If you are a new user you first need to register with University of Nottingham Sport as either a full Sport and Fitness member or as a Pay As You Go member.
Access to the wall for ‘competent’ climbers is via a two-stage registration process:
The first stage is a competency test to ensure you have sufficient experience, skills and knowledge to use the wall safely. This will be through a practical assessment and questions. If you are planning on using the roped climbing area you will need to demonstrate proficiency in putting on a harness, tying on and belaying. If you plan to boulder we will ask you some bouldering safety questions. If you plan to use the auto belay we will check your proficiency in putting on a harness and checking the auto belay is safe to use.
The competency test is available to book on the bookings area of the UoN Sport members portal. The timetable of available slots is shown once you click onto Competency Test.
The second stage is through an online Acknowledgement of Risk form. This provides further information such as Rules and Conditions of Use and a short Safety Video. The climber must confirm understanding at various stages within the form. Once both parts have been completed correctly you will be given eligibility to use appropriate parts of the wall subject to your experience, skills and knowledge. If you are unable to complete this process, you will be advised on which sessions you need to attend to gain access to the wall.
Do not complete the registration form until you have completed the competency test.
Casual climbing bookings can be made on the membership area or at any Sport reception. Please note that from time to time parts of the wall may be out of use for maintenance, route setting or external groups. This information is detailed above, via the Climbing Wall Newsletter and Climbing Wall Facebook group.
Climbing shoes must be worn for casual climbing sessions.
Do I need to register before my first climb?
Yes, all climbers need to register before using the climbing wall. This registration will need to be renewed every academic year. everyone needs to pre-register.
Experienced climbers
Please arrive 10 minutes before your first climbing session to complete our Acknowledgement of Risk form. Once completed, you will be able to climb unsupervised. If you are not currently a member you will need to allow additional time to complete joining documentation.
New climbers
If you haven't climbed before, you will be required to attend either a Boulder induction, Auto Belay induction or Learn to Climb course before using our climbing wall unsupervised. On successful completion of these sessions you will be able to register to use the climbing wall.
Experienced climbers (aged 16 and 17 years)
Please contact our climbing team to book a supervisory climb. This will allow our team to check you are safe to climb and once completed, you will be able to climb unsupervised.
U18's Parent/Guardian Supervisor
Young people aged under 16 years old will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times when using the climbing wall. We ask that the supervising parents/guardian completes the U18's Parent/Guardian supervisor form for each child they are supervising.
The parent/guardian must be a member of UoN Sport and be a competent climber, and have already completed your registration prior to your first climb.
What do I need to wear when using the climbing wall?
Please wear loose comfortable clothing - skirts, dresses and tight fitting trousers are not suitable. Layers are recommended to keep warm between climbs.
Clean training shoes (e.g. sports trainers) are required - we do also have climbing shoes available to hire. No hard or leather-soled shoes may be worn when using the wall.
Please note, bare feet, open toed sandals and flip flops are not allowed.
I've climbed before, can I class myself as an experienced climber?
An experienced climber is someone who is able to tie a figure of eight knot, use a sit harness and belay using an appropriate device. If you meet these criteria, you do not require an induction and may climb unsupervised after completing our Acknowledgement of Risk form.
I’m an experienced climber, can I bring novices with me to the wall?
Experienced climbers may bring a maximum of two novices with them to the climbing wall. Each time you bring novices to the wall, you must complete a supervision form at the David Ross Sports Village reception before climbing and ensure that you supervise them at all times when using the wall. Novice climbers are not able to belay without direct supervision.
I'm a parent/guardian, can I bring my child to a climbing session?
Yes, if you are a registered climber and are willing to able to complete an U18's Parent/Guardian Supervisor. You can start climbing with and supervise up to three novices or under 18s.
You will have to fill in a separate U18 supervision form upon arrival at the David Ross Sports Village reception.
Children under 16 years of age are not allowed to belay other children or adults unless being supervised by a qualified instructor.
Do you host birthday parties?
Yes - We are pleased to offer climbing birthday parties for children aged 5 - 16 years old. Our expert climbing team will show your group all the basics of climbing in a fun friendly environment. Available outside of term times.
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6 people - £65.00 - 75 mins
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12 people - £120.00 - 75 mins
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bookable on Saturdays between 2-3.30pm and 3.30-5pm (please enquire if you require alternative times/days)
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all climbing equipment is included, please ensure your group are wearing trainers and that no skirts or dresses are worn without shorts or leggings underneath.
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catering options can also be added with our on-site Clubhouse Cafe
For more information and to book, please contact our climbing wall team.
Do you host corporate team building events?
For corporate guests, our climbing sessions are excellent team building opportunities. Our team will show your group all the basic climbing skills along with some fun games to get your group working together.
- 12 people- £150 - 1.5 hours (please enquire if your group is larger)
- all climbing equipment is included, please ensure your group are wearing trainers.
- catering options can also be added with our on-site Clubhouse Café.
For more information and to book, please contact our climbing wall team.
How often do you undertake route setting?
Route setting on the main climbing wall takes place during holiday periods. Please note that during this time parts of the main wall and bouldering wall will be out of use.
Bouldering routes are reset throughout the course of the term, usually on Fridays. During this time booking won't be possible online or at reception. The main wall normally remains open.