Climbing courses
Adults and children can learn how to climb on one of our professionally taught courses.
Two-stage beginners’ climbing course
Our two-stage climbing programme involves an induction session and consolidation session. Inductions are taught in small groups of no more than six people. Once both parts of the course are complete, you will be able to use the indoor climbing wall on a recreational basis. Both sessions take place at the indoor climbing wall based at the Centre for Sport on Frenchay Campus.
How to take part
You don't need any previous experience in climbing, but participants do need to be over 16 years old.
Programme dates
While the wall is closed the beginners’ climbing course will unfortunately not be running. Participants will need to complete both the induction and the consolidation sessions.
Cost and booking
Sessions cost £25 for the induction and consolidation. Please contact us to register your interest.

Rocky Rangers junior climbing club
The Rocky Rangers climbing club is a professionally taught climbing course for 9- to 16-year-olds. During this six-week course, participants will work towards the NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme) Level 1 and 2 Awards through fun and informal sessions.
All sessions take place at the indoor climbing wall based at the Centre for Sport on Frenchay Campus.
Who can take part
This course is suitable for 9- to 16-year-olds with no (or limited) experience of climbing.
Programme dates
Please view the upcoming dates on UWE's Online Store.
Cost and booking
The course costs £55. Spaces can be booked through UWE's Online Store.
If you have any enquires please email Climbing Co-ordinator Alexander George at alexander3.george@uwe.ac.uk.
School and group climbing
Ever thought about offering climbing sessions to your students? Whether you are looking for a one-off taster session (aged seven plus) or a progressive multi-session course (aged ten plus), we can assist you in offering a great experience for your group.
What we can offer
- GCSE PE and College sessions
- NICAS Level 1 and 2 accredited courses
- Teambuilding sessions
- Taster sessions.
Cost and booking
For further information, prices and bookings, please email the Climbing Co-ordinator at alexander3.george@uwe.ac.uk to discuss your requirements.
Outdoor climbing
Discover the thrill of climbing outdoors with UWE Bristol’s professionally taught climbing course. The exciting course will take place in Bristol at the Avon Gorge, on the sea wall section of the crag from May through to September. Emphasis will be put on climbing time rather than the teaching of rope-work skills.
Who can take part?
Open to anyone over the age of ten (parent or legal guardian must be present for under 18s) irrespective of their ability, allowing everyone to experience outdoor climbing under fully supervised conditions.
Dates
- Dates will be confirmed.
Cost and booking
Sessions will cost £20 for adults and £15 for juniors (17 and under).
Participants will be responsible for arranging their own transport to and from the Avon Gorge. Contact Alexander George at alexander3.george@uwe.ac.uk for further information.
Weather and session cancellation
Session cancellation will occur due to dangerous weather conditions, for example, heavy rain, electrical storms and strong winds. Normal rain conditions will not constitute the cancellation of a session.
A decision will be made by the instructor prior to the commencement of the session. If in any doubt, participants can call UWE Bristol Sport to confirm if the session will take place.
Sessions can be cancelled at any time during the session if conditions are deemed to become dangerous. The instructor’s decision is final. An instructor will remain with the group until all minors are collected.
For further information, please view the British Mountaineering Council's Outdoor Climbing Terms and Conditions.
Weekly drop-ins
Join our new weekly Saturday morning drop-in sessions for children aged 7–16 years old. With instruction from fully qualified staff and all essential equipment provided, the sessions combine a mix of top rope climbing and fun climbing-based games.
Cost and booking
Bookings can be made through UWE Online Store.
£7 per child for a one-hour session. Instruction from fully qualified staff with all essential equipment provided.
Contact Alexander George at alexander3.george@uwe.ac.uk for further information.
Climbing parties
Scale new heights with a fantastic climbing party at the Centre for Sport. Suitable for children aged 7–16 years old, a climbing party package includes:
- a one-hour climbing session, taken by a fully qualified and DBS-checked climbing instructor
- full use of all equipment required, including harnesses and helmets.
Cost and booking
Find out more information about children's sport and parties.
You may also be interested in

Contact and opening hours
Get in touch, find location information and discover when UWE Bristol Sport facilities are open.

Climbing wall
Our indoor wall hosts a variety of climbing courses for kids and novices.

MOVE
Fun activities designed to help you get fit and feel great. From aerial hoop to tai chi, football to yoga, give it all a go.

Climbing
With our own climbing wall at the Centre for Sport, there's plenty of opportunities to develop your skills – take a climbing course or join the UWE Climbing Club.