbing.

Outdoor climbing areas can be found on the UKC website (link below) and the various disciplines can include:

• Bouldering (short routes without a rope)
• Sport Climbing (longer lead climbing routes with a rope and pre-placed bolts for protection)
• Trad Climbing (longer lead climbing routes with a rope where you place your own protection)

It should be noted that the better you get at outdoor climbing, the harder the route you can climb, and with that comes increased risk.  It’s therefore important that you develop the necessary experience and skills to keep you safe.