What Can I Expect

A rock climbing and abseiling experience means a day of ups and downs, but in the good way! You will quite literally learn how to climb up rocks and then spend time being taught how to abseil down a tower too. As far as gifts for climbers go, this discovery day is great for beginners who want their first experience in climbing and abseiling.

Your climbing and abseiling day is in two parts. To begin with you'll be at the sandstone crags of Harrison's Rocks in Kent. This is where you'll hone your skills going up. You'll be shown how belaying works (the system of securing the climber), essential knots that are needed and touch on climbing etiquette, as well as concentrating on basic climbing technique.

What we love about these climbing and abseiling sessions is that you set your own goals. Maybe you want to reach the very top, or perhaps you'll be happy to get your feet off the ground and conquer that fear of heights. The qualified instructors are all really encouraging, but they won't push you out of your comfort zone - this rock climbing and abseiling malarkey is meant to be fun after all!

On to the abseiling. Now, here's the thing, you can climb the sandstone rocks, but you can't abseil down them as they are too soft. So for this part of the course, you'll head to a purpose-built abseiling tower. Standing tall at 10m high, this wall is as high as a house.

It's going to be nerve-wracking the first time you stand right at the top. As you lean over, be prepared to step off. Get the abseil technique right and you'll go smoothly and swiftly down, down, down until your feet touch the ground.

It's a great day out in Kent and Sussex for anyone interested in learning the techniques and getting a head start in rock climbing and abseiling, without having to buy all the gear in advance Harnesses, shoes, carabiners and descenders are all lent to you for the duration of the day.

When Is It Available

• Selected weekends throughout the year
• Generally at least once a month between March and October
• Sessions start at 09:00 finishing around 16:00

Suitable For

• Maximum weight limit is 19 stone (120kgs)
• Minimum age requirement is 18 years
• There is no maximum age limit however you need to be reasonably agile to get the most from this experience

Spectators

• Spectators are welcome but numbers are limited

Anything Else

• There are no shops nearby so participants and spectators are advised to bring their own refreshments and lunch
• Participants will be given a comprehensive kit list in advance of their climbing experience
• Due to the fragile nature of the sandstone rock, courses will not run in heavy rain
• Please note: no walking boots are permitted on the actual rocks