London Climbing Guide – Climb and Social

Saturday 21^st September saw the very first London Climbing Guide - Climb and Social at the Castle Climbing Centre in Manor House. Being the first one it’s kind, it’s always difficult to gauge the make-up of the day but it went fantastically!

We arrived at 2:00 and after signing in and changing we hit the wall. Mike and myself were a little over ambitious on our warm up attempting an overhanging 6a+ in the main hall just opposite reception. This was quickly switched for a more relaxed 5b, next to it.  Magda and Rene proceeded to make good use of the walls just behind us, going for some pretty hefty looking climbs. Justin and Polona joined us a little later on after sampling the treats of the upstairs café.

After a good period of time in the main hall we split up and kept on climbing for about an hour. Tired and in need of refreshments and fresh air we headed out into the garden for a breather and a well-earned cup of tea.

Break over we cracked on, heading to large room upstairs where some good top-roped action and bouldering went on.

As the group started to disperse after a few long hours climbing, a few of us headed back downstairs to finish ourselves off on a very tricky 6c, which at the end of the day was a tough feat!

Exhausted but pleased with our efforts we headed to the pub for a cheeky refreshment and headed for home.

A great day of climbing and a big thanks to all that attended, make sure you keep an eye out for next months climb and social dates. It would be great to see you!

Outdoor Boulders at the Castle – and their summer party

At our last visit to The Castle we spotted some great new developments appearing outside. Three new outdoor boulders are being erected at the foot of the iconic building, and we can’t wait to give them a go!

It’s hard to tell what’s in store for the 3 boulders, as 2 are in a metallic red state but knowing the Castle, we have confidence that the finished articles will be both fun and challenging! It's good to see The Castle pushing the envelope and adding some well needed outdoor climbing spaces to the London Climbing scene.

The new outdoor boulders will be open to the public for the first time at the “2013 Castle Garden Party” on the 21st of July 2013 from 12pm -7pm, and they are promises it’s going to be a BIG one! With the amazing weather we’ve been having recently, we are hopeful the sun will be shining and the music pumping.

Other things happening at the parteeeee, include the return of the death defying highline between 2 of the Castle's towers!! A DYNO comp on one of the new boulders, plus a great selection of food, drink and entertainment! 

So go along and get involved ☺

Best Climbing Wall In London?

Well it’s official and It’s The Arch , hurrah!

In a survey of over 250 London climbers conducted by the London Climbing Guides Facebook Page, we can officially say we have an answer to the question “What is the best climbing wall in London”?

Topping the poll was the superb Arch 2 (A.k.a. The Biscuit Factory), A great triumph given the fact that the Centre only opened in March 2012 and whilst being a vast and comprehensive Centre only caters for bouldering, whereas other Center’s have roped and lead climbing in their arsenal. We wonder whether the legacy at The Arch at London Bridge has helped out here? 

2nd place went to the ever-popular Castle Climbing Centre (gaining 23% of the votes) beating its closest rivals to the 2nd place. No surprise given the climbing legacy the Castle has but we wonder how much they would have liked to take the top spot!

3rd place went to the Westway narrowly beating 4th placed Mile End by 1 vote. A great show from these 2 centres, who received some great praise from one of the respondents with “Mile End.....synthetic wall.....real people.”

Credit to the White Spider (10% of the votes),The Reach (8%) and Craggy Island 2 (6%) still showing a good number of response and votes overall but losing out to their more established rivals

May be the biggest surprise was the fact that Urban Ascent received no votes, hopefully not a reflection of the overall attitude of the London Climbing Community.

That’s it then, a massive round of applause to the team at The Arch, for building and running an absolutley sterling centre, you thoroughly deserve the top spot!