Accessibility

Frequently Asked Questions

I am an adult, can I Clip ‘n Climb too?

Clip ‘n Climb is great fun for adults too!  It’s a great aerobic workout and there are challenges there even for the most experienced climbers.  Also keep an eye out for some adult cardio fitness sessions coming soon to the clip & climb to help you get fit whilst having fun. Remember, if you have booked a Clip ‘n Climb session, it doesn’t give you access to the roped climbing area.

I have children of different ages, can they all Clip ‘n Climb together?

One of the great things about Clip ‘n Climb is that it is one of the few activities where groups or families with mixed ages can climb together at the same time including the parents if your feeling left out.

Can anyone take part in Clip ‘n Climb?

It doesn’t matter how fit, how small, how daring or inexperienced you might be, we have a range of different challenges and routes which will appeal to all abilities and aptitudes. The minimum age is 4 years. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure that their children are old enough to participate. Unfortunately if we become aware that a participant is under age we are required to stop their further participation and this session will not be eligible for a refund. Participants must be no heavier than 150kg to use the auto belay system.

What if my child turns 4 within the next 4 weeks, will they be able to use Clip ‘n Climb?

Unfortunately although we all know that little children can be awesome climbers, our minimum age for public sessions is 4, even if they are 4 in a few days or weeks.  It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure that their children are old enough to participate. Unfortunately if we become aware that a participant is under age we are required to stop their further participation and this session will not be eligible for a refund.

What if a member of the climbing group has special needs?

Please tell us and we’ll do our best to ensure that they get the most out of the experience with no hassle or fuss. We are able to accommodate customers with disabilities so please let us know of any mobility restrictions or learning needs.

My child has never climbed before, how does it work, do I need to book them in?

Yes you can just book your child (or yourself) into a session.  Sessions are suitable for complete beginners or repeat visitors.  All climbers must attend our safety briefing and harness fitting which takes place as part of the session.  There are a range of climbing challenges in the arena and all have easy routes for novices.  Our instructors can also advise on the best climbs to tackle first if you are a complete beginner.

How long does a Clip ‘n Climb session last for?

A Clip ‘n Climb session lasts one hour. You will have a pre-climb briefing where our instructors will talk you through the safety aspects of Clip ‘n Climb and fit your harnesses.

Do I need to stay during my children’s climbing session?

Children under the age of 16 years must have an adult accompany them to the Clip ‘n Climb briefing room prior to the session starting.  Adults can also climb but may choose not to do so.  We do ask that you remain in the building throughout the session.  If you are not climbing there is a great viewing area where you can enjoy watching the action or you can relax in our Café, which serves a wide selection of hot and cold drinks and lunchtime specials.

Will my child get bored?

There’s just so much to do it’s unlikely! We have loads of different challenges which can be climbed more than once and they have different routes to try (easy, medium and hard).  Children can set their own challenges to race against friends or to only grasp a selected colour of handhold.

What should I wear?

You should wear appropriate loose fitting, flexible, comfortable clothing and closed-toe footwear such as trainers or climbing shoes. Shoes with heels, flip-flops or open toe shoes are not permitted.  Shoe laces should be tied, long hair tied back and all jewellery such as rings and ear-rings removed before the start of the session.  Glasses must be secure before climbing for safety reasons.

Do I need special equipment?

All equipment is provided which includes ropes and harnesses and our simple auto belay clips. All you need to bring is yourself, sense of fun and its useful to bring a drink along with you as well as it is thirsty work

Are we able to use cameras or Go Pros?

Spectators are more than welcome to take pictures of climbers within their group. We do ask that you are sensitive to other climbers and focus on those climbers in your party. Climbers are advised not to carry a phone or camera on them whilst they climb. Phones or other devices can become a hazard to other climbers if they fall out of pockets – they may also get damaged.

Is Clip ‘n Climb safe?

We use auto belays for all the elements in the Clip n Climb arena.  The system is easy to use.  When you climb you will be clipped into the system.  As you climb the auto belay will take in the slack on the tape and when you are ready to finish your climb, or if you fall off, the belay will lower you gently to the ground.

Are there any climbing instructions?

No experience is required to enjoy Clip ‘n Climb safely.  Our instructors run a safety briefing before you climb which covers everything you need to know about using the auto belay system and how to climb the elements safely.  They will also ensure your harness is fitted correctly.  Our instructors are also on hand throughout the session to help clip you and in and out climbs and to offer assistance and support where needed.  They’ll even give you some great route tips for each climb!

Can I climb alone or will I climb with others?

Some of the challenges are solo while other allow up to two or three other climbers. You can have great fun climbing with others, either as a race or on face to face, our window wall! Equally Clip ‘n Climb is a suitable activity to do as a solo participant.

Do I need to book a session?

It is always advisable to book in advance, especially for weekend and holiday sessions which often sell out in advance.  Sometimes it is possible to book a last minute session and we do take on the day bookings, but we cannot guarantee there will be availability.  You can check our availability real time by visiting the booking page of the website or contacting us at the centre.

Can I book Clip ‘n Climb for a birthday party?

Yes – Clip ‘n Climb is a great activity for birthdays or group sessions.

Do you have wheelchair access?

The Clip ‘n Climb arena is located on the ground floor of the building and we can offer wheelchair access through a door that leads directly into the arena and then a ramp onto the ice.