Outdoor rock climbing

Climbing is enjoyed at Calvert as part of a rock and rope session, and every session will look different, depending on the needs of an activity group. Mixed ability groups might try indoor climbing and spend time in our sports hall on the climbing wall, abseiling, swinging or bouldering.

More ambulant groups, or groups that have visited before, might prefer to head out into the wider Lake District for a new challenge. We have two great locations just a short drive from the centre – St. Johns in the Vale and Sandale.

St. John’s in the Vale is southeast of Calvert and offers easier rock walls for first time climbers. There are challenging routes too, for more adventurous participants. Views across the northern Lakes are particularly picturesque from here.

At Sandale, north of the centre, Head End Quarry offers an alternative location with a dramatic rock wall that stretches for around 140 feet and boasts views across the Solway Firth and into Scotland.

We have specialist equipment to help wheelchair users, and those with limited mobility, abseil down these crags instead of climbing up them.

Climbing looks different for everybody. We have a range of climbing aids and harnesses to make climbing as inclusive as possible. Those with reduced mobility can try abseiling outdoors instead of climbing, for example. Climbers with limited mobility can be winched by their peers and still experience height gain too.

We strive to adapt our activities so people of all abilities can try something new. Safety is of the utmost importance, and we’ll always create bespoke activity programmes based on the ability of the group that are challenging, fun and inclusive for everyone.