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Cumbria
Bowscar Outdoor Centre, Plumpton, Penrith
SPA
The Sands, Carlisle, CA1 1JQ. Tel: 01228 625888
email: mikej@carlisle-city.gov.uk (Mike James, Recreation Manager)
This centre has a wall which is at the end of a large hall, sectioned off with curtains (the noise of aerobics might put you off!). The wall is a good one with crash mats at the base; quite large. Locally however note that Penrith and Keswick walls are much better.
The centre run a course for young people to learn at £4 per person per week during termtime; the course lasts for 10 weeks. Young people can then join the club. To take a group here yourself, the cost is £4 per person including the centre's own instructor. The centre require an SPA for you to instruct here.The centre's own instructor is Alan Greig, who has an SPA and a multi-pich climbing qualification from the Northern Ireland MLTB and 40 years of experience, and is to be recommended. He is also able to take groups on crags locally. Tel: Alan Greig 01228 674585.
Sands Centre wall, Carlisle
Level 1
Castle Gate Drive, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9JR. Tel: 01900 823596
This is a small local leisure centre with a wall in its own room. The wall is partly breezeblocks with bolt-on holds, and partly purpose made climbing wall. The facility is quite good, but it is worth noting that there is no gear here including no in-situ ropes, so you'd have to lead to the top to set up. The centre will accept the GA Level 1 Award if you show it to them.
Cockermouth Leisure Centre Wall
Level 1
Wyndham Sports Centre, Wyndham School, Main Street, Egremont, CA22 2XZ. Tel: 01946 821036
This is a fantastic wall for a town this size. It is within a school leisure complex and obviously an enormous amount of work and money has gone into it, as it is as good as most commercial walls (and was opened by Chris Bonington).
The wall has many facets including slabs, bouldering areas, leading walls and it has in-situ ropes. There is no gear available to hire for groups (they do have a small store of hire gear intended for individuals), so bring your own.
They will accept the GA Level 1 if you want to take a group there yourself; however there were no in-house instructors available when I visited so you would have to employ someone if you do not have your own qualification. However being on the edge of the Lakes this should be no problem - if you have no contacts for instructors please contact Steve Ranger (see contacts page).
Level: n/a
This centre now concentrates on adults only - management training courses and so on; therefore they don't run climbing or other sessions for young people.
Bowscar Outdoor Centre, Plumpton, Penrith
Level: n/a
This centre doesn't exist in this format any more; they now deal with young people with behavioural problems exclusively, and don't offer climbing or other sessions for anyone else.
Penrith Leisure Centre, Southend Road, Penrith, CA11 8JH. Tel: 01768 863450
Level 1
This is a very good leisure centre wall with an 8m lead wall, easy slabs for beginners and a large bouldering wall with crash mats. It has a very nice layout and atmosphere; the only problem is that it can get busy at peak times as it's so good.
To instruct here you just need to sign a disclaimer. There is group equipment available to hire. There are courses available; please call for details.
Level: not applicable (providers only)
Watermillock, Penrith, CA11 0JL. Tel: 08705 134227 website: www.outwardbound-uk.org
OB are providers; there isn't a wall at the centre but they will take groups to local walls (typically Penrith and Keswick). They will also take groups to local crags, especially Gowbarrow and other crags close by. These groups are always supervised by an SPA and at least one other.
This is needless to say an organisation with an established international reputation and good supervision should be expected.
SPA
Southey Hill Trading Estate, Keswick, CA12 5ND. Tel: 017687 72000 website: www.keswickclimbingwall.co.uk
This is an excellent wall with extremely friendly management. It is good for beginners and experts and there is plenty of room. I have used this wall many times for groups and it is hard to beat for variety of climbs for young people and atmosphere. There are ropes in situ in some sections, a bouldering wall and lead walls.
The wall have their own instructors; you should ask for one with an SPA as there is no formal in-house qualification.
(Photos from Keswick wall website)
GR 676179
Level 2
This is an ideal small beginners' crag just south of Appleby in Westmorland; it can be found on the very southern edge of the village of Burrells, on the western side of the road (B6260). There is a small layby enough for 2 vehicles about 30m south on the same side.
About 6m high, it is set in a grassy field and access to the top is very easy. Belays are from stakes and fence posts, and although these have apparently been replaced recently (autumn 2006) it is still your responsibility to check them before each use.
