I’m often asked about the climbing centres I’m most familiar with that are not too far away are. The Warehouse in Gloucester, Undercover Rock in Bristol, and Boulders in Cardiff are the big ones but there are a few smaller ones that still provide a bit of fun e.g. The University of West England (UWE) near Bristol and The Riverside at Evesham.

The Riverside, Evesham

I should also mention the dedicated bouldering centre in Bristol, The Climbing Academy. Bouldering is popular in its own right and TCA has in just 2 years become very busy.

I work and play at numerous climbing centres and they each have their pros and cons depending on what you want or what you are doing.

The most important factor regardless of the quality of the routes or the coffee is the staff. They can make or break a visit. It seems to me that climbing centre staff these days need to be so many things. They welcome you, they floor walk, anticipate problems, instruct climbing in all its forms and if you’re lucky they can make a mean cappuccino. I’m happy to report that all of the climbing centres mentioned have good, well trained staff.

The Warehouse Gloucester

The Warehouse in Gloucester has just had some major work done; a new wall in the main arena, dedicated areas for youngsters that take the pressure off the main climbing area and a very smart reception area and hop. They have further plans for the café bar and bouldering room. This is a centre that’s hard to beat for birthday parties and kids groups and the climbing area has well set routes that are regularly changed. The bouldering area is feeling a bit dated now but this should be sorted in the next twelve months or so. It’s worth mentioning they have an abseil platform and meeting rooms. Parking is a problem during the day, it is either close and expensive or cheap and a bit of a trek. After 6pm there is free parking just a few minutes away. This is a good centre to run courses.

Undercover Rock, Bristol

Undercover Rock in Bristol was one of the first major climbing centres in the UK and enjoys a unique setting in a church. Over the years UCR has become what I would term ‘a climbing centre of excellence’. It has some very able people at its helm who not only act as technical advisors for smaller walls and schools but offer a wide variety of courses. The climbs are set by trained route setters and the bouldering allows all ages and abilities to participate fully and improve. A recent upgrade of the toilets and a great coffee machine makes this an easy place to while away a wet Sunday afternoon. Parking nearby on the street has never been a problem but not on the street outside the main entrance.

The Climbing Academy, Bristol

I was sceptical about bouldering only centres, and then I paid a visit to The Climbing Academy. Bright, fresh and fun are just a few of the words that come to mind. It doesn’t matter if you are on your own or with friends, it works. The problems vary not only through the grades but within the grades which means interest is maintained. I tried problems on my first visit that I couldn’t wait to get back to. Throw in modern toilets, proper coffee, Wi-Fi, parking and friendly atmosphere along with UCR it makes Bristol a major indoor climbing destination.

Boulders, Cardiff

Boulders in Cardiff is housed in the end section of a large industrial unit and it’s big. When I first went into Boulders I was put off by its bright, white look. I was used to centres in unusual settings for example The Warehouse and Undercover Rock. When I went again to work there, I realised what a good climbing centre this was. Its vast space has enabled a centre that caters for climbers of all abilities, whilst a variety of courses take place. Its bright look that initially put me off I found helpful and modern. It’s likely that in the future people wanting to open a climbing centre will use Boulders as a model and go for a bigger out of town unit. Boulders also boast a small shop, a lecture room and an excellent café with exceptional food.

Try them all, you wont be disappointed.

What do you think? Got a local favorite?