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Somerset and Bristol

Bristol Climbing Wall

Level: SPA

St Werburgh's Church, Mina Road, Bristol, BS2 9YH.

Tel: 0117 941 3489 email: info@ucr.u-net.com website: www.ucr.u-net.com

This is a large and imaginatively designed wall in a 15th century church. There are 200 climbs and the staff are very friendly and helpful.

Notes: Minimum qualification SPA for every 9 climbers. No need to show proof of public liability insurance. No Italian hitches to be used. The wall do run their own in-house qualification to be able to instruct only at Bristol Wall, however this is not equivalent to the GA Level 1 as it is site specific.

Special rates (2001) for GA and other voluntary organisations £4 per person including hire of harness and helmet; plus £22.50 for 1.5 hours for an instructor. Rock boots £1.50 extra.

Overall: Highly recommended

Goblin Coombe, Cleeve, between Bristol and Weston Super Mare

Level: SPA

A small crag in the village of Cleeve, with a 10m high face giving 2 or 3 easy routes. There is only really room for one group at the crag, as the easy routes are close together.

The car park has had thefts.

At the car park is a notice saying that writen permission is required fom the clerk to Cleeve Council. Apparently this permission may well not be forthcoming, and there is some question locally as to the legality of this ban and whether the parish council actually has any authority to instruct people to request permission. Use your own judgement and local information.

Notes: There are 3 stakes at the top for belaying; however these are of unknown origin and should be used with caution and in conjunction with the trees at least. SPA minimum. Take long slings/static rope to allow for belays 10m back. Sharp edges so rope protectors necessary.

The easy routes are by two twin trees in the left of a bay; there are some harder routes to the right (not recommended). Access to the top is via a less accessible bay below an exposed tree root system. Treat this approach with care as you are setting up.

Overall: Not a great crag, but a couple of nice routes.

Mendip Outdoor Pursuits

Level: Not applicable (provider only)

MOP are an outdoor activity provider with an AALA licence. They will provide SPA qualified instructors for climbing and also run several other activities. Ratio 1 instructor: 8 climbers. It is generally preferred if you have your own transport to get to & from the rocks (these are local crags but not at the address for MOP, this is their base & store only).

AALA Licence (2001; licence numbers change each year): L2069 Registration number: R003

Address: Laurel Farmhouse, Summer Lane, Banwell, Weston Super Mare. Tel:01934 823666

Woodhouse Park Scout Site

Level 1

Fernhill, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4LX. tel: 01454 613259

This Scout Association site is quite large and has residential facilities. There is an abseil tower here (scaffolding type) with some climbing wall sections on the side. There are floodlights for evening use.

The Guide Association Level 1 Award is accepted; please take proof of your qualification and proof of parental consent for children taking part. There may be equipment for hire.

The site has a network of instructors, some with Scout qualifications and some with SPA. Please note that if you book instructors for GA members a Scout qualification alone is not acceptable; make sure you ask for an SPA qualified instructor for your group.

Huish Woods Scout Site, nr. Taunton

Level 1

West Hatch, Taunton, TA3 5RH. Tel: 01823 480768 email: huishwoods.taunton@virgin.net

This is a scout site with a typical wood and scaffold tower which is fine for abseiling and a basic climbing session. It is about 25' high and well maintained and constructed. There are separate sides for climbing and abseiling. The climbing consists of bolt-on holds.

The site staff have Scout 'M' forms only and you must insist that instructors with the Scout Form 'M' only do not instruct guides.