Experienced young climbers aged 14 to 17 may climb unsupervised at The Castle if they pass our U18 assessment. This is an advanced assessment meaning that the young climber can (as a minimum) confidently put on a harness, tie in and tope rope belay safely, as well as boulder safely. Parents and young climbers must read the Information Sheet (available for download) and complete the registration form and parental consent. U18 assessed climbers may not supervise other climbers.

• 14-15 year olds: Climbers must be able to boulder safely and  top-rope and lead climb and belay.
• 16-17 year olds: Climbers must be able to boulder safely and top-rope climb and belay. Climbers may pass an optional lead climbing assessment if they want to lead climb.

Young climbers must re-register as adult climbers (either Roped Climbing or Bouldering Only Registration) when they turn 18.

The Assessment

Assessments are conducted by Castle Instructors who will judge whether the candidate has the necessary maturity, experience and skills to climb unsupervised.

The Assessment must be booked in advance by a Parent/Legal Guardian.

Assessments can be booked either by telephone (0208 211 1082) or via email: bookings@castle-climbing.co.uk.

The cost of the Lead Assessment is £40.00 and full payment is required as booking confirmation. The Assessment itself usually takes  up to 120 minutes.

The cost of the Top-Rope Assessment is £35.00 and full payment is required as booking confirmation. The Assessment itself usually takes up to 90 minutes.

Cancellations by customer: If you contact us 72 hours before the start of the Assessment we can move your booking to another date or issue you a full refund. Email info@castle-climbing.co.uk

Cancellations/modifications by The Castle: The Castle reserves the right to cancel or change the Assessment up to 24 hours before the event in case of lack of available staff.

Please note that your child must bring someone to climb for them during the assessment so that they can demonstrate belaying skills. The additional person must be at least a competent top-roper for a Top Roping assessment and must be a competent Lead Climber for a lead assessment.

Parental attendance and consent

• 14-15 year olds: Parent/guardian must sign the parental consent and attend the assessment. U18 Assessment Parental Consent Form must be completed before the assessment and can be found here.
• 16-17 year olds: Parent/guardian must sign the consent form, but does not need to be present at the assessment. U18 Asessment  Parental Consent Form must be completed before the assessment and can be found here.

Training Aid Restrictions

14 and 15 year olds may not use The Castle Gym. 16 and 17 year olds may use The Castle following an induction. Contact Reception to book the free gym induction.

The BMC recommends that young climbers do not use the campus board. http://www.thebmc.co.uk/campus-boards-guidance-on-use

Further Information

The BMC has an excellent guide on Climbing, Hill Walking and Mountaineering for Young People that can be downloaded from their website.