I tried climbing and loved it - what next?

Posted by Dan Middleton on 20/06/2023

Tried climbing at PGL and thought it was great? Find out where and how you can do it when you get home!

Climbing is great fun and there have never been as many places where you can go and give it a try. Find out what is on offer near you, have a go and who knows, you might be a future Olympic climbing champion!

Climbing Walls

The best place to start is at one of your local climbing walls. Purpose made for climbing, they are indoors so you can climb whatever the weather is doing outside! Most offer introductory sessions and if you want more you can sign up for regular classes or join their youth club. There's something for all levels of ability and you'll make new friends and have loads of fun learning a new sport.

Find your local wall using our map

Bouldering

Bouldering is climbing without ropes, and is the most popular form of climbing. Thick matting softens the impact of falling off, and you never climb too far above the ground. Bouldering is fun as you focus on solving the challenge or "problem" that has been set.

Top roping

Top roping leads you into the world of climbing with ropes, which allows you to climb higher and for longer than when bouldering. As well as climbing, you'll learn to belay, where you manage the rope and look after your partner - all under the supervision of your expert instructor!

Where can climbing take you?

Climbing and bouldering often become life long hobbies, where you can make good friends and have great experiences. If you enjoy your introductory session, you can sign up for classes such as those from NICAS.

As well as climbing indoors for fun, fitness and friendships, climbing can lead on to other things including:

Climbing outside

Before climbing walls, this was where all climbing happened, and it's still incredibly popular! Some climbing walls offer outdoor trips, or you can join the BMC and sign up for a climbing course. Outdoor bouldering and rock climbing will provide new challanges all in the environment of the countryside surrounded by wildlife and great scenery.

Competitions

If you like winning, or perhaps just enjoy the challange of pushing yourself, you might try competing against your peers. Many walls run fun comps all the way up to selections for regional and national teams. Who knows how far you could go?

Careers

Climbing is a growing industry with many career options available. You could become a coach or instructor, or perhaps a routesetter where you create the problems for climbers to challenge themselves on.

Courses for indoor climbers making their first moves onto rock

Who are they for?

These courses are ideal for novice climbing club members, students, parents and individuals who may have had the odd taster of climbing outdoors and wish to gain key safety skills at an excellent price. They may also be a good precursor for people contemplating the Single Pitch Award training. You should already know how to put on a harness and belay. These courses are for people aged 18 or older.