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How to Have an Awesome Climbing Experience

what to expect at a climbing centre

Thinking about visiting Awesome Walls? Excellent choice. Whether you’re brand new to climbing or already chalk‑obsessed, stepping into one of our centres is like opening the door to a whole new adventure. Forget dull workouts—this is fitness with a buzz, a community with heart, and a challenge that leaves you grinning from ear to ear.

Here’s how to make the most of your visit and turn your first climb into the start of something epic.

Why Indoor Climbing Rocks

Indoor climbing isn’t just about pulling yourself up a wall—it’s about unlocking a whole set of benefits. Not only does it give you a full‑body workout, but it also sharpens your problem‑solving skills. As you puzzle your way up each route, your confidence grows, and so does your resilience. On top of that, climbing is one of the easiest ways to meet new people and join a community that thrives on encouragement.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

When you arrive, you’ll check in at reception and meet our friendly team. Afterwards, you’ll take part in a short orientation where we’ll explain safety basics and climbing techniques. Once that’s done, it’s time to hit the walls and experience the thrill for yourself. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of encouragement from staff and fellow climbers alike.

Preparing Like a Pro

To get the best out of your first session, a little preparation goes a long way. Start by fuelling up with a light meal and staying hydrated. Next, stretch and warm up your muscles to avoid injury. It also helps to familiarise yourself with our centre rules before you arrive. Most importantly, bring a positive mindset—climbing is as much about problem‑solving as it is about strength.

Safety First, Adventure Always

Before you leave the ground, you’ll receive a full induction covering harness use, knot‑tying, and belaying. During this session, our instructors make sure you feel confident and secure. Because of this, you can focus on the fun of climbing while knowing you’re in safe hands.

Walls for Every Climber

At Awesome Walls, variety is guaranteed. Beginners can start on walls with chunky holds and gentle angles. Meanwhile, more experienced climbers can test themselves on overhangs, crimps (tiny holds!), and technical routes. In addition, our bouldering zones and lead walls offer fresh challenges every time. Since routes are reset regularly, you’ll never run out of problems to solve.

What to Wear

Comfort is key. Choose breathable, stretchy clothing that allows you to move freely. Avoid baggy outfits that might snag on holds. As for footwear, climbing shoes give you the grip and precision you’ll need—don’t worry if you don’t own a pair, rentals are available at the centre.

Learn & Level Up

If you’d like to progress quickly, our beginner classes and courses are the perfect launchpad. These sessions cover technique, safety, and climbing etiquette in a supportive environment. As a result, you’ll gain confidence faster and meet other climbers who are starting out just like you.

Join the Community

Climbing is about more than just the walls; it’s about the people. At Awesome Walls, you’ll find a buzzing community ready to share tips, celebrate your sends, and cheer you on. Furthermore, our regular socials and competitions give you the chance to connect, challenge yourself, and make lasting friendships.

Flying Solo?

No partner? No problem. Thanks to our auto‑belay systems and bouldering walls, you can climb safely on your own. Alternatively, join a group session to meet other solo climbers—you might even find your next climbing buddy.

Your Next Adventure Starts Here

Now you know what to expect, it’s time to take the leap. Whether you’re here for fitness, fun, or the thrill of conquering new heights, Awesome Walls has everything you need for an unforgettable experience.

Ready to climb?

Book an induction session at your nearest Awesome Walls

Eight weeks ago I was idly checking my social media when a friends post in our running group caught my eye.
‘I’m injured, does anyone want my Race Across Scotland place?’ As expected no one snatched up his offer as running 225 miles over Scotlands Southern Upland Way in under 100 hours appealed!
Funnily enough though a few people mentioned my name…
Whilst big epic running challenges are my thing, I felt with only six weeks notice and a lack of big training days, I wasn’t quite ready for such suffer fest.
I also had the slight complication that I had a 100 mile race two weeks before that one!

To cut a long story short I accepted the place, I only ran 40 miles of the 100 and arrived at Portpatrick on Friday the evening before the big race.

On Saturday 6am 163 of us set off heading East to push our bodies and minds to their limits.
As the miles clicked away we ate plenty and slept little but pushed on regardless.
Day 1, day 2, day 3 were a blur and eventually day 4 arrived.
Everyone was totally spent but with the finish line close (40+ miles) we needed to crack on and complete this epic journey.
Unfortunately many people had had to drop out along the course but 63 competitors pushed on.
After running for 85 hours and sleeping for less than 5 hours I eventually hit a pain barrier that tried to thwart my progress.
Blisters on four toes, the base of one foot and around both ankles brought me to a hobble/wobble!
I had a final nine miles to the finish and NOTHING was going to stop me. While I walked, hobbled, tripped and jogged, a few hardier runners passed me but we all had the same goal in mind.

I’m pleased to say that I crossed the finish line after 227 miles and 89 hours and raised an awesome £2100+ for Mind Charity (the JustGiving page is still open for donations https://bit.ly/DavesRAS24)

I had a good friend Dave Jones help me along the way with nutrition (pot noodles), kit (sweaty clothes) and encouragement (move it…). Without his tremendous support the outcome would not have been the same.

I’ve received so much positive support via emails, social media and personally that I can’t thank my supporters enough.

My years of climbing have taught me many things, but one of the most important things is ‘Stay Positive’.

Hope to see you at the climbing wall soon,

Dave Douglas