Registration.

Only fully registered members age 18+ are allowed to use Big Rock unsupervised. We offer different levels of registration based on age and previous climbing experience. If you would like to get your registration started before you arrive, you can create a profile online and complete your registration at reception on arrival – select your climbing level below.

By climbing at Big Rock you are acknowledging The Association of British Climbing Walls’ (ABC) participation statement:

“All climbing activities have a risk of serious injury. Participants must recognise that even if they follow all good practice there may still be the risk of accident and injury. It is the responsibility of the participant to adhere to the conditions of use.”

Are you…

New to climbing (Novice).

Adults who have never climber before or cannot demonstrate competency in bouldering and/or roped climbing.

Under 18.

All climbers under the age of 18, regardless of experience should be registered as Under 18.

Experienced boulderer.

Competent adult boulderer, an optional Auto Belay add-on is also available here.

Experienced roped climber & boulderer.

Adult roped climbers and boulders who can demonstrate competency in these disciplines.

New to climbing (Novice).

Novice climbers can use the centres under the supervision of an experienced climber provided our policy on supervising inexperienced climbers is adhered to:

  • A registered adult climber can supervise a maximum of two people.

  • By signing in a guest, you are accepting responsibility for the full and constant supervision of your guest(s) while on the premises. We specifically warn that if you wish to teach a novice to belay, you ensure that it is done in a way that is appropriate and puts no other users at risk. For anyone wanting to learn to belay we recommend our LEARN TO CLIMB COURSE.
  • The novice sign-in form details what we expect from members signing in guests, so it is important that you read it and ensure you understand your responsibilities. If you are in any doubt, please ask a member of staff for advice.

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U18
climbers.

Big Rock encourages young climbers to use the climbing wall, yet takes this responsibility very seriously. The basis of the under 18 policy at Big Rock is that all under 18s are regarded as minors and should be supervised in the centre by an appropriate adult climber, as follows:

  • A registered adult climber can supervise a maximum of two people.

  • Under 18s can also be part of a group supervised by a suitably qualified person (minimum CWA/SPA qualified) or on an instructed session run by Big Rock.

  • In line with nationally recognised guidelines, there is a scheme at Big Rock whereby very experienced 16-17 year olds who have attended a minimum of four 15-19 Learn to Climb sessions can undertake an assessment, at our discretion. If successful in the assessment, and with the written consent of their parents or guardians, the applicant can use Big Rock in the same way as an adult climber, with the exception that they cannot supervise any novices or other under 18s.

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Bouldering
only.

Available to climbers age 18+ with previous bouldering experience who wish to use the bouldering areas only. Registration is free and involves reading our conditions of use and completing a registration form declaring that you have read and accepted the bouldering conditions of use and understand the risks associated with this style of climbing. Bouldering only members are not permitted to use any of the roped climbing areas or auto belays.

Auto Belay
add-on.

Experienced boulderers aged 18+ who have already created a Bouldering Only profile and have completed an auto belay induction should fill in and submit an Auto Belay add-on if they and wish to use the auto belays. Registration is free and involves reading our conditions of use and completing a registration form declaring that you have read and accepted the conditions of use and understand the risks associated with this style of climbing. Bouldering & Auto Belay members are not permitted to use any of the roped climbing areas or supervise other on the auto belays.

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Ropes & Bouldering.

Experienced climbers age 18+ must register before using the bouldering, roped climbing walls or auto belays. Registration is free and involves reading our conditions of use and completing a registration form declaring your basic competence and a willingness to accept responsibility for yourself and anyone you are supervising (see special conditions below). You will be issued with a Big Rock membership card with a unique barcode, which you need to produce on all future visits.