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University of Essex homepage Sport Facilities Climbing wall
Essex Sport

Climbing wall

Climbing Wall

Reach new fitness heights

With 250 metres of climbing space you can take your fitness levels to the top. Our climbing wall has bouldering and top roping facilities that can be used when overseen by a qualified instructor, or with proof of proficiency. 

Not sure where to start? Check out our courses below! We offer beginner ropes courses, children’s climbing sessions, and private bookings.

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Already an experienced climber?

If you already have the skills to safely use top ropes, auto-belays, and our bouldering area, then you’ll just need to pass our competency test and you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art climbing facilities.

The competency test can only be taken in person at the Sports Centre reception and must be completed with confidence to be allowed access to the climbing wall. 

We reserve the right to refuse access if your experience level does not meet our expectations for safe use of the climbing facilities.

We do not currently offer equipment rentals, in order to use the climbing facility you will need to bring your own harness, belay device, climbing shoes, and rope!

 

Costs

  • Members -  Free
  • Public - £5.50
  • Concession and Alumni - £5.00
  • Staff - £4.50
  • Student - £3.50
  • Junior (U18) - £2.75

How to book

Please call ahead before “walking-in” as clubs and courses are often using the climbing facilities.

To book the climbing wall please call reception on 01206 873250

New to climbing?

Book on to one of our beginner ropes course.

If you’re new to climbing or have had an extended break, our beginner ropes courses will teach you everything you need to safely use the climbing facilities at our centre.

Our certified instructors will help you find your confidence on the wall by teaching you the basics of top roping, auto-belays, and bouldering. By the end of the course you will then be ready to climb unsupervised at the centre.

You may bring children of ages 14+ who will count towards the capacity of the session.

Anyone under the age of 18 must be supervised at ALL times when using the climbing facilities.

What to bring and what to wear

We will provide all of the equipment whilst you’re learning, just make sure to wear something comfortable that lets you move around easily. Please bring some water and lunch!

What to expect on the day

You will receive 6 hours total contact time (spread across 2 sessions) with a qualified instructor who will train you in the following areas:

  • Basic climbing techniques
  • Fitting a harness
  • Tying a rope to your harness
  • Belaying safely and catching falls
  • Using ground anchors
  • Using Auto-belays
  • Using the bouldering area
  • Minimising risk when using climbing facilities

By the end of the course, provided we are happy with your progress you will be invited to take a competency test which will go on record to allow you to use the climbing facilities without an instructor present.

Costs

  • £60

Upcoming courses  

Our climbing course runs as 2 sessions spread a week apart, each lasting 3 hours. You must attend both sessions to complete the course.

There are 6 spaces on each course: 

January course

  • Saturday 13 January, 1pm - 4pm
  • Saturday 20 January, 1pm - 4pm

February course

  • Saturday 3 February, 1pm - 4pm
  • Saturday 10 February, 1pm - 4pm 

March course

  • Saturday 2 March, 1pm - 4pm
  • Saturday 9 March, 1pm - 4pm

April course

  • Saturday 6 April, 1pm - 4pm
  • Saturday 13 April, 1pm - 4pm 

May course

  • Saturday 18 May, 1pm - 4pm
  • Saturday 18 May, 1pm - 4pm

If our courses are full or you cannot make the date we offer then please get in touch via email climbing@essex.ac.uk and we will attempt to arrange an additional date if interest allows.

How to book

  • Essex Sport members can book and pay via our online booking system Connect using their email address and pin.
  • Non-members can either visit or telephone the Sports Centre reception on 01206 873250, and book and pay using a debit or credit card. 

Children’s Climbing Courses

Utilising our brand-new climbing wall, our fun filled sessions provide the perfect springboard to get into climbing.

Children will learn the basics of climbing and bouldering. These sessions will also promote safe practice within the climbing wall and nurture your children’s interest in climbing by providing a physical and mental challenge, encouraging them to reach new heights (literally!).

If you’d like to come watch your children climb you are more than welcome to do so! Please let our instructor know at reception when they come to pickup your child.

Children must be age 8 or above, children under age 8 will not be permitted to take part.

Costs

  • £60 per term (6 weeks)

Upcoming courses

When booking onto a course, you only book onto a single day of the week. For example, if you book onto a Wednesday then you would attend the Wednesday sessions each week for the term. 

We currently run the following children’s courses, with 10 spaces on each course:

17 April - 25 May 

Ages 8-11

  • Wednesday, 4pm - 5.30pm
  • Thursday, 4pm - 5.30pm
  • Friday, 4pm - 5.30pm
  • Saturday, 9.30am - 11am

Ages 12-15

  • Wednesday, 5.30pm - 7pm
  • Thursday, 5.30pm - 7pm
  • Friday, 5.30pm - 7pm
  • Saturday, 11am - 12.30pm

How to book

Each term you will need to complete a consent form for your children’s participation in our climbing courses. Please fill this in at reception at the start of each term, if this is not completed then we may not be able to allow your child to participate in the climbing sessions.

If you have any questions, or problems with booking on, please get in touch by phoning 01206 873250

  • Essex Sport members can book and pay via our online booking system Connect using their email address and pin.
  • Non-members can either visit or telephone the Sports Centre reception on 01206 873250, and book and pay using a debit or credit card. 

Private hire

We offer instructed private hire of the climbing wall for the following events:

  • Birthday parties
  • School sessions
  • Scouts
  • Fitness clubs
  • Team building

If you’re interested in any of these events or something similar then please get in touch for more details regarding pricing and booking.

Please call reception on 01206 873250 or email climbing@essex.ac.uk

Climbing Clubs

University of Essex Climbing Club

The University of Essex Climbing club is a student led club for current and past students and staff at the University of Essex. These sessions are for all levels of experience and skill. Equipment and instruction is provided.

See more information on how to join sessions and when these sessions run.

Colchester Climbing Club

The Colchester Climbing club is a social climbing club that meets on a weekly basis, bringing together like-minded individuals with a passion for climbing and the outdoors.

Sessions are run for competent climbers who have the experience necessary to climb unsupervised, please get in touch with the Colchester Climbing Club before attending sessions.

If you are not yet able to use the climbing wall unsupervised then please consider taking one of our instructor-led courses before joining the Colchester Climbing Club.

See more information on how to join sessions and when these sessions run.

Get in touch
Climbing wall parties
Telephone: 01206 873250
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Make a booking

You can book online for a variety of fitness classes here at Essex Sport, from freestyle fitness yoga to cycle classes. Plus you can book one of our badminton, squash or tennis courts. And don't forget you can also hire our fantastic new arena space.

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