UKC

Based in South Lakes. We would like to train on local climbing walls weekends but generally have to have our children with us. Can anyone suggest a child-friendly climbing wall? We are finding it difficult.

In reply to rioja7c: what about kendal? not sure of child policy

In reply to rioja7c: Climb Rochdale is child friendly. We allow children of all ages as long as they are well supervised by parents / guardian.

We have walls that even the youngest will be able to enjoy and we actively encourage children.

It may be a bit far about 1 and quarter hours from Kendal but you would certainly be welcome.

Ian Dunn

In reply to Ian Dunn: Seconded. We regularly take our sproglet to Rochdale. We ring in advance to find quiet periods and always find childrens frames taken into account in the route/problem setting.

out of interest can we open this up wider than the initial geographical querry....

In reply to Ben Tyrrell: yes.

In reply to Ben Tyrrell: The most child friendly I've found up to now, is The Beacon, Waunfawr.

Why not get your kids to climb as well.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm0xjHOaWv4&feature=channel_page

In reply to broughton power: Which child-friendly walls in the UK can be recommended?

In reply to broughton power: Rock City in Hull is child friendly. Frequently go there with my 6 year old and there is plenty for him to do and the staff have a good attitude to him.

In reply to ankyo:

We recently took the kids (5&7) to the new(?) bouldering wall in Newcastle (byker)- a really good room upstairs for kids and lots other problems to have a go at. The staff were really good with the kids and generally v helpful. Our local wall is mainly toproping and i thought the kids would be disapointed but they enjoyed bouldering much more and we also got a pretty good session in as well. On a sunday lunchtime it was pretty quiete but they do have kids parties so it might be worth checking before you go.

In reply to anyone:
Another vote for Rochdale, very child friendly bouldering room (don't know about routes) for young climbers and very young non-climbers.
Also The Works in Sheffield is very good with a dedicated childs climbing area and lots of space for non-climbing little 'uns.

In reply to rioja7c:

West View at Preston is excellent for kids. Loads of easy top-ropes - I've taken my five-year-olds there.

In reply to rioja7c:

For Southerners: Craggy Island in Guildford. Plenty of routes at grade 3 and 4. Plenty of children around and no problem with spectators either.

I've also taken children to the Beacon Centre in N.Wales. which was fine, but not as well equipped.

In reply to Ben Tyrrell:

Down in the uncharted wilderness of south west England, the Mill in South Molton is great with children. One of the best climbers there is 12 years old and no more than 5 feet tall: I've seen him lead a 6b with style and confidence, well within his grade.

In reply to Ben Tyrrell: As we are opening this up. Does anybody know the situation in Bristol (they are 7 and 9)

In reply to Stew.G: 2 mins of paperwork and your in at Bristol,plenty of easy routes French 4 and up

In reply to bri66: Cheers, is that at UCR or the new one?

In reply to FrJ:

my local but they don't allow under 8's...

In reply to rioja7c: west veiw in preston have just spent a few thousand on a new wall designed for children. easy routes and fun holds!

In reply to Ben Tyrrell: Ok, a bit further afield but Mile End has no age limit as long as they are supervised.

http://www.mileendwall.org.uk/public/article/4

In reply to Stew.G: I'd recommend the new one (climbing academy).

In reply to Ben Tyrrell:

Thansk. Not spotted that.
Their T&C indicate that there might be some sessions where it's over 5.

In reply to FrJ: just one if memory serves, early on a Sunday but then they have to stop climbing when the centre opens...

In reply to rioja7c:

Durham Climbing Centre is suitable for ages 3+.

www.durhamclimbingcentre.co.uk

In reply to Strife: do you know what their rules are on kids. As it would be perfect (it's half way on the walk between mine and the ex's)