Bored with the gym? Try this instead!

You’ve probably already heard about bouldering. It’s reckoned to be one of the fastest growing sports around and is a type of low-level climbing limited in height to 4-5m and practiced above foam matting. It is a great entry point to climbing, whether you are starting out with a few friends or on your own, because you don’t need to use a rope or undergo any specialist safety training to have a go. You can practise at your own pace and all our bouldering is difficulty graded and colour-coded, making it really easy to select challenges that are appropriate to your level of ability.

Our Bouldering & Auto Belay induction is a fun and easy way to get started. During the 1.5-hour induction, you’ll learn the fundamentals of bouldering on the low-level climbing walls and everything you need to know to use the auto belays on the higher walls safely and independently. You’ll then be able to use Big Rock on your own, including during the rest of the day immediately after your induction.

Please note: The session does not cover roped techniques or use of the roped walls. If you’d like to be able to use the roped climbs at Big Rock, the LEARN TO CLIMB course includes an introduction to all areas of the centres.

Tempted? Get started with our Bouldering & Auto Belay Induction!

  • 1.5-hour Bouldering & Auto Belay Induction (min. age 18) £24 per person.

  • 1.5-hour Private Bouldering & Auto Belay Induction (min. age 18) £31 per person, minimum 2 people.

  • 1.5-hour Private Family Bouldering Induction (min. age 7) £31 per person. (Does not include use of Auto Belays)

Got a question? Find the answer here.

Yes. Book onto a Bouldering & Auto Belay Induction and we’ll get you started. Climbing at Big Rock is very sociable and a great way to meet new people. Bouldering can be practised on your own and at your own pace, but you’ll soon find yourself discussing the nuances of a particular climb with someone else in order to work out how to get to the top!

Advance booking is recommended for Bouldering & Auto Belay Induction and can be done using our simple to use online booking system. Our booking system operates in real time so you can check current availability and select any available session.

No. Unlike regular gyms, Big Rock is operated on a pay as you go basis. You don’t need to sign up to any contracts to use the centre, and once you have completed your induction, you can use Big Rock at any time upon payment of our standard day pass fee – see our current rates HERE.

Bouldering is limited to 4-5m and is practised above deep foam matting. It does not require the specialist equipment and training required for roped climbing and also removes the psychological aspect of climbing high. If you’re scared of heights, bouldering is the perfect introduction to climbing!

Bouldering is easier if you are wearing loose fitting comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement. Jeans, combat trousers or tracksuit bottoms combined with a short sleeved t-shirt or vest are ideal. It is also a good idea to bring a jumper for wearing when resting. Avoid wearing jewellery around your arms or hands.

LOW-LEVEL CLIMBING

NO SPECIALIST TRAINING REQUIRED

DYNAMIC WORKOUT

USE OF BOULDERING AREAS

Sounds good… how do I book?

We run Bouldering Inductions every day, during weekday mornings, afternoons and evenings, and also at weekends. You can book right here using our simple to use online booking system. Our online booking system operates in real-time so you can check current availability and select any available session.

Step 1:

Choose from one of the options below: you can attend our standard Bouldering Induction (suitable for all adults age 18+) or a Family Bouldering Induction (suitable for parents attending with children age 11+).

Step 2:

During your 1.5 hour induction, we’ll get you started with the fundamentals of bouldering and introduce you to the use of auto belays. You’ll then be able to use Big Rock on your own, including during the rest of the day immediately following your induction.

Step 3:

You’re ready to go! You can now visit Big Rock at any time and go bouldering unsupervised upon payment of our standard day pass fee – see our current rates HERE. Unlike regular gyms, Big Rock is operated on a pay-as-you-go basis so you don’t need to sign up to any contracts to use the centre.

Bouldering & Auto Belay Induction

£24/ person
  • 1 hour 30 minute induction
  • Minimum age 18
  • ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED
  • Includes bouldering induction, auto belay induction, rental shoes, and entry for the day!
  • Available to book at BIG ROCK HUB and BIG ROCK BOND
  • Also available as a PRIVATE BOOKING
CHECK TIMES & BOOK

Private Family Bouldering Induction

£24/ person
  • 1 hour 30 minute induction
  • Minimum age 7
  • A private booking that includes bouldering induction, rental shoes, and entry for the day!
  • ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED
CHECK TIMES & BOOK

Testimonials.

Still unsure? Read what our customers are writing about us!

I only popped in to have a look! I’d been toying with the idea for a while but I was a little too shy to commit. I needn’t have worried. The staff were really approachable and I felt welcome. There was no pushy sales pitch, no hidden agenda. I ended up booking a Bouldering Induction there and then. Dave was brilliant. The instruction was calm, measured and above all engaging. I managed to accomplish climbs that I never would have thought possible for a beginner. Above all, there was no pressure. He took his time to explain things without impatience or the pressure of the clock. The session was over yet he hung around to boulder with me a little more. Brilliant just brilliant. His parting comment: “If you’re stuck, just ask. We’ll always help.”

Source: TripAdvisor

Took the Bouldering Induction with my girlfriend and had a great experience. We were taught some basic techniques and we were encouraged to go at our own pace. At the end of the session we were able to stay and climb until we’d had enough. We will definitely be returning on a regular basis.

Source: TripAdvisor

My husband and I attended the Bouldering Induction session. We are both in our 50s and were pleased that we were able to complete the basic climbs. We will be going back. The instructor was excellent and all the staff were very friendly and made us feel welcome.

Source: TripAdvisor

Absolutely fantastic experience. Myself and my companion were very nervous but all of that was completely dissipated by the professionalism and welcoming atmosphere. All the other climbers were so incredibly friendly and there’s a fantastic mix of skill levels which is both impressive and motivating. We will absolutely be coming again!

Source: TripAdvisor