To help give you a better understanding of how our Climbing Wall operates, we have listed some frequently asked questions along with the answers. Expand all Collapse all Where is the Climbing Wall? The wall is located at the Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym, 46 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ. To gain access, enter through the main entrance. The Climbing Wall is located at the back of the gym, past the squash courts and near the Sports Hall. What Climbing facilities do you have? The Tower Top roping Lead climbing 8 metre walls with varying angles 25 lines Abseil Platform The Rock Bouldering 4.2 metre walls with varying angles The Bothy Climbing Wall Reception How many routes there are? The Tower Between 75 – 100 routes The Rock Between 60 – 100 boulder problems What are your grade ranges? In the Tower? 3 – 7B In the Rock? V0 – V9 Do I need to do an 'Intro to Roped Climbing' course before climbing? No. You can boulder in the Rock without having to complete a Beginners course If you want to use the Tower roped wall, then you must know how to put on a harness, tie an appropriate climbing knot and belay safely. If you do not know how to do any of the above, then an 'Intro to Roped Climbing' course is required. A short refresher can be requested for anyone who needs a quick reminder of skills. If staff deem this to be more involved than a quick refresher, then they will suggest a Beginners Course. I’ve climbed with ropes before, but my friend hasn’t – can I teach them how to use the ropes? You can teach your friend as long as you hold the relevant instruction qualification and insurance. These documents must be produced to the Wall in advance of the session. For more information on these, contact the Climbing Wall Team. If you do not hold the above, then you cannot teach your friend. How can I find a climbing partner? We have a Facebook Group that people will post on in order to find climbing partners, usually a day or so before they want to climb. Facebook group Do you have auto-belays? Yes, we do! We installed three in September 2023 Can I lead climb at the Wall? Yes, so long as you are confident in lead climbing and belaying, and have your own lead rope. What should I wear/bring? We’d recommend wearing something you’d feel comfortable climbing in, usually clothes you may wear to the gym. Please take off rings and jewellery before you climb. What equipment do I need? To climb in the Rock, you need climbing shoes, and, if you like, some chalk. To climb in the Tower, you need climbing shoes, a climbing harness, belay device and karabiner (between 2), and, if you like, some chalk. Climbing shoes, harnesses, belay devices and karabiners are currently free. Chalk can be purchased at the front desk if desired. Can anyone climb at the Wall, or do you need to be affiliated with the University? Anyone can purchase a Sport & Exercise climbing membership to use our climbing facilities. Sport & Exercise gym members, University of Edinburgh staff and students, or a guest of a member (each member can sign in up to one guest per day) can visit on a pay-as-you-go basis. Can I bring my child climbing? The minimum age for using the gym is 16 years old, and this filters into the Climbing Wall. This may mean that your child is not old enough to use our facilities. An organised kids group booking can be arranged in advance though, and this can be for kids aged 8 years old and up. Please email climbing.wall@ed.ac.uk for price and more details. How do I register? Please read our registration and booking process Can I arrange a group booking? Please view our group booking web page This article was published on 2024-05-13
