Rock climbing in London is a very active scene and there are loads of places to get vertical. Climbing can generally be categorized into bouldering, top-rope climbing, and lead climbing.
The Types of Rock Climbing
Bouldering is climbing to lower heights with crash pads to protect you in case you fall. There is no rope to hold on to and you have to use your hands and feet to climb. There are graded levelsof difficulty, so you can select the level you are comfortable at. All you need are climbing shoes and a chalk bag, which you will usually get at the facility.
Top-rope climbing is usually wall climbing in a harness with a rope attached to an anchor. The rope passes through the anchor and falls back to the ground. A partner at ground level pulls the rope tight so that you do not fall even if you let go.
Lead climbing is for those who have some climbing experience as it is more challenging compared to other types of climbing. There is no anchor to the rope. You are given a clip which you can fix into different points on the wall as you climb. Your partner at ground level gives you more rope as you need it.
The Arch Climbing Wall
With over 11,000 sq ft of boulder walls reaching about 4 metres high, The Arch offers you 10 different levels of boulder climbing. They have hundreds of different routes, which change every couple of months so frequent visitors can expect variety. You can also set your own path using the rings, bars and project boards.
You will have to register at The Arch before you can begin climbing. The introduction class is compulsory for newcomers, however experienced climbers can register and get started immediately. The introduction class covers safety, rules, an orientation to the facility, warm up and technique. Once you’ve taken the class, you can climb whenever you feel the urge.
For anyone under 18 there are a variety of supervision and consent requirements that are easily accessible on The Arch`s website.
Address: 100 Clements Road, London SE16 4DG Tel: 0207 237 4418 Website: archclimbingwall.com/ Nearest tube station: Bermondsey
The Castle Climbing Centre
Castle Climbing is an old Victorian pumping station converted to a climbing facility in 1995. Regular changes in the routes keep the experience fresh even for regulars. The schedules are published in advance so book now if you want in.
The Castle Climbing Centre has a number of special courses for new climbers and a variety of improvement classes including female-specific. Corporate events are hosted in the conference rooms as are team-building activities. You can take a drop in session whenever you like.
You can abseil down the main tower for fun after taking in the view of the Emirates Stadium from the top.
Address: Green Lanes, London N4 2HA Tel: 0208 211 7000 Website: www.castle-climbing.co.uk/ Nearest tube station: Manor House
Mile End Climbing Wall
Mile End offers special courses for first time entrants. The course is called First Time Entry. There are also Taster Sessions for new climbers, and Monkey House Introduction courses for roof climbing. If you’ve never climbed before, you can take the Weekend or Evening Beginners course. There are separate courses availible for women. Mile End offers certification and qualification courses too.
Address: Haverfield Road, London E3 5BE Tel: 0208 980 0289 Website: www.mileendwall.org.uk/ Nearest tube station: Mile End
The Climbing Hangar
This is a bouldering-only facility with 100 different challenges and three stamina circuits including a ‘barrel’ and a cave challenge.
Registration is a must even if you are a one-time visitor, so visit the website and register now. If you are an avid climber, your best bet is to take an annual membership for a one time fee of £400. Beginners are advised to attend the 15-minute induction which gives you the basics, including safety and a tour of the facility. The full beginners course is an hour long, with some simple techniques.
Address: 5 Parson’s Green Depot, 33-35 Parson’s Green Lane, London SW6 4HH
Tel: 0207 751 0913 Website: theclimbinghangar.com Nearest tube station: Parsons Green
The Reach
First opened in 2010, The Reach is right by the river. Popular as the largest climbing facility in South London and home to walls ‘The Slab’ and ‘The Overhang’.
Experienced climbers can join immediately for a £5 one-off fee. Beginners, however, must complete the Basic Skills course or the Taster course. Lead climbers can choose from 50 different routes and for bouldering fans there is a free-standing boulder 4 metres high on the ground floor. The Reach also offers school group sessions and youth sessions, along with team-building and corporate events.
Address: Unit 6, Mellish Industrial Estate, Harrington Way, London SE18 5NU Tel: 0208 855 9598 Website: www.thereach.org.uk/ Nearest train station: Woolwich Dockyard
Climb London
A branch of High Sports, Climb London has six sites within London. Each site has top-rope and most have bouldering and lead climbing too. Check what’s available before you set out because each centre has different things on offer.
Though registration is not required, Climb London is the best option if you are looking for flexibility. You can take an annual membership at £10.50 and use the facilities at all six locations at reduced rates. Again, beginners must complete an assessment before they can go solo.
Locations: Brixton, Crystal Palace, Hendon, Swiss Cottage, Marylebone, Hoxton
Website: www.better.org.uk/facilities-and-activities/activities/climbing
Westway Climbing Centre
With 200m2 of bouldering wall, more than 300 routes and several levels of difficulty. They also have training rooms for beginners, as well as a campus board and traverse wall. There are also many other activities of cricket, football, tennis, swimming, basketball, netball and a gym.
Apart from the beginners’ course, there are private tuitions and ladies sessions available. The ladies sessions are a combination of bouldering and other workouts.
As with any other facility, kids are welcome if accompanied by adults. There is an NICA course for kids, along with school groups, after-school courses and junior tasters.
Address: 1 Crowthorne Road, London W10 6RP
Tel: 0208 969 0992 Website: sports.westway.org/climbing Nearest tube station: Ladbroke Grove
Vertical Chill
This is an 8 metre-high ice wall in the Ellis Brigham store in Covent Garden. The temperature is maintained between 5 and 7 degrees, and you will get extra layers of clothing, ice axes, and all the other equipment you need for ice climbing on hire. At £50 for a one-on-one session if you are a beginner and £25 a session if you are a pro and bring your own kit, it’s a great place to spend the day. Groups benefit from a rate of £35 per person.
Address: Tower House, 10-12 Southampton Street, London WC2E 7HA
Tel: 0207 395 1010 Website: www.vertical-chill.com/location-london Nearest tube station: Covent Garden
Glass Mill Leisure Centre
For a fee of £6.50 to £12.65, you can climb the 8.5 metre-high wall at the Glass Mill Leisure Centre with an instructor. There are special discounts for Lewisham residents. People of all ages are welcome to give it a try. Check out the website for discounts.
Address: 41 Loampit Vale, London SE13 7FT
Tel: 0303 303 0111 Website: www.fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/Glass_Mill_Leisure_Centre
Nearest DLR station: Lewisham
Salmon Youth Centre
If you’ve ever seen a climbing wall while on the train into London Bridge, you’ve seen the Salmon Youth Centre. Just around the corner from The Arch, you will find an outdoor wall for the Cliffhanger Climbing Club which is for 7 to 19-year-old children. There are other activities like tennis, football, trampolining and boxing too. If you are a member, you are charged a mere 50p per session.
Address: 43 Old Jamaica Road, London SE16 4TE Tel: 0207 237 3788
Website: www.salmoncentre.co.uk/ Nearest tube station: Bermondsey
Clip ‘N Climb Chelsea
This Chelsea-based rope-climbing facility is new and capable of handling up to 22 visitors with different challenges like the Dark Tower, The Stairway to Heaven and The Skyscraper. The theme park look makes it attractive for parties and group activities. No experience or membership is required. Charges are £19 for adults and £14 for children for every session of one and a half hours.
Address: 19 Michael Road, London SW6 2ERTel: 0207 736 2271
Website: www.clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk/ Nearest tube station: Fulham Broadway
VauxWall
VauxWall opens as early as 6am and closes as late as 10pm. It is a brand-new, state-of-the-art bouldering centre. The busy centre offers a range from gentle slabs to steep overhangs. There are over 250 routes to choose from of all difficulties.
Address: 46-47A South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1SR Tel: 0207 160 0248
Website: www.vauxwallclimbing.co.uk/ Nearest tube station: Vauxhall
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