Getting Started

Bouldering is the easiest way to get involved with indoor climbing at Beacon since it does not require specialist instruction or training. First time participants are required to undertake a quick bouldering induction with a Beacon instructor, or alternatively can use the bouldering walls under the supervision of a registered member of Beacon Climbing Centre.

An induction session will cover the fundamentals of bouldering and clearly explain how to use the bouldering facilities safely and responsibly. If you are being supervised by a registered member of Beacon Climbing Centre, then it is their responsibility to ensure that you are using the facilities in a safe and responsible manner.

Beacon Climbing Centre Registration

Once you are deemed competent, you can become a registered member of Beacon and you are welcome to use the bouldering facilities at any time unsupervised. You will be issued with a membership card with a unique number, which you sign and keep, and must be able to produce on all future visits.

Only fully registered members over the age of 18 are allowed to use the bouldering facilities unsupervised and we offer different levels of registration based on age and previous climbing experience.

Bouldering Only Registration

Available to over 18s with previous bouldering experience or to over 18s who have completed a Beacon bouldering induction session. Registration involves completing a form declaring that you have read and accepted the bouldering conditions of use and understand the risks associated with this style of climbing. Bouldering only members are not permitted to use any of the roped climbing areas or sign in novices.

Download the bouldering registation form here.

Over 18 Years Old Experienced Climbers

Experienced climbers can use the bouldering facilites and climbing walls once they have registered. This involves reading conditions of use and completing a registration form declaring your basic competence and a willingness to accept responsibility for yourself and anyone you are supervising in the wall (see special conditions below). You will be issued with a membership card with a unique number, which you sign and keep, and must be able to produce on all future visits. All experienced adult climbers are expected to register.

Experienced climbers often like to introduce friends to climbing via the climbing wall, which we accept, but we also recognise that there are inherent risks. We therefore have a clear policy to minimise these risks:

Registered adult climbers may sign in no more than two guests, who may be novices or U18s
By signing in a guest, you are accepting responsibility for the full and constant supervision of your guest(s) while on the premises. We specifically warn that if you wish to teach a novice to belay on roped climbs, you ensure that it is done in a way that is appropriate and puts no other wall users at risk. For anyone wanting to learn to belay we would recommend attending the Beacon Climbing Centre Intro Climbing Course.
The sign-in form details what we expect from members signing in guests, so it is important that you read it and ensure you understand your responsibilities. If you are in any doubt, please ask a member of staff for advice.

Download the registration form here.

Under 18 Years Old Climbers (U18)

Beacon Climbing Centre encourages young climbers to use the climbing wall, yet takes this responsibility very seriously. The basis of the U18 policy at Beacon is that all U18s are regarded as minors and should be supervised in the climbing centre by an appropriate adult climber, as follows:

A registered adult climber can supervise a maximum of two people.
U18s can also be part of a group supervised by a suitably qualified person (minimum CWA/SPA qualified) or on a taster session run by Beacon Climbing Centre.
In line with nationally recognised guidelines, there is a scheme at Beaco Climbing Centre whereby very experienced 16-17 year olds can undertake an assessment at our discretion, and with the written consent of their parents or guardians. If successful in the assessment, the applicant can use the climbing centre in the same way as an adult climber, with the exception that they cannot supervise any novices or other U18s.