What is it?
Climbing originated as a practical activity used to move up steep terrain, but it has developed into a multifaceted pastime over the years. It's now practiced as a sport, a recreational activity, for exercise and as an explorational tool, with many people taking holidays to visit naturally good climbing areas outdoors.
What does it involve?
At a base level, climbing consists of using either apparatus or your own body to ascend something otherwise inaccessible. The methods of climbing can vary, and often depend on the type of material one is climbing on, such as ice, nets, ropes, boulders, mountains, trees and buildings!
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Climbing involves a lot of movement, so is great for exercising the entire body! It also improves physical coordination and a whole host of mental attributes such as determination, spatial awareness and concentration.
What equipment do we need?
Trying out climbing generally involve travelling to a specialist venue or hiring an instructor to take a group out into the real world, so it's rare that you will need to provide equipment! However, you should always check with the provider beforehand, and its a good idea to make sure your students are wearing appropriate clothing for the weather and the activity.
Who is it suitable for?
The development of indoor climbing walls can allow young children the opportunity to have a go at climbing in a more suitably controlled environment than outdoors, but in general, all ages should be able to have a go at climbing!
Costs?
Taster climbing lessons shouldn't be too much per person, with a decent price generally between £10-20. Full day experiences or a course of lessons will vary a lot more, so check out the venues around you thoroughly.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Indoor climbing ranges are reasonably safe with good supervision and medical assistance on hand, but going climbing outdoors could be riskier if you may suddenly need help with a student's medical needs - bear the needs of your group in mind when deciding what kind of experience to take them on!
How do we include?
There is a rising culture for disability within climbing, and many establishments now have assistance for those with physical and learning difficulties to help them have a go at climbing. Including everyone should be reasonably easy if you can find a venue that can help you!
Doing it abroad?
Mountainous countries will have more natural climbing areas than the UK - an outdoors foreign climbing experience will be exciting for interested students!
Main website:
http://www.ukclimbing.com is the main source of information for UK climbing, but be sure to check out individual venue websites for their specifics.
Longrigg is an educational study and adventure centre in Cumbria. Our aim is to provide rewarding outdoor experiences for young people and adults.
We offer a wide range of outdoor activities including Duke of Edinburgh and Mountain Training Leadership courses.
Your programme might include a variety of the following :
Hothersall Lodge is situated in a secluded and picturesque corner of the beautiful Ribble Valley. It occupies a secure 7 acre south facing site, which has its own canoe lake and gives a sheltered, sunny aspect to this lovely location. Residential stays are possible with 80 beds and a campsite available.
We aim to inspire happiness and health, passion and knowledge through a creatively stimulating and physically challenging environment; helping our customers and staff to realise and achieve their full potential
Schools: Give us a ring, we can do progression and one off sessions, to your requirements. Climbing fits with the GCSE syllabus as well.
The Brecon Beacons offer a spectacular landscape rich in natural beauty. Free from light and noise pollution it's the perfect respite from the chaos of modern life. Whether you're seeking challenging walks, wide open spaces or secluded waterfalls, the Brecon Beacons provides the best of them all.
Adventure Plus (A+) has worked with over 50,000 young people and adults through outdoor adventures since 1990, including some of the most vulnerable in our society. An interdenominational Christian Charity (Reg no 1081059) A+ is s
It’s so simple to start climbing at Evolution. If you are over 6 years old, all you have to do is turn up during opening hours, but please bring a grown up along to look after you. No experience or booking is required to use the Bouldering areas – Just turn up, pay and climb.
Learning at our outdoor education centre makes Mill on the Brue a perfect environment to inspire people. With over 40 activities to choose on our 25 acre estate, we can tailor-make your programme to suit the needs and requirements of your group.
4th Dimension was established in 1987 by Chris Taylor, a graduate teacher of Physical and Outdoor Education after 12 years in teaching, the last 3 of which were as Head of Department at a large 11-18 split site, comprehensive school.
Extreme Ventures Ltd is a business created for families, with this we aspire to provide everyone an experience to remember for years to come and ensure everyone has an adventure they will never forget.
Developing desire for adventure! That’s what I do - I am available for made to measure coaching, guiding and expeditions.
Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning offers educational learning opportunities in our '54 acre classroom' to build self-esteem, confidence, social skills and raise aspirations. Using our unique blend of adventure, farm and environmental activities we aim to inspire people to make a positive contribution to their lives and their communities.
Experience the thrill and challenge of Quad Biking, negotiating a 250cc or 90cc Honda all-terrain vehicle, with a trek through our cross-country nature trail whilst enjoying some of the best views of the Taff and Rhymney Valley's in South Wales.
Rock and River are Outdoor Pursuits specialists. We have been running adventurous outdoor activities since 1996.
Our main site is at Cliff's Farm Activity Centre on a 180 acre farm in Mawdesley, near Ormskirk. We also have a second, smaller site at Ashworth Valley, Rochdale. We run outdoor activities for schools, colleges, youth and corporate groups and scouts and guides.
Whether you want to just sit and watch the world go by or indulge in activities we have something for you at Clyne Farm.
Lifecentre Hattersley is a registered charity which has been in existence since June 2007. Previously, launched under the name of EDEN Hattersley in September 2002. It is a Christian organisation that offers training, education and personal development programmes for the benefit of the local community with a particular focus on young people.
Expansive play frame and stylish play area featuring 3 different slides and masses of activities you won't find anywhere else. Parents welcome in to play too.
The playground was built on waste ground at the end of Romney Avenue in the late 1960s. A local couple helped the local children build dens and swings until two teachers from Lockleaze seniors school, along with pupils, took a petition to Bristol City Council for support. In 1972 John Cleese officially opened the Playground, or as the locals call it, "The Vench".
As well as concerts, exhibitions and sporting events the O2 plays host to bowling, you can watch a film, find out how to make a TV programme at the Sky Studios and you can even climb on our famous domed roof to catch the fabulous view across London.
Bovey Castle is history, excitement, glamour, adventure and the perfect retreat.
Where else can you wear your Hunter wellies at 8am, golf spikes at 3pm and Manolo Blahniks for dinner? But while we offer our guests luxury and indulgence, this isn't a stuffy hotel where you can’t sit on the furniture or let your kids enjoy themselves.
An outdoor activity centre and campsite, with a dedicated Indoor Climbing Centre. We have climbing facilities for ages 3 year and upwards, dedicated kids’ clubs and sessions and run regular Bushcraft and adventure activities using our low ropes course and trails.
Our huge site has plenty of woodland and parkland for you to explore and play in.
An indoor climbing centre suitable for all ages. We offer family taster sessions, kids' groups, learn to climb courses and birthday parties. If you aren't so keen on climbing but want your child to experience it, our cafe area is the perfect place to relax while your kids have fun.
A state of the art rope climbing wall for the West Midlands based inside Portway Lifestyle Centre in Oldbury. We have lots of kids activities to offer from climbing courses to parties.
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.