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Climbing

Awesome!new climbing wall image

That is simply the only way to explain the climbing now available at Calshot. Having doubled the amount of climbing available last summer, Calshot’s facilities now rate amongst the biggest and best in the Country, with over 1200 sq metres of climbing and over 80 rope lines. We have a wide range of routes from easy angled lower walls, for a gentle introduction, through to our massive overhangs and roofs, giving routes over 14m in length, guaranteed to test the best.

For beginners of all ages we run a variety of courses from taster sessions, through to becoming an independent climber able to attend our recreational sessions. Extend your skills further with our Lead climbing courses or why not venture outdoors via our “Real Rock” programme.

 



 

Opening Times & Prices

Membership

Clubs

 

Recreational use
Admission Prices
Opening hours

Membership
Guests

Bouldering Only Membership

Calshot Youth climbing club
Calshot Climbing Squad

 

Beginner

Improver/Advanced

Real Rock

 

Try Climbing
Taster session
Abseiling
Bouldering
Introductory courses

Refresher courses
Technique & Movement Clinic
Indoor leading
Specialist courses

Private tuition

Introduction to Real Rock
Specialist courses
Private tuition
Sport Climbing

 

Climbing Instructor Awards

Events

 

 

Climbing Wall Award
Single Pitch Award

Mountain Leader Award

NICAS Induction Workshop

Dry Tooling
Competitions

Results

 

Recreational Climbing

Open to competent climbers able to demonstrate safe belaying techniques. Equipment hire available.

Summer Opening Hours (March - October)

Monday & Tuesday

1830 - 2200 (Last climb 2145)

Wednesday & Thursday

1400 - 2200 (Last climb 2145)

Friday

1830 - 2200 (Last climb 2145)

Saturday

1100 - 1730 (Last climb 1715)

Sunday and Bank Holidays

1100 - 1700 (Last Climb 1645)


Admission Prices

Adult Members £8.30 *Off Peak £7.00
• Adult Members (concs) £7.50 *Off Peak £6.80
• Adult Visitors £9.50 *Off Peak £9.50
• Under 18s £6.60 *Off Peak £6.00
• Annual Membership registration fee £4.50

*Off peak hours Wednesday and Thursday entry before 17.00 and all day Saturday

Special Recreational Climbing Sessions

On these sessions a member of our climbing staff will be on hand to give top tips and support.  They are open to wall members, or those who have successfully completed one of our beginners climbing courses. 

New Climbers sessions
This is an ideal opportunity for climbers new to the sport or area to meet climbing partners and practice their new found skills with top tips from the staff member on hand. 
Saturdays 1700–1930 (Oct – Mar) 1530–1700 (Apr-Sept)
Normal off peak recreational entry rates apply. Free kit hire available.

Family Climbing Sessions
An ideal chance for families to climb together even if the parents are only individual members of the wall and could not normally sign their children in.  Our staff will be on hand to give top safety tips where necessary. 
Saturdays 1700–1930 (Oct – Mar) 1530–1700 (Apr-Sept). 
£13 for one adult & two children including free kit hire.

Over 60’s Climbing sessions
A variation of our New climber sessions aimed at the active over 60’s.  As with the new climbers club a member of our climbing wall staff will be on hand to give top tips and support. 
Thursdays 1400–1700.
Normal off peak recreational entry rates apply. Free kit hire available.

Family and Young People Courses
Many of our courses are nominated “Family” courses marked with an F, open to  youngsters of 12 upwards with an accompanying adult or 16 & 17 year olds on their own. 
Calshot Youth Climbing Club

 

Try Climbing - NEW!

We've got great news for any casual visitor who sees our awesome walls and fancies a go. Try Climbing is offered at any time that the on-duty wall supervisors are available to spend time instructing and assisting visitors to enjoy a couple of exciting climbs. There's no need to book, or bring any gear, so if you drop into Calshot and fancy an impromptu climb, go to the climbing wall kiosk and 5 minutes later you could be on your way!

Look out for the advertising board outside the front door, a directions notice outside reception and an information board outside the kiosk.

Where possible you'll get going immediately but just occasionally demand may be high and a wait might be necessary. Just check at the kiosk. Our wall supervisors are experts at working with beginners, will instantly put you at ease and soon having you scaling the heights.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WE HAVE VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY OVER THE AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

These sessions are most likely to be available on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, and at weekends, but whatever time of day you visit just ask if a climb is available. There will be no upper or lower age limit for these providing we can fit them in suitable harness & helmet.


Try Climbing soon!
£5 per person

 

Taster Sessions
This fun short session for those who wish to have a go to see what the sport is all about. You will get a chance to scale our roped walls, belay - hold the ropes for other course members and have a try on our bouldering wall - a short wall with mats underneath climbed without ropes. All under the expert tuition of one of our experienced instructors. All specialist equipment provided.

Wednesdays 1900-2030.
£25 Adults (and under 18 on Family courses)
12-15 year olds must be accompanied by an adult on the course

13 Oct

RTC 1010  

Family

10 Nov 

RTC 1110

Family

8 Dec 

RTC 1210

Family

           

                

Abseiling
If you want to conquer your fear of heights or just experience the thrill of controlling your own free hanging descent then this course is for you. Our experienced instructors will teach you the skills required for you to safely abseil from our 11m (36’) high, purpose built abseil platform. All specialist equipment provided.

£32 Adults only (and under 18 on Family courses)

12-15 year olds must be accompanied by an adult on the course


Wednesdays 1900-2030

20 Oct

AB 510    

Family

15 Dec

AB 610

Family

23 Feb

AB 111

Family

 

Bouldering

Bouldering - Climbing without ropes on short walls above mats.
Learn to climb on our purpose-built bouldering walls. Your instructor will cover the important safety points as well as giving you plenty of climbing tuition. Having completed this course, most participants should be able to pass the assessment required for Bouldering-only membership of the wall. One year's membership of the wall is included (normal entry fees apply).
NB. this course will not teach you the skills required to use the roped climbing walls

£29 Adults (and under 18 on F courses)
12–15 year olds must be accompanied by an adult on the course
Wednesdays 1900 - 2030

15 Sept 

BE 510

Family

17 Nov

BE 610

Family

26 Jan  

BE 111 

Family

23 Mar 

BE 211 

Family

 

 

Beginner courses

This exciting and informative course is by far our most popular climbing course. It is an excellent introduction to the sport and the best way to learn the basics in a fun safe environment.

Our experienced instructors will give you instruction on general climbing safety, belaying your climbing partner, knots, rope work and safe use of climbing equipment, together with lots of practical climbing enabling you to become a competent top rope climber.

Having completed this course, most participants should be able to pass the assessment required to use the wall during the recreational sessions or you could join our new climbers club on Saturday nights.
One years membership of the wall is included (normal entry fees apply) . All specialist equipment provided.

£75 Adults only (and under 18 on Family courses)

12-15 year olds must be accompanied by an adult on the course


Every Tuesday in 3 week blocks 1900-2100

24, 31 Aug, 7 Sept

RCBE 1210

 

14, 21, 28 Sept

RCBE 1310

 

5, 12, 19 Oct 

RCBE 1410 

Family

26 Oct, 2, 9 Nov

RCBE 1510

 

16, 23, 30 Nov

RCBE 1610

Family

7, 14, 21 Dec

RCBE 1710  

 

4, 11, 18 Jan

RCBE 111 

Family

25 Jan, 1,8 Feb 

RCBE 211   

 

15, 22 Feb, 1 Mar

RCBE 311 

Family

8, 15, 22 Mar

RCBE 411  

 

 

One day
£85 Adults
(and under 18 on Family courses)
12-15 year olds must be accompanied by an adult on the course (Lunch Included)


Every weekend alternate Saturdays and Sundays 0915-1630

2 Sept (Thur)

RCBD 2810

 

12 Sept (Sun)

RCBD 2910

Family

18 Sept (Sat)

RCBD 3010

 

26 Sept (Sun)

RCBD 3110

Family

7 Oct (Thur)

RCBD 3210   

 

16 Oct (Sat)

RCBD 3310

Family

24 Oct (Sun) 

RCBD 3410 

 

30 Oct (Sat) 

RCBD 3510

Family

4 Nov (Thur) 

RCBD 3610 

 

14 Nov (Sun)

RCBD 3710 

Family

20 Nov (Sat) 

RCBD 3810

 

28 Nov (Sun)

RCBD 3910

Family

2 Dec (Thur)  

RCBD 4010     

 

11 Dec (Sat) 

RCBD 4110

Family

19 Dec (Sun)   

RCBD 4210

 

6 Jan (Thur) 

RCBD 111

 

15 Jan (Sat)  

RCBD 211 

Family

23 Jan (Sun)

RCBD 311

 

29 Jan (Sat)

RCBD 411

Family

3 Feb (Thur)

RCBD 511

 

13 Feb (Sun)  

RCBD 611

Family

19 Feb (Sat) 

RCBD 711 

 

27 Feb (Sun)

RCBD 811 

Family

3 Mar (Thur) 

RCBD 911 

 

12 Mar (Sat) 

RCBD 1011

Family

20 Mar (Sun) 

RCBD 1111     

 

26 Mar (Sat)  

RCBD 1211

Family

On Real Rock

£85 (Min age 14, U18's must be accompanied by the person having parental responsibility for them)
0830 - 1830

Ideal for total beginners and indoor wall climbers. Your opportunity to have your first go at climbing on real rock at Portland. Following a similar format to the climbing wall courses, climbing will be on top ropes set up by your instructor. Instruction, minibus transport from Calshot and specialist equipment all included.

25 Sept (Sat)

RRD 510

Courses for Climbers

Refresher Courses

For those with previous experience of climbing wishing to update their knowledge before taking the assessment for recreational climbing. Please note this session is not suitable for complete beginners.

£20 Adults only
Wednesdays 1900-2030

1 Sept

RCR 910

6 Oct 

RCR 1010

3 Nov

RCR 1110 

1 Dec

RCR 1210

5 Jan 

RCR 111

2 Feb 

RCR 211

2 Mar

RCR 311

                   



Technique & Movement Clinic

Struggling to move up a grade, or just to get up a climb, then this is the course for you. Based on the bouldering & traversing walls, we look at the basic principles of technique and movement, which will allow you to move up the wall more fluidly and with more style. Your instructor will give you practical tips and exercises which will help you improve your climbing, enabling you to climb harder with less effort.

£42 Adults
12-15 year olds must be accompanied by an adult on the course
Wednesdays 1900-2100

27 Oct        

CTM 610

19 Jan 

CTM 111

16 Mar  

CTM 211

 

 

Indoor Leading

This course covers the basic skills needed by climbers wishing to move from top roping to leading indoors. Subjects covered include clipping the rope, lead belaying, equipment and climbing technique.
£45 Adults only
Wednesdays 1900-2200

22 Sep

RCLE 510

24 Nov 

RCLE 610

16 Feb

RCLE 111

30 Mar 

RCLE 211

                  

   

Real Rock Courses

£85 0830–1830 Saturdays
(Min age 14, U18s must be accompanied by the person having parental responsibility for them)


Ideal for total eginners and indoor wall climbers. Your opportunity to have a first go on real rock at Portland. Climbing will be on top ropes set up by your instructor. Instruction, minibus transport from Calshot and specialist equipment included.

25 Sept (Sat)

RRD 510


Specialist courses and private tuition

We are able to offer a wide range of climbing tuition as specialist courses or private tuition, either at the climbing wall or on real rock. These courses are tailor made to your requirements and group size and can cover any aspect of climbing, from improvised rescue to multi pitch techniques.

Please contact Bookings on 02380 892077 to discuss your requirements.

Private Tuition Prices at Calshot

Fast-track your personal performance via private tuition.

 

1 person

1.5 hrs

£80

3 hrs

£150

6 hrs

£260 (includes lunch)


Additional person(s) 50% extra, for 4 or more, enquire about our group rates.

Climbing Instructor Awards

We run the following climbing and walking awards produced by the Mountain Leader Training Boards. Candidates must register with the Mountain Leader Training Board before attending a course. Candidates for assessment must have attended the required training course and have fulfilled their log book requirements. Full details on all these awards and on line registration for them can be found at www.mlte.org

 

Climbing Walls Award

This award qualifies you to supervise others on artificial climbing walls. The syllabus includes teaching belaying, group management and coaching climbing movement. Candidates should have experience of leading routes at climbing walls and an interest in group supervision.
Minimum age - 17 training, 18 assessment
To learn more about CWA click here


Training

Midweek £150 (non residential), Weekends £175; includes lunch
09.00 - 17.30 Day one, 09.00 - 17.00 Day two

More courses will be announced shortly

 

 


Assessment
Midweek £87, Weekends £110; includes lunch
09:00 – 16:00

7 Sept

CWAA 610

 

Abseil Module Training
09:00 – 13:00, £48

More courses will be announced shortly

 



Abseil Module Assessment
09:00 12:00, £32

More courses will be announced shortly


Single Pitch Award

£160 (non residential)
19.00 First day - 18.00 last day

This qualifies you to supervise others on single pitch crags and climbing walls. Skills covered include rope management, equipment and group management. Candidates should have experience of leading on traditional protection and an interest in group supervision.
Minimum age 18

SPA Training
£160 (non residential)
19.00 First day - 18.00 last day
(B & B may be available at extra cost)

More courses will be announced shortly


SPA Assessment
£175 (non residential)
19.00 First day - 18.00 last day
(B & B may be available at extra cost)

More courses will be announced shortly

 

 

Climbing Wall Leading Award Training
£130

more dates will be announced shortly

 

 

Mountain Leader Award and Walking Group Leader Award

These awards for taking groups walking in the mountains and moorlands of the UK are run in conjunction with Hampshire County Council’s, Outdoor Education Service. Details can be found at:
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/education/outdoor-education/outdoor-education-training.htm

Calshot Youth Climbing Club

Our youth climbing club takes complete novices and teaches them everything from the basics of the sport, through to making them independent climbers. We provide a safe, fun environment for all levels of young climber from 7-18 split into two age groups. Barnacles for the 7-10 year olds and Limpets for 10-18 year olds. For each age group we run introductory courses giving them a taste of the sport as well as instruction in the safety techniques and procedures needed.

Individuals can then join the regular club sessions where they will get lots of climbing as well as further instruction on climbing technique and the safety systems used. The Limpets club follows the new National Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme (NICAS) with club members working towards the five levels of certification as part of the club sessions. As well as the regular club sessions we also run trips to other walls and real rock and have had several club members doing well at local, regional and even national competitions.


Barnacles 7-10 year olds

7-10 year olds Introductory courses
Each course will give the participants a chance to do plenty of climbing as well as learn the basics of how to belay (hold the rope) for each other. Over the three weeks the course members will progress from the ‘easy’ 6m high novice walls to our larger and more challenging walls. They will have the opportunity to play a variety of climbing games and have a go on our bouldering wall. They will also be taught the important safety procedures needed to make climbing a safe and enjoyable sport.

Saturday mornings in three week blocks , 0900-1030 £42 (3 sessions)

11, 18 & 25 Sept

BAR 910

2, 9 & 16 Oct

BAR 1010

23, 30 Oct & 6 Nov

BAR 1110

13, 20 & 27 Nov

BAR 1210

4, 11 & 18 Nov

BAR 1310

 

 

Barnacles- 1 day weekend courses 9am - 4.30pm £55

5 Sept

BAR/ONE 1

10 Oct

BAR/ONE 2

5 Dec

BAR/ONE 3

 

Barnacles- 1 day half term courses 9am - 4.30pm £45

25 Oct

BAR HALFTERM

27 Oct

BAR HALFTERM


Barnacles Club

7 - 10 year olds
Sunday mornings 09.00-10.30


The aim of this club is to give the club members as much climbing as possible whilst still keeping it safe. Session will involve plenty of roped climbing, climbing games and bouldering, whilst we try to develop each club members climbing ability. Club members will be able to work towards our own Barnacles climbing and safety awards. These courses are run every week and individuals can join at any time on completion of the introductory course providing there are spaces.

5 Sept - 24 Oct

£104 (8 weeks)

 

31 Oct - 19 Dec

£104 (8 weeks)

Barnacles 'Open' Climbing Club sessions

£12 for the weekday sessions and £15 for the Sunday sessions

During the summer existing Barnacles Club members can continue to climb, on our 'Open' Climbing Club sessions.
Each session is open to any current member of our Barnacles Sunday morning club or any of our limpets Sunday, Monday or Thursday club members.  Each session can be booked individually and climbers can book as many as they like.

Session Date

Session Time

Monday 16 Aug

6 - 730pm

Sunday 29 Aug

9 - 1030am

 

 


Limpets

10-18 year olds
Calshot is a primary centre for the new National Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme (NICAS). This scheme is designed to give participants an exciting and structured introduction to climbing and then develop each individual to become competent and accomplished climbers. The award is run by the ABC Training Trust and is endorsed by the British Mountaineering Council and Association of British Climbing walls.

Using a log book, climbers record their progress through the scheme, logging climbs, belays and boulder problems that they need to complete for each level of the award.

Introductory NICAS Level 1 ‘Foundation’ Courses

Saturdays 11.00-12.30
Cost £59 (4 sessions) includes NICAS level 1-2 logbook

These courses give participants a basic introduction to climbing, covering climbing technique, equipment, safety, belaying and knots.

4, 11, 18, 25 Sept

2, 9, 16, 23 Oct

30 Oct 6, 13, 20 Nov

27 Nov, 4, 11, 18 Dec

 

 

Limpets - 1 day weekend courses 9am - 4.30pm £59

LIM/ONE 1

3 Oct

LIM/ONE 2

7 Nov

Limpets- 1 day half term courses 9am - 4.30pm £49

25 Oct

26 Oct

Limpets- level 2 - 21/2 day course 9am -4.30pm Wed & Thurs, 9am - 12.30pm Fri  £110

27 Oct

 


NICAS Level 2 'Top rope climber' courses
Sundays 11-12.30

Cost £195 (15 weeks, to be paid in advance) If joining part way through the cost is £13 per session for the remaining weeks

More details will be announced shortly


 

NICAS Level 2 'Top rope climber' courses

Monday Nights 1800-1945
Cost £143 (13 weeks, to be paid in advance) If joining part way through the cost is £11 per session for the remaining weeks

More details will be announced shortly

 

In this group course members will have their belaying and climbing skills enhanced and be given the chance to log their climbing and belaying experience under close supervision for their level 2 award.

Course members will stay in this group until they have completed their Level 2. This can take anything from 8 to 20+ sessions depending on age and ability. This course runs every week on a Monday evening, 18.00 - 19.45. Individuals can join at any time providing there are spaces.

Individuals must have attended a Level 1 course (they do not need to have completed their Level 1 or be at Level 1 standard prior to attending this course).


Limpets Supervised climbing club & levels 3-5

Thursday Nights 1800-1945
Cost £176 (16 weeks,
to be paid in advance) If joining part way through the cost is £11 per session for the remaining weeks

More date details will be announced shortly

Individuals must have completed their level 2.(or be at Level 2 standard)
This club meets every Thursday night, club members can climb and boulder under the supervision of our instructors. During the supervised sessions there will be no direct instruction but our instructors will be around to give hints and tips as well as ensure every one climbs safely. Along side the supervised club we will run six week intensive training courses for each of levels 3, 4 and 5 when there is enough demand. Club members can then continue logging climbs towards these awards during the normal club nights until they are ready for assessment. Assessment will normally take 2-3 weeks. From time to time we will also organise fun competitions and trips to other walls and real rock. (There may be an extra charge for these.)

Individuals transferring from the level 2 group part way through a quarter will have their remaining fees transferred across without extra charge

We will be running training courses for NICAS levels 3 & 4 as part of the supervised club this term.

 

Calshot Climbing Squad

This squad was established at the end of April with a view to preparing young climbers for competition. The emphasis of the squad is on training techniques, with less of the social element which is enjoyed in the more recreationally-focussed Calshot Youth Climbing club sessions.

An early 'product' of the squad is 15 year old George Epsom of Ringwood, who will be competing in the National Finals of British Youth Climbing Series next weekend, at Ratho in Edinburgh.

The squad meets up on alternate Sunday afternoons but is unfortunately fully subscribed at present.

 

 

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