If you're new to climbing, or you want to brush up on the basics, book a beginner session with us before taking your competency assessment.
Our Climbing Facilities
The 8.5m wall was designed in consultation with former University Chancellor and renowned climber, Sir Chris Bonington and features 17 belay lines, a bouldering cave and a teaching wall.
Ready to take on the wall?
If you're keen to climb then Lancaster University Sports Centre is the perfect place to harness your inner belay!
Experienced Climbers can register to use our wall unsupervised through a face to face competency assessment. You do not need to pre-book these, simply ask at reception, however, in some circumstances you may need to wait for an instructor to become available. Note you need to be competent at both bouldering and top-roping (including tying knots and belaying) in order to pass the assessment. Novice climbers should look at booking our Adult Beginners classes to gain the necessary skills.
Already registered?
Great, if you're already registered, you'll be able to accompany up to two unregistered climbers over the age of six, but you'll need to be over 18 and sign an extra form at the reception desk to take liability for those climbers each time you climb.
Registered climbers can book a session online and should already have access to the facilities via their membership card or University ID. If at anytime you are unsure of anything, or find yourself needing help or advice, our qualified team will be on hand via Reception, to help you out.
Please note: Any climber under the age of 18 is not permitted to supervise unregistered climbers.
Classes and parties
There are a range of classes on offer to suit all abilities as well as children's parties.
Classes and PartiesRegister as a climber
Experienced climbers can register with the Sports Centre by booking and completing a basic competency assessment.
The assessment is witnessed by a qualified member of staff and on completion, you will be invited to sign a registration form. . Once registered, you'll be able to accompany up to two unregistered climbers over the age of six, but you'll need to sign a supervision form at reception each time you climb.
Climbers between the age fo 14 and 17 may register but will need their parent or guardian to fill the registration form in and act as a witness during the competency test. Any climber under the age of 18 is not permitted to supervise unregistered climbers.
What is the competency assessment?
The competency assessment is part of the mandatory registration process for each climber that uses our indoor climbing wall.
The assessment is carried out in person, by a qualified member of Sports Centre staff and is required regardless of your experience and ability. The assessment is a judgement of your ability to use the equipment safely and demonstrates that the climber has a sufficient level of knowledge and skill prior to using the facilities.
The assessment is free of charge and as a guide, we recommend taking the test if you are able to:
- Put on a harness unassisted
- Tie the appropriate knots unaided
- Correctly belay
If you are not able to do these activities competently, we strongly recommend you attend our Beginner Lessons before booking the assessment.
