Indoor climbing
Indoor climbing: book an experience shaped to what you want. Checked providers in the finest parts of the country.
Difficulty
Beginner – Expert
Duration
1 hour - regular training sessions
Location
Climbing walls, sports centres
Season
All year round
What is indoor climbing?
Indoor climbing means climbing on artificial walls built for training and for fun.
It is a safe way of learning the basic technique before you go out onto real rock.
It builds strength, coordination, balance and concentration.
Climbing walls offer routes at every grade, for every level.
How does a indoor climbing session work?
Arriving at the wall
You are told the rules and given the kit.
Warming up
The body is got ready for the work.
Picking the routes
You choose routes that suit where you are.
Climbing
You work your way up the panels.
Getting better
The technique comes on with repeated practice.
Who is indoor climbing for?
Beginners
They can pick up the basics in a controlled setting.
Children
It builds coordination and confidence.
Sporty types
It works as physical training.
Climbers
It lets them keep the technique sharp all year.
indoor climbing experience level
A first try
Getting to know the wall, the holds and the basic rules.
Learning the technique
Working on body position, balance and moving efficiently.
Regular training
Sessions given over to building strength and stamina.
Competition climbing
Preparing for hard routes and for events.
At a glance
Whatever the weather
You can do it all year round.
Routes of every grade
The walls carry routes at different levels of difficulty.
Instructor
Worth having for the first few sessions.
Booking
Some walls ask you to book for courses.
As long as you like
Sessions can be built around what you want out of them.
Training
It can be used to build general fitness.
indoor climbing kit
Climbing shoes
They grip on the artificial holds.
Climbing harness
You need one on the roped routes.
Chalk
It keeps your hands dry enough to grip.
Sports clothing
It lets you move freely.
Water
Worth having on the longer sessions.
A training log
Handy for keeping track of how you are getting on.
indoor climbing safety
A climbing wall is a controlled setting, but the rules still have to be kept.
Frequently asked questions about indoor climbing
No. Indoor climbing suits beginners too.
No. Plenty of walls hire kit out.
Yes, depending on the wall's rules and facilities.
Technique and coordination count for as much as strength.
Yes — going up gradually helps you get used to it.
It can be done regularly, for fun or as a sport.
Yes. It is good training before you head outdoors.