Climbing courses
Never tried climbing before? Not sure if you will like it? Our 30 minute taster sessions give you an insight into climbing. At the end of the session, if you wish to learn more and want to be able to use the wall unattended you can sign up to one of our learn to climb courses listed below.
| MEMBERSHIP | COST |
|---|---|
| Edge Members | £8 |
| Non-Members | £8 |
Our Learn to climb course is for beginners. You’ll complete four 90-minute sessions in consecutive weeks to take you through basic climbing techniques and ropework. At the end of the course you’ll be able to use the Edge Climbing Wall unattended. No equipment or experience is necessary but if you’re not sure what’s involved, just try a taster session.
| MEMBERSHIP | COST |
|---|---|
| Edge Members | £45 |
| Non-Members | £70 |
Junior climbing
Age: 4 – 17
The National Indoor Climbing Award Schemes (NICAS) is a UK wide scheme designed to provides a gateway to learning and developing a love for the sport. It promotes climbing development and accredit individuals achievement through 5 levels.
It’s a great starting point for young climbers wishing to take up climbing, from novice to experienced, starting from 7.
We offer NICAS levels one through to three and courses are taught in six-week blocks. This includes a 1.5hr session each week.
NICAS Wild Climbers offers climbing skills for all, from age 4 to 7.
It’s a fun, game orientated programme that aims to introduce climbers safely into the indoor climbing environment, developing their awareness of climbing movements, improving confidence and creating a grassroots pathway into additional climbing activities.
NICAS Wild Climbers meets the 3 key learning areas of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) which is the precursor to Key Stage 1, and includes Communication, Physical Development, and Social & Emotional Development.
How many terms will it take to pass?
Each student is different but generally older students (10+) tend to pass level one in a single term. Level two generally takes two terms and level three generally takes three terms. Younger students often need to complete more terms on each level.
Do I need to buy special equipment?
No, all climbing equipment is supplied. We do not recommend buying equipment until you have a good understanding of what you need. This will be covered as you progress through the syllabus.
What happens if I miss a session?
Missed sessions are non-refundable. All students will be assessed on the last week of each term. If they do not meet the required standard they will not pass. We follow a set syllabus so where students miss content instructors are unable to provide 1:1 tuition. However, content is repeated throughout the term.
How many terms does it take to pass each level?
Each student is different but generally older students (10+) tend to pass level one in a single term (6 sessions). Level two will then takes generally two terms (12 sessions) and level three generally takes three terms (18 sessions). Younger students often need to complete more terms on each level.
Is the NICAS book/folder included in the price?
You will have the option to pay for a NICAS book/folder when you book onto the session. This only needs to be done on your first term.
How many sessions are there per term?
We run NICAS alongside school terms, so the number of sessions will change based on how many weeks are in a term. We don’t run sessions over half terms, Easter, Christmas or summer holidays.
Do I need any special equipment?
No, all climbing equipment is supplied. We do not recommend buying equipment until you have a good understanding of what you need. This will be covered as you progress through the syllabus.
What happens if I miss a session?
Missed sessions are non-refundable. All students will be assessed on the last week of each term. If they do not meet the required standard they will not pass. We follow a set syllabus so where students miss content instructors are unable to provide 1:1 tuition. However, content is repeated throughout the term.
Do I need to rebook NICAS? If yes, how often?
Yes, at the start of every term you will need to book your place on the next term of NICAS. We will be keeping you posted on social media and by email when term time starts, and when you will be able to book it.
Can I supervise my child?
In order to supervise your child climbing, you will need to pass a competency test which can be booked through reception or leisure hub. You will need to know how to belay and tie in for this. We do offer an adult learn to climb course which you can book through reception if you don’t already know how to belay.
Experienced climbing
If you are an experienced climber and have belayed before you will need to complete a Belay test before using the climbing wall.
The tests are 15 minutes and you will need to demonstrate that you can put on a climbing harness correctly, tie into a rope with an acceptable knot, and then belay someone safely up and down the wall, including arresting a fall.
You will need to bring a partner (who need not have any climbing experience) who will do a short, easy climb while we observe you belaying them.
| MEMBERSHIP | COST |
|---|---|
| Edge Members | Free |
| Non-Members | Free |
Once you’ve passed the belay test you will be able to use the climbing wall unsupervised.
If you have belayed before but would like to refresh your memory before committing to the test, then book a refresher session. For this session you will need a partner and it will last 30 minutes.
| MEMBERSHIP | COST |
|---|---|
| Edge Members | £8.00 |
| Non-members | £8.00 |
Gallery
Take a look at our climbing facilities
Club and Private bookings have sole access to the wall, during courses limited access will be available and outside the displayed timetable independent climbing is available during edge opening hours subject to completion of registration and belay test.
Open booking slots are available to book Belay Test/Belay refreshers and Taster sessions these can be booked via The Edge online booking system or via reception.
Contact the Edge reception team for more information about the climbing timetable.
Want to check the facilities out for yourself? Book a tour with our friendly Membership Team who will be happy to guide you around The Edge or take a look at our virtual tour right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the climbing wall?
Firstly you need to pass a competency test with our climbing team. To book this please email [email protected]
Do I need to book to use the climbing wall?
There is no requirement to book. The climbing wall is open when the edge is open, we do close the climbing wall for our junior courses and internal bookings during term time. These are typically Saturdays until 1:30pm, Monday 5-7pm, Tuesday 7-10pm, Wednesday 1:30-3pm, Thursday 4:30-8:30pm, Friday 7-10pm
Do you offer climbing courses for children?
Yes, we run a range of climbing courses for children from as young as 4 on Wild Climbers Mini Gryphons and from 7 on the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme Junior Gryphons
Can I learn to climb?
Yes, we run Learn to Climb courses throughout the year. We will take you through everything you need to know to pass the belay test to access the climbing wall
Do I need to bring my own equipment for climbing?
We have some equipment available for hire. If you are on a course with us we will provide you with everything you need just wear comfy gym style clothing
Do you offer bouldering only?
You can access the wall to just boulder however as our wall is a multi use wall all users must have passed the belay test
Do you have auto belays in the climbing wall?
Yes we have one auto belay on line 12, straight ahead as you enter the wall
Do you have auto belays in the climbing wall?
Yes we have one auto belay on line 12, straight ahead as you enter the wall
Can schools use the climbing wall?
Yes we can offer one off sessions or bespoke courses to meet your needs. Please email [email protected]
