Climbing FAQs

No. You can use our Climbing Wall without completing a course.

However, all adult users must register and complete the Climbing Participation Agreement (CPA), including watching the relevant induction videos, before climbing.

Bouldering is open to all levels, including beginners. If you wish to use the roped walls, you must declare yourself competent and provide your own safety equipment.

If you are new to climbing or would like guidance, we offer courses and sessions for all abilities.

Yes. You can climb on your own using our bouldering areas or auto-belay devices.

We have auto-belay devices on selected lines, which allow you to climb safely without a partner.

We recommend wearing comfortable sportswear or loose clothing.

Climbing shoes are advised and are available to hire from reception. Summit members can hire climbing shoes free of charge. If using your own shoes, they must be clean and non-marking.

Climbing shoes must only be worn within the Climbing Wall and not in toilets or communal areas.

For roped climbing, you will need a harness and belay device. These are not available for hire.

For lead climbing, a minimum 30 metre lead-rated rope is required. This is not available for hire.

All equipment is provided for instructor-led courses.

Our instructors will be happy to advise you on suitable equipment.

Yes. Children aged 3 and over can use the Climbing Wall. The minimum age for climbing is 3 years old.

All juniors (those under 18) must be supervised by an adult aged 18 or over who has completed the Climbing Participation Agreement.

One adult can supervise a maximum of two children and is responsible for them at all times.

If you wish to bring a larger group of children, please book a group session, lesson or party.

Bouldering is climbing without ropes at a lower height, with safety mats beneath you.

We have three bouldering areas, including freestanding and mat-based sections.

Belaying is the technique used to control the rope and keep a climber safe while they climb.

An auto-belay is a mechanical device that automatically takes in slack and lowers you safely to the ground if you fall. We have auto-belays available on selected climbing lines.

Yes, you can use your own equipment.

All equipment must be suitable, in good condition and used in line with the manufacturer’s guidance. We reserve the right to refuse the use of any equipment if we believe it is unsafe or not appropriate.

Yes, but all external instructors or coaches must contact us at least 72 hours in advance.

You will need to provide evidence of relevant qualifications (e.g. Mountain Training or AMI) and valid public liability insurance.

Please contact climb@brookes.ac.uk to arrange this.

Cancellation Policy for Activity Bookings (e.g. Coach-Led Sessions):

• Users (excluding Members) must cancel bookings in line with the following:
  • Cancellations with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice before the scheduled start time are eligible for a full refund. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to sportsmembership@brookes.ac.uk 
  • Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice but at least 4 hours before the scheduled start time may request a like-for-like transfer. Requests must be submitted in writing to sportsmembership@brookes.ac.uk 
  • Cancellations under 4 hours’ notice are not eligible for transfers or refunds.
    
    
• Members must cancel bookings in line with the following:
  • Cancellations can be made via the App, Book Online portal, or in writing to sportsmembership@brookes.ac.uk up to 20 minutes before the scheduled start time.
  • Failure to cancel or non-attendance may result in a charge.

Cancellation Policy for Block Bookings and Events

• A minimum of 28 days’ notice is required to cancel an event or block booking and this must be done in writing to sportsmembership@brookes.ac.uk and climb@brookes.ac.uk  
• Refunds will not be issued to customers who cancel with less than 28 days’ notice. Repeated cancellations or speculative bookings may result in the refusal of future bookings, at the discretion of Brookes Sport & Active Wellness.

If you have any questions about climbing, please contact us:

• Email: climb@brookes.ac.uk
• Phone: 01865 53 4100 (reception)