Climbing Facilities

The 8.5m Climbing Wall was designed in consultation with former University Chancellor and renowned climber, Sir Chris Bonington, and features 17 belay lines, a bouldering cave, and a teaching space.

Person on Climbing Wall

Take on the wall

Sport Lancaster Climbing Wall is the perfect place to harness your inner belay.

Climbers are eligible to use the Wall unsupervised following the completion of a face-to-face competency assessment, ensuring all climbers are competent at bouldering, top-roping, tying knots, and belaying.

Tab Content: The Competency Assessment

The Competency Assessment is carried out by a qualified member of the Sport Lancaster team and allows the climber to demonstrate their level of knowledge and skills prior to accessing the facility.

It is a mandatory, free-of-charge part of the registration process for every climber using the Climbing Wall, regardless of climbing experience and ability. Climbers will be asked to:

  • Put on a harness
  • Tie appropriate knots
  • Correctly belay

If you are not able to complete the above activities unassisted, please attend a Beginners Climbing Class before booking a Competency Assessment.

Following a successful Competency Assessment, climbers can book a session via Sport Lancaster’s online booking system and can access the facility using their membership card or University ID.

Tab Content: Unregistered Climbing

Climbers between 14 and 17 years old may register to become unsupervised users of the Climbing Wall, however, they need a parent or guardian to complete the registration form and act as a witness during the young person’s Competency Assessment.

Registered adult climbers can act as a supervisor of two unregistered climbers (over the age of six). Each supervising adult will sign a supervision liability form at the Sport Lancaster Reception Desk before each climb.

Please note: Climbers under the age of 18 are not permitted to supervise unregistered climbers.

Climbing Wall Opening Times

Route setting will alternate between the main wall and bouldering cave, check our Opening Times to before arrival.

Opening Times

Events

Lights Out! Charity Climbing Party

Sport Lancaster's annual charity Climbing Party returns on Friday 6 December, between 4.30-10pm, raising funds for Climbers Against Cancer (CAC).

Lights Out! Charity Climbing Party
Man climbing in the sports centre