Girlguiding UK Climbing and Abseiling Scheme

Climbing Facilities: Thisis a 40 foot construction made up of an existing water tower with a scaffolding structure on top. Only 24 foot is used for climbing activities on one side, with an inclined slope for ease of climbing. The other side provides a 30 foot abseil and can be climbed at a harder grade due to being vertical. The holds are bolted on blocks of wood and cannot be interchanged. It is fenced off with a 3 foot fence. The landing area for the abseil side has a crash mat. The remaining area is broken hardcore.

There are plans to build an 8 foot cube for bouldering/climbing activities in the future.

Qualifications Required: The guide level one award is recognised. However, all site instructors only require the Scouts 'M Form' which is gained by attendance at training weekends at the site. Please note that this is not sufficient for the GA. The guide level one award is recognised but the site don't currently have anyone with the award - however they hope to have someone by summer 2003.

Contact Details and Costs

One hour's use costs £20 and includes all climbing equipment and instructors.However you must insist on SPA qualified staff as the Scout only qualification is insufficient. A group with their own instructors can look after themselves providing they hold the relevant qualification and have their own equipment. Mr Andy Lanham Tel: 01707 872 960 Fax: 01707 872 960 Mobile: 0766 158 943 E-Mail: Tolmers@bigfoot.com

Other Activities Available Shooting, Nature Trail, Assault Course, Rafting, Orienteering, Archery, BMX, Canoeing, Pioneering.

Lees Wood Camp Site

Address: Fir Tree Hill Chandlers Cross Rickmansworth Herts, WD3 4LY Tel: 01923 266 466 OS map no. 166, Grid 074 982

Warden: Mr Roger Leach 21 Denmark Street Watford WD1 3RA Tel: 01923 233 281

Climbing Facilities: This is a 30 foot scaffold tower with wooden panels. The holds are wooden blocks bolted on. It is a 4 sided construction, one side has a short abseil, and one has a longer abseil. The other 2 sides are used for climbing. Of the climbing sides, one has a belay stance just short of the top and an overhanging section, the other side is vertical but houses the access door to the top. It is well fenced off with a 6 foot fence. There are also floodlights for climbing in poor light. The landing area is gravel throughout. There is seating available outside of the fence. A 3 sided shed acts as a gear store and briefing area.

Qualifications Required ideally SPA, the guide level one award is recognised but the site don't currently have anyone with the award - however they hope to have someone by summer 2003.

Contact Details and Costs Contact the warden (details above). Prices available on request. Other Activities Available Shooting, Assault Course, Orienteering, Pioneering.

Phasels Wood Scout Camp

Address: Rucklers Lane, Kings Langley, Herts, WD4 9NA. Mr. Kevin McKay Tel: 01442 252851 Fax: 01442 252 162

Website: http://phaselswood.org.uk/

This site has seperate climbing and abseiling facilities. The climbing complex is a free standing outdoor structure designed by DR climbing walls. It is 11.5 m high and includes many features; it is made of brick and concrete and is useable in all weathers. The total climbing surface is 440 sq m and includes a 36m traverse. There is a steeply overhanging competition style wall as well as aretes, a chimney and a slab climb. There is now staircase access to the top of the abseil tower.

The wall is fenced off and has seating around the perimeter wall. The landing areas are 1m deep gravel and drain well. Floodlighting is available for night climbing.

The abseil tower is a 40 foot water tower with only 24 foot in use. The tank will removed and platform fitted giving more height.There is an inclined abseil and two vertical abseils. It is fenced off with seating available, and a gravel landing area.

Qualifications: Qualifications Required: ideally SPA, the guide level one award is recognised. The site have plenty of Guide qualified staff and are fully conversant with the scheme, so will ensure that Guides are taught by appropriately qualified instructors.

Costs (2002): Climbing wall and Abseiling £25 per one hour session with equipment; instructor costs extra; Please insist on SPA/GA qualified staff and not Scout 'M' form staff.

Herts Young Mariners, Cheshunt

SPA

Hertfordshire Young Mariners Base, 231 Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Herts EN8 9AJ

Tel 01992 628403

The wall consists of a slab, plus side walls, and more challenging overhangs at the rear. Has a number of features built in - chimney, layback edge, flakes and a jamming crack. Plenty of bolt on holds so ideal for beginners.
Ropes can be attached on top using insitu chains or rings. No ground anchors. Access to top by climbing slab route (easy).
Operated by Herts County Council - Outdoor Education team. Small number of staff have SPA or have been site specifically trained.
SPA or need to attend their course before using wall.

Well End Activity Camp

Borehamwood, Herts., WD6 5PR Tel: 0208 953 2326

website: www.herts-scouts.net/index/wellend

This Scout site has a climbing and abseiling tower outside, constructed of wood with bolt-on holds and scaffold rails at the top. There is currently no abseiling until anchors are resited, but this should be running again by 2004 season. The wall is well cared for and run. The site can arrange for qualified staff acceptable to GGUK, and may soon have someone onsite with the GGUK Level 1 Award. The warden accepts the Level 1 Award for visiting instructors. There is equipment available for up to 12 participants.

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