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To use the climbing wall you will first need to complete a registration form (available at reception).

All non-instructor sessions will require users to have completed our competency test or beginners course (3 stage induction) to become registered climbers at our facility.

Beginners' course (Stage 1, 2 and 3 Induction)

The beginners' course will consist of a maximum of three 90-minute sessions which will take you through basic climbing and rope work. You will learn the practical side of climbing, such as tying the correct knots and how to safely belay a climber. You will also learn about checking your equipment and climbing dos and don'ts. Throughout the sessions you will also be putting your climbing skills to the test and practising on the wall, learning the basics and building confidence to get to the top! Minimum age 16 years.

Cost of the course

This session costs £25 per person, or £75 for a group of four people.

The competency test costs £6.50 and includes your first 90-minute climbing session. This is designed for people who are competent climbers and we will ask you to demonstrate:

• Putting on a harness
• Tying a figure of eight knot
• Tying into a harness
• Showing how to set up a belay device
• Demonstrate good belaying technique (will need to bring a partner)
• Go through climbing dos and don'ts

You must bring a partner who will do a short, easy climb while we observe you belaying them. The test should last about 15 minutes. Minimum age 16 years to participate.

If you have passed your competency test or completed our beginners course but don't have anyone to climb with, or you want to try out the wall to see if you enjoy climbing, instructor led sessions are for you.

You can book in on an instructor led session, where one of our qualified instructors will be taking the session, letting each participant climb one after the other for the 90 minute session. We also offer instructor led sessions for under 16s. Climbers must fit the harness securely to use.

We offer climbing wall parties for groups of up to 12 participants, ensuring each child gets looked after by our trained staff.

Climbing wall parties consist of 90 minutes climbing, with a further hour in the reception area for you to have a party (supplying your own food and drinks).

Climbers must fit the harness securely to use and must wear safety helmets at all times for the session.

If you are intrested in booking the climbing wall for a party then please complete our application form and email it to leisure@dmu.ac.uk and a member of our booking team will be in contact.

Please note all children's parties will be on a first come first served basis and no booking is confirmed until a member of our team has been in contact and payment in full has been made.