Climb Newcastle was set up three years ago by three climbers with a vision, they retro-fitted the Byker Swimming Pool into an accessible centre for climbing. They run introductory and intermediate classes while also running a dedicated children's climbing wall for parties or classes.
The staff are friendly and relaxed, the atmosphere is casual. When I visited, it was quiet enough to really get stuck into the climbing, but busy enough to chat with the more experienced climbers. Who were open to talk over technique and the routes.
The climbing wall has colour coded routes that indicate varying difficulty (difficulty is graded in numbers, the higher the grade, the harder the climb) and average twenty routes for each category. Which is great if you are not sure what to. Don't let that number fool you, although it takes between one and five minutes to complete a route, it's a good burn. Due to my unconditioned soft hands my climbing was cut short, but Climb Newcastle also has a conditioning room with various exercise toys to build strength and condition climbing muscles, this room also leads into a smaller climbing room that is for serious climbers that want to strengthen their hands by gripping impossibly small hold, and I mean Impossible!!
Happy with myself for being so active, I treated myself to a cappuccino, at their own coffee shop! Serving a range of tea's, energy drinks and the usual range of coffee's, I happily relaxed with my cappuccino in the small cafe area that plays climbing video's, nice inspiration for climbers. The notice board advertises lots of events and competitions that they host or take part in, these guys are serious about climbing.
Climb Newcastle also has a equipment shop, selling climbing shoes, chalk, clothing (both climbing and casual), crash pads and a range of other climbing dedicated stock.
Climb Newcastle is a great place to learn to climb with enthusiastic and friendly staff, various courses and a great range of things to climb! There is a small annual membership for £3.50 with a day session session costing £7(concessions available). Which felt pricey considering my fitness limited my climb, but there is no time limit and the option to sign out and come back later in the day (with the option of getting fitter). Shoe hire is an extra £2.50.
Climb Newcastle is convenient, relevant to beginners and seasoned climbers with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. For more information, visit their website.
www.climbnewcastle.com
Open:
Monday-Friday: 12-10pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am-8pm
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