Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about first visits, supervision, equipment and booking at Slough Climbing Wall.
What is the minimum age?
Instructor-supervised sessions are normally available from age 6. Children and young people must be supervised by a competent adult climber or a member of our staff.
Can I just turn up and climb?
Competent climbers aged 18+ may use the wall during public opening hours, subject to capacity. You will need to complete our free practical competency assessment on your first visit. Novice climbers must book a supervised session or attend with a signed-off competent adult.
How should a beginner start?
Choose the 30 Minute Climbing Session. No previous experience is required and essential equipment is included.
Do you provide birthday parties?
Yes. We offer instructor-supervised Climbing Parties for private groups. These are full-height rope-climbing sessions rather than a Clip & Climb experience.
Is this Clip & Climb?
No. Slough Climbing Wall provides traditional rope climbing, auto-belay climbing, coaching and skills development. Clip & Climb is a separate activity within the Ice Arena and is managed by Everyone Active.
Do you have auto-belays or bouldering?
We currently have seven automatic belay devices. We do not currently offer a dedicated bouldering area at Slough.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, non-restrictive sports clothing. Open-toe or open-heel footwear, skirts and dresses are not suitable. Remove jewellery and tie back long hair. Climbing shoes are available to hire.
Do I need my own equipment?
No. Essential equipment is included with supervised sessions. Equipment can also be hired by competent climbers.
Do I need to be strong or very fit?
No. An average level of fitness is enough. Technique and balance matter much more than upper-body strength.
Can a competent adult supervise someone else?
Yes. A signed-off competent adult may supervise up to two novice climbers or children. Novices must not belay the supervising climber.
Where does the activity take place?
The climbing wall is inside the Everyone Active Ice Arena, Montem Lane, Slough SL1 2QG. Please do not confuse it with the separate Clip & Climb attraction.