Traverse Walls

Traverse walls are low level climbing walls involving sideways movement, and offering fun climbing challenges with minimal risk.

Typically up to 2.5m in height and at least 10m in length, traverse walls are by far the most common type of playground climbing wall installation, offering a really fun, mentally and physically challenging activity suitable for all abilities.

Recently the requirement for primary schools to incorporate some adventurous activities into their curriculum and the introduction of the outdoor learning cards has led to an explosion of growth and in 2009 alone Beacon Climbing Walls fitted over 80 school traverse walls.

If you are interested in having a traverse wall at your school then we recommend you read the Beacon Climbing Walls Traverse Wall pdf.

Traverse Wall Pros

Very cost effective & quick to install.
Requires minimal supervision.
No specialist equipment or training required.
Makes good use of an existing wall.
Good exercise & movement skills.
Possible for user to install.

Traverse Wall Cons

Position of climbing holds is often limited.
Lacks upward movement.

Traverse Wall Types

Depending on suitable areas and your budget, Beacon Climbing Walls offer a number of traverse climbing wall options...

Direct Fix Traverse Wall The most common type of traverse wall requiring just a clear section of structurally sound brick, block or rendered wall. Possible for user to install the traverse wall. Limitations are lack of versatility for route setting and no angle changes. Can be installed indoors, for example on a gym wall. Lower budget option, no workshop fabrication and quick to install.
Plastic Fix Traverse Wall Ideal for pebble dash or heavily rendered walls where direct fix is inappropriate. Eco friendly recycled plastic board construction. Stainless steel t-nut fixings allow multiple route setting options. Mid budget option, workshop fabrication required and slightly longer to install than direct fix.
CityWall Kids' Climbing Wall Very aesthetic climbing wall with a very 'rock like' effect. Bolt-on climbing hold placements give route setting versatility. Higher budget option, longer workshop fabrication and slightly longer to install. Can be installed indoors or outdoors. Full CityWall information here.
Internal Plywood Traverse Wall No weather issues! More route setting options and the possibility of angle changes like slabs, overhangs, etc. No security issues. Mid budget option, longer workshop fabrication and slightly longer to install.
Jungle Traverse Wall New innovative traverse wall product for 2011. Does not require separate bolt-on holds, so numerous foot and hand placements are possible. Colourful and fun 3-dimensional design is very aesthetic. Internal use only.

Matting Options

If the height of the footholds on the climbing wall is kept within 400mm of the ground then in accordance with the playground standard no matting is required. However, the installation of Rubber Crumb Matting under your traverse walls is an excellent option where budget allows and will allow slightly more 'upward' climbing. Rubber Crumb Matting can be used indoors or outdoors and Beacon Climbing Walls offer a full installation service of either rectangular tiles or wet pour for more complex shaped areas.

Traverse Wall Case Studies

Arfon Leisure Centre, Caernarfon: Internal Plywood Traverse Wall

Big Rock Climbing Centre, Milton Keynes: Jungle Traverse Wall

St Winifreds Primary School, London: Direct Fix Traverse Wall