FAQ's

Can I just turn up and climb?

This depends on whether or not you are an experienced climber. If you have never climbed before or do not know how to put on a harness, tie into a rope using a suitable knot and belay safely, then you need to book or be signed in as a guest by one of our members.

If you just want to try it out, look at our 'Group Taster Sessions'. If you are an adult and are considering taking climbing up, please look at our 'Adult Introduction Course'. If its something for the kids, please look at Kids Courses'.

If you are a competent climber and can meet the criteria mentioned above, then you need to become a member either for the day or for life. This can be done by turning up at the centre, filling in a registration form, and being assessed by one of our instructors. You do not have to book in to do this. Alternatively you can be signed in by a member, however this method has limitations. The Guest Entry form does state that the member understands that they cannot provide supervision for a belayer whilst they are climbing. Also a member needs to be at least 18 years of age to sign in guests.

You can become a member to the centre from 14 years of age.

These prices only apply to members of the Glasgow Climbing Centre or those being signed in by members.

Prices & Passes

How old do you have to be to become a member?

To become a member to the centre you must be able to demonstrate that you can put on a harness correctly, tie into a rope using a suitable climbing knot and belay safely. You must be at least 14 years of age, and if you are under 18 years of age, your registration form must be signed by a parent or guardian over 18 years of age.

Are there any age, size or weight restrictions to come climbing?

The youngest we can take if they are with an instructor is 7 years of age. If they are being signed in by a member of the centre there are no age restrictions. Other than that, there are no height or weight restrictions.

What should I wear to come climbing?

You should wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. Jeans, combats, jogging bottoms with a long or short sleeved t-shirt. If you have long hair, please tie it back and try not to wear jewellery around your arms or hands.

Do you run clubs for under 18s?

Yes, our kids climbing sessions are for those who have never tried climbing before or, for those who want to progress at climbing.

• Rock Ratz is for kids aged between 7 and 12 years of age
• Climbatize is for kids aged between 13 and 17 years age

The sessions last 1 hour 45 minutes with all equipment hire included in the price. The instructor will be teaching the kids the basics and get them experiencing indoor climbing.

I am interested in learning how to climb, what should I do?

If you have never really climbed anything other than trees when you were a kid, then the best thing for you if you are over 18 years of age, is the Adult Introduction Course. This course will teach you all the basic requirements to climb indoors. The course also includes your lifetime membership, so when you have finished the course you simply pay your admission and come in and climb.

If you are under 18 years of age and want to learn then the best thing is to come along to our Rock Ratz or Climbatize sessions.

I am a qualified climbing instructor. Can I bring in my own group?

External Groups may use the facility with their own instructor(s) provided;

• The instructors work on the same ratios as our staff (1:6) The instructors are members of the Glasgow Climbing Centre
• We also require copies of the following to be provided prior to, or upon entering the Glasgow Climbing Centre;
• All instructors climbing qualifications - CWA or SPA Assesed minimum All instructors valid First Aid certificates Company Public Liability Insurance
• External Instructors may bring one non-qualified assistant with them. allowing for a group of 12 to climb, provided;
• The non-qualified assistant provides a 'Letter of Competency' from their employer stating that they are happy for the non-qualified assistant to assist the instructor(s). They do not require a CWA/SPA or formal training or assessment
• The non-qualified assistant is a registered member of the Glasgow Climbing Centre

Until the non-qualified assistant is CWA/SPA Assessed and provides us with a valid First Aid certificate they cannot act as an instructor. The instructor(s) and non-qualified assistant do not need to pay for their admission, but would have to pay for equipment hire for themselves if they require it. The rest of the group are required to pay for admission and hire.