Climbing wall

Already an experienced climber?

If you already have the skills to safely use top ropes, auto-belays, and our bouldering area, then you’ll just need to pass our competency test and you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art climbing facilities.

The competency test can only be taken in person at the Sports Centre reception and must be completed with confidence to be allowed access to the climbing wall. 

We reserve the right to refuse access if your experience level does not meet our expectations for safe use of the climbing facilities.

We do not currently offer equipment rentals, in order to use the climbing facility you will need to bring your own harness, belay device, climbing shoes, and rope!

New to climbing?

Book on to one of our learn the ropes courses to learn all of the fundamental climbing techniques that make you a competent climber!

If you’re new to climbing or have had an extended break, our experienced instructors will teach you everything you need to safely use the climbing facilities at our centre and any other climbing wall across the UK. You will learn the basics of top roping, auto-belays, and bouldering.

By the end of the course you will then be ready to climb unsupervised at the centre.

If you'd like to try out climbing before you commit to a full course then consider attending one of our community climbing sessions first, these sessions provide the opportunity to have a go on the climbing wall but are not focussed on learning any particular climbing skills that would let you go on to use the climbing wall unsupervised.

Call our reception team on 01206 873250 for dates, times, and bookings.

Community Climbing Sessions

Come and try the exciting sport of rock climbing under the guidance of our experienced instructors!

Our community climbing sessions are open to everyone ages 17 and over.

Bring some friends or come solo, we have climbs for everyone and a welcoming community. 

No equipment needed, just bring clothes you are comfy moving in and clean shoes.

Children’s Climbing Courses

Utilising our brand-new climbing wall, our fun filled sessions provide the perfect springboard to get into climbing.

Children will learn the basics of climbing and bouldering. These sessions will also promote safe practice within the climbing wall and nurture your children’s interest in climbing by providing a physical and mental challenge, encouraging them to reach new heights (literally!).

If you’d like to come watch your children climb you are more than welcome to do so! Please let our instructor know at reception when they come to pickup your child.

Children must be age 8 or above, children under age 8 will not be permitted to take part.

Find out more about our Pay and Play climbing sessions on our Junior climbing webpage.

Private hire

We offer instructed private hire of the climbing wall for the following events:

• Birthday parties
• School sessions
• Scouts
• Fitness clubs
• Team building

If you’re interested in any of these events or something similar then please get in touch for more details regarding pricing and booking.

Please call reception on 01206 873250 or email climbing@essex.ac.uk

Climbing Clubs

University of Essex Climbing Club

The University of Essex Climbing club is a student led club for current and past students and staff at the University of Essex. These sessions are for all levels of experience and skill. Equipment and instruction is provided.

See more information on how to join sessions and when these sessions run.

Colchester Climbing Club

The Colchester Climbing club is a social climbing club that meets on a weekly basis, bringing together like-minded individuals with a passion for climbing and the outdoors.

Sessions are run for competent climbers who have the experience necessary to climb unsupervised, please get in touch with the Colchester Climbing Club before attending sessions.

If you are not yet able to use the climbing wall unsupervised then please consider taking one of our instructor-led courses before joining the Colchester Climbing Club.

See more information on how to join sessions and when these sessions run.