Leisure Kicks - The essencial sport and leisure guide

Around one million people are using climbing walls in the UK and women are taking up the sport in greater numbers. It’s understandable; there’s no greater thrill than reaching the top of your first climb or overcoming fear to risk a fall from the wall to reach for a particularly difficult move. 

Artificial walls have sprung up all around the country providing a variety of levels of difficulty to both new and more experienced climbers. If you are interested in hitting the mountains in the summer months, indoor climbing can be a great way to keep your muscles sharp when the elements outdoors are less than kind. It can also teach you some – but not by any means all – of the fundamentals of outdoor climbing. You can learn the equipment, build up your repertoire of tips and tricks and can even tone up the muscles you may need to become a climbing master. You don’t need to be extremely fit to get started, but you do have to be willing to face any fears you may have of heights. However, indoor climbing is very safe and supervised by professionals, it is also a great activity for the whole family to enjoy together. 

Choose your sport

A quick snapshot look at the world of competitive climbing