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
The YMCA National Centre is one of the largest outdoor activity facilities in the country. Our core mission is to help people build a future, we do this by working with Schools, Youth Groups and Corporate Groups from all over Europe, helping them achieve their learning and development objectives through experiential learning.
Ormside Mill is a residential and activity centre, sitting in a quiet rural location in the heart of Cumbria’s beautiful Eden Valley, just three miles from the lovely market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland.
Pinpoint Adventure is an adventure activities company run by father son duo Ian and Tom Hopper based in Northumberland, the North East of England and Cumbria. We run a wide selection of adventure activities using our experience and knowledge to help create “Days to remember”.
We opened our South Pennines centre in 1994, converting a Victorian primary school to accommodate groups of up to 25 children. Since that first season we have twice increased the accommodation at the activity centre, so that we can now accommodate groups of up to 78 children together with their accompanying teachers.
Built around the original main house, Winmarleigh was formerly a traditional Victorian estate. The building retains many original features and its large rooms and sturdy construction make it ideal for groups of children. It has been in use as an Adventure Centre since 1998 and is a fantastic addition to PGL’s existing centres.
Group climbing sessions are for young people, adults, families, school and youth groups. They are an ideal way to introduce people to the sport of climbing.
Sessions can be tailored around the groups individual needs and block bookings are also welcome if your group wishes to learn how to climb.
The Anderton Centre is situated on the shores of the beautiful Rivington Reservoir in the West Pennine Moors in Lancashire, close to Chorley, Bolton, Manchester and Preston. The centre boasts superb water facilities and an idyllic rural setting which is conveniently located close to the M6 and M61 corridors.
With picturesque hills and inland waterways of East Lancashire on its doorstep, Whitehough can offer a comprehensive range of courses and activities.
Lupine Adventure is a workers' co-operative offering fell and mountain-based outdoor recreation, education and training. Take a look around the website to find details of all our activities.
Pursuit of Potential Canoeing is a brilliant way to have a go at canoeing! Canoeing is a wonderful way to enjoy and explore the water. With normally 2 people in the canoe, move through the water propelled by your own strength!
Split over two levels, the indoor attraction allows people with and without disabilities to try their hand at caving in a safe environment. The cave has been designed to replicate a natural cave and includes features like stalactites, stalagmites, and hidden fossils.
The Activities Group (North) Ltd (TAG) understands the importance of delivering you, your family, school, group, club, youth project or business a wide range of all year round safe, value for money, outdoor adventure activities, events, and bespoke development training programs giving participants a real life memorable learning or fun experience.
Peat Rigg Outdoor Training Centre is a converted nineteenth century farmhouse set in 90 acres of beautiful rural scenery. It is located within Cropton Forest on the southern edge of the North York Moors National Park
Our instructors have wide and varied experience of outdoor education and youth work stretching over several decades. We employ experienced, fully qualified and certified instructors, and hold a comprehensive insurance policy in order to make our activities safe and enjoyable.
We offer high quality all inclusive residential and non-residential outdoor education experiences and group activity courses for all sectors of the community including residential school trips, colleges, youth groups, families and corporate groups. The Centre has been adapted to accommodate those with special needs and disabilities.
Teeside adventure is an exciting group of qualified outdoor enthusiasts who really believe in getting the young, the old and the uninterested to love the outdoors and to develop their own skills and confidence.
The centre is at the foot of the magnificent Cadair Idris, surrounded by striking mountain scenery in the heart of North Wales. Snowdonia, the largest National Park in Wales is on our doorstep boasting the highest mountain in Wales and a variety of picturesque villages, lakes and coastlines.
Rhos y Gwaliau Outdoor Education Centre is situated in stunning open countryside on the eastern side of the Snowdonia National Park. We have easy access to scenic mountains, tranquil lakes, awe-inspiring coastlines and breath-taking rivers. We pride ourselves on our outstanding ability to deliver a wide range of high quality outdoor education programmes with a variety of activities to suit al
The Centre is set within 35 acres of beautiful mixed woodland, much of which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and includes some rare species of plant. From the top of the woods there are panoramic views over the Conwy Estuary to Snowdonia and Anglesey. And being in the rain shadow of the mountains means we have a lot of sun!
Test your nerve by journeying through a mountain via a series of exciting adventurous challenges. Try your hand at zip-lining over water or climbing up a vertical shaft, boat across a lake, traverse over an abyss, scale a waterfall or abseil your way down to the deepest point in Snowdonia!
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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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