Climbing
Adults can begin bouldering anytime without booking, or try auto-belay climbing after completing a free in-person induction. Roped climbing requires either a booked instructed lesson or prior experience to register for unsupervised climbing.
Under 18s have multiple options available. Visit the First Time Visitors page for your climbing pathway and the Kids & Families section for youth options.
New climbers interested in climbing with children should explore our taster sessions. Experienced adult climbers may supervise up to 2 guests of any age.
Children aged 14+ with climbing experience can climb without supervision after passing a prebooked assessment. See the Kids & Families page for all options.
Yes! We offer various Taster Sessions and Beginners Courses. We also offer personalised 1-to-1 and small group sessions with instructors for up to 4 people total.
There are four climbing types available at The Reach:
- Bouldering – low-level climbing without ropes over crash mats
- Auto-belay – climb with a device that automatically takes in slack and lowers you
- Top rope – roped climbing where the rope runs through an anchor at the top of the wall
- Lead climbing – roped climbing where you clip the rope into quickdraws as you ascend
See the climbing styles page for detailed information on each type.
Our facilities include:
- Car and bike parking
- Changing rooms and showers
- Kit hire
- Café
- Climbing gear shop
- Training room
Visit the Facilities page for complete details.
A registered adult who has demonstrated competency may supervise up to two guest climbers, assuming full safety responsibility. The supervising member cannot climb while supervising.
See the Guest Supervision page for complete rules.
Our introductory course teaches top-rope basics for complete beginners and those needing refresher training. The Rope Skills Essentials course provides everything you need to register for unsupervised roped climbing.
Lead climbing requires meeting specific criteria before attending the course. See the Learn to Lead Climb course page for requirements and details.
A 30 metre rope works on all our lead walls.
Available anchors include Screw Gates, 2 opposing quick draws, Edelrid ‘Topper Stations’ and Petzl ‘Easy Top Anchors’. Please lower off from anchors rather than the last quick draw.
Ask the desk team if you are unfamiliar with any of these systems.
Every top-rope and lead line has ground anchors. Ground anchor attachments are available for hire if needed.
Under 18s
Children aged 7–17 can join our regular Kids Club sessions at weekends and during school holidays. These 90-minute supervised sessions include all equipment and suit both beginners and experienced climbers.
Book in advance as sessions fill up quickly!
Small groups of up to 6 participants aged 7–17 can book Youth Group Taster Sessions. For children under 7, book Mixed Age Group Sessions. Larger groups should contact the centre directly.
Please note: we are unable to cater or provide dining space for children’s parties. See the Courses page for all offerings.
New climbers should explore our taster sessions. Experienced adult climbers may supervise up to 2 guests of any age. Children aged 14+ with climbing experience can climb unsupervised after passing a prebooked assessment.
Review the Kids & Families page for all options.
Yes, but please discuss pram parking location with staff to keep it outside fall zones. Infants must remain in the pram at all times.
Once toddling, children need registration and supervision form completion by an experienced climber.
General
On Bank Holidays we are open 10am to 7pm.
The centre is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
All bookings cancelled with less than 2 weeks’ notice incur a 50% charge. Cancellations within 1 week of the booking require full payment.
Wear comfortable, casual clothing that allows freedom of movement – trousers and a T-shirt are ideal. Bring warm clothing in cold weather as the climbing area is unheated.
Climbing shoes can be hired. Children should wear clean trainers or plimsolls. Remove rings and avoid bracelets and watches. Tie back long hair.
Climbing at The Reach is accessible to a very wide range of people. We actively welcome para climbers, people with visual or hearing impairment, those with Special Educational Needs, and people of all shapes, sizes, and ages.
See the Accessibility page for details.
Free car parking is available on the estate (turn right inside the front gates; spaces are not guaranteed). Bike lock-up is located inside the roller doors to the right of reception. We may be able to lend locks.
See the Find Us page for travel details.
Yes! We have ample locker space. Bring a £1 coin to release the key (it is returned when you return the key). Reusable locker tokens are also sold at reception.
A few extra-large lockers are available but cannot be guaranteed – ask at reception.
Climbing suits all ages – our participants have ranged from under 2 to over 90! Most adult courses have a minimum age of 14.
Under 18s need parental or guardian accompaniment; those under 16 need a participating adult on the course. Review the Courses page for specific age criteria.
Experienced adults may supervise up to 2 guests of any age. Children aged 14+ with climbing experience may climb unsupervised after passing an assessment.
Under 18s cannot use the café unsupervised, the training room, or supervise others. See the Kids & Families page for all options.
No restrictions exist for bouldering and roped climbing. Ground anchors can assist lighter belayers with heavier climbers.
Auto belay devices have a maximum user weight of 150kg / 330lbs / 23st.
No. For safety reasons, customers cannot bring animals into the centre.
Yes! Gift cards matching course costs or custom amounts are available for Christmas, birthdays, or other occasions. See the Gift Card page for details and purchasing.
No. Anyone over 18 may use the café but must remain in marked areas outside climbing wall fall zones.
Under 18s can only access the café area under the supervision of a registered member.