Climbing
Climbing
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.
Venues with this Activity
Since it opened in 1966, many thousands of pupils from Coventry schools have had the opportunity to experience living and learning in this magical place. These experiences leave people with unforgettable memories of their times reinforcing and building upon what they learn within their schools, families and communities.
Live the Adventure Ltd was originally established in 1984 as the Old Vicarage Adventure Centre. It is still operated by the same family with a track record that speaks for itself and a business that has established itself as one of the leading adventure companies operating in the UK and abroad.
Pioneer Centre is the UK's premier recognised specialist venue for superb outdoor activity residentials and holidays and conferences for groups.
At Malvern Outdoor Elements we provide a quality, safe and enjoyable experience for all our users. Our sessions are run by qualified and friendly staff and are designed to not only get the most out of the group but the individuals too.
Progressive climbing 'cub course' starts at age 8: the courses focus on safety competence, equipment, basic indoor climbing skills, centre etiquette and above all having fun!
Schools using Wolf Mountain
It is now common practice for schools to actively encourage experiential learning to promote healthy lifestyles and positive attitudes.
In rural, open countryside just north of Wolverhampton lies Laches Wood. One of our biggest centres with a variety of new dormitories, family rooms and single rooms with en-suite facilities for visiting staff.
Prince's Trust centres currently offer the Fairbeidge programme, which is an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities.
Originally Fairbridge West Midlands, we've been supporting young people since 2000. In 2011 we became part of The Prince's Trust.
Walsall outdoor pursuits is an Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) registered centre together with Royal Yachting Association (RYA) - Registered Training Centre (RTC) with RYA sailability foundation status.
Our Longest Tree Top Adventure & Epic Forest Segways in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Awarded Silver in the Best Tourism Experience in Staffordshire 2013.
Our Tree Top Junior will remain open during the weekends in December and January - don’t forget a pair of gloves!
Indoor rock climbing is a fun and enjoyable way to exercise and an excellent way to keep fit and healthy. We have always strived to offer the best indoor climbing experience - friendly staff, interesting routes, centre cleanliness.
here are over 900 square metres of bouldering to keep you happy for many, many visits!
Schools have been coming to Stanley Head for almost 60 years and this is still our main customer group hosting between two and ten schools almost every week of the school term and during school holidays. Most schools visit us for 5 days making the most of our full-board accommodation. However, we can design a programme to suit your needs starting from three-hour sessions up to full weeks.
Aerial Extreme is a high ropes adventure course involving a series of challenging obstacles set at varying heights above the ground. You'll find yourself tackling fun obstacles such as rope bridges, scramble nets, zip wires, swinging logs and balance beams, plus many more!
A specialist in outdoor activities, Pro Active Adventure has been delivering high quality outdoor adventure holidays since 2000. We are recognised leaders in Outdoor Education, Activity Holidays, Adrenaline Adventure Activities and MIAS mountain bike instructor courses.
Through our school expeditions programme, Challengers develop leadership, teamwork and decision-making skills while travelling abroad. By really engaging with another culture and a remote environment as a team they change the way they think about the world and their place in it.
Their indoor play arena is a soft arena with 3 floors filled with all the latest play equipment, including Ball Pool, Huge Slide, Climbing Bridges to guarantee a fun and crazy time for 0 to 8 year olds.
Bury Knowle is one of Oxford's most beautiful parks and the historic Bury Knowle House and its parkland setting provides a picturesque back-drop for picnics and events.
Oxford’s only Tree Top Adventure, suitable for all monkeys 10 years and older.
High Ropes Oxford gives you and the kids a chance to swing through the trees like Tarzan in this forest adventure.
There are three zones to work through with over 40 obstacles! These include zip slides, wobbly bridges, balance beams and Tarzan swings.
The Caldecotte Xperience offers a variety of exciting adventure activities and learning experiences for young people and adults, from 8 to 80. Activities include: sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, rowing, climbing, high ropes, caving, archery, fencing, bushcraft and many exciting team building activities.
A 13 foot high bouldering wall allows individuals to hone their skills and develop technique before graduating onto higher crags. The wall's many different grades are designed to suit all abilities from novice to expert.
Do something different at this centre for indoor skydiving, surfing, racing, jumping and climbing!
Bodyflight is an excellent place for some active fun, whatever the weather, plus it’s great thrill seeking in a controlled and safe environment.
A premium all weather venue, open 7 days a week with exciting activities suitable for the whole family! Big Rock Climbing Centre offers the best indoor climbing facilities around, including roped climbing walls up to 11m high, multiple low level bouldering areas and a dedicated kids' climbing area.
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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.
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