Entry Requirements & Registrations

There are strict criteria governing access to use the wall, to ensure the safety of all climbing wall users. You will find all the details here.

Competent Climbers - Adults

If you are a competent adult climber you can use the climbing centre at any time.To gain access you will need to register and undertake a short demonstration of basic climbing skills, including: putting on a harness, tying in using a recognised knot (normally a re-threaded figure of eight or a bowline) and demonstrating the techniques for belaying and lowering a climber using a top rope. You should allow 10 minutes extra to register and the registrations can be taken at any time up to half an hour before closing time.

Competent Climbers - 14- 18 Yrs

If you are between the ages of 14-18 you may undergo a more rigorous demonstration of skills, usually lasting one hour with one of our instructors. This allows unsupervised access to the climbing walls. You will also need parental consent to use the climbing wall without supervision, which will normally involve at least one parental visit to the centre. For more details see Junior Climbing section, Junior Test.

Adult Novices

A registered competent adult climber can supervise up to two novice climbers at the Westway. You will need to complete a novice supervision form that gives full information on the restrictions and conditions placed on both the novice and the supervisor during the climbing session. Forms are available from the main reception desk.

Junior Novices

All climbers under 18 (other than those who have passed their Junior Test or those on the British Team) will need to be signed in by a competent registered adult climber or be under the care of a Westway Climbing Instructor. A junior supervision form will need to be completed by both parties. All juniors visiting the Westway Climbing Centre will need to provide a parental consent form.

British Team Members

The Westway Climbing Centre supports the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and the British Team. Members of the British Climbing Team will have free access to the Westway Climbing Centre for training purposes, whether personal or as part of an organised training event. British Team members MUST provide proof of their current membership to the reception desk before entry, as agreed with the BMC. Junior members of the British Team do not need to provide a parental consent form.

Please note that no child will be permitted without a valid parental consent form. This form can be downloaded and must be signed by either the parent or legal guardian of the child. We will not accept unsigned forms or forms that have been filled out by friends, other family members or people acting in loco parentis. Only a WESTWAY CLIMBING CENTRE Parental Consent form will be accepted.

Photos by Kamil Jutkwicz