Yes. All climbers must complete an Acknowledgement of Risk and the Climbing Commons Conditions of Use before their first session.
Is it safe?
Climbing carries an inherent risk of injury, even at low heights. The mats reduce impact, but they don’t remove risk. The safety induction will help you understand how to climb safely. Ultimately, you’re responsible for your own decisions while climbing.
What is indoor bouldering?
Bouldering is climbing on shorter walls without ropes, using soft matting for landing. It’s social, accessible, and a great full-body workout.
Do I need experience to climb at Climbing Commons?
Not at all. We welcome complete beginners. You don’t need any prior experience, just a willingness to learn and an awareness of the risks and how to reduce these risks when visiting the Climbing Commons
What is the Climbing Commons?
We are a community bouldering facility open to climbers of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced boulderers. We exist to make climbing accessible, enjoyable, and safe for everyone. Currently, we are an entirely volunteer led community enterprise.
Booking & Access
Can I just turn up?
No, everything is run on a booking system to maintain a safe operation and to keep it fair for everyone.
How many sessions can I book?
You can have up to 3 future bookings at once and climb a maximum of 2 sessions per day.
What happens if I can’t make my booking?
Please cancel at least 2 hours before your session so someone else can take your place. Late cancellations or no-shows are recorded.
What is the difference between Core Hours Access and Out of Hours Access?
Our Core Access hours are when a coordinator/member of staff are onsite. Out of hours access (early mornings, evenings, quieter times) is available to climbers who have completed the Climbing Commons Super-Induction (SI). This is considered equivalent in risk profile to solo outdoor bouldering and subject to additional safety protocols.
Do I need to check in on arrival?
Yes, all climbers and supervising adults must check in on arrival either by scanning their booking QR code (received by email at time of booking) at the front door or by being manually checked in through the Clava app.
What to Bring
Can I bring food or drinks?
We recommend bringing a water bottle and snacks, but they must be kept off the mats. Food and drinks are also available at the Long Table (Brimscombe Mill) (subject to their own opening hours).
Can I climb in normal trainers or barefoot?
No. Climbing shoes must be worn on the wall for safety and hygiene reasons. We have limited number of free rental shoes which we hope to increase as we move forward.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing you can move in. You’ll also need climbing shoes (you can bring your own or hire ours for free if available).
Learning & Supervision
Do I have to pay or use my booking allowance to supervise kids?
No. Non-climbing supervising adults do not have to pay or use up their booking allowance.
Will someone teach me how to climb?
General guidance is always available, but structured instruction (when available) must be booked in advance . If you’re unsure, it’s best to book an introduction session.
Can I climb on my own as a beginner?
If you haven’t completed registration/induction, you’re considered a novice and should be supervised by someone competent.
Can I bring a friend who’s never climbed?
Yes, but if they’re new, they’ll need to register, complete the forms and induction and be supervised appropriately.
Children & Families
Can kids climb?
Yes! We have a dedicated children’s area designed for younger climbers.
Is there a minimum age?
Our children’s area is suitable for ages 2–10, but supervision at all times is a condition of use.
Do children need supervision?
Yes, all under 18s must be supervised unless they’ve been assessed as competent to climb independently. During mixed use hours, we limit the child to adult ratio to 1:1 for safety reasons.
Out of Hours Access
Can I climb outside staffed hours?
Yes, but only if you’ve completed a Super-Induction and been assessed as a competent climber.
What does that involve?
You’ll need to demonstrate that you can manage risks, follow safety procedures, and take responsibility for yourself and others in the space.
Safety & Rules
What are the most important safety rules?
Climb Like a Commoner — the core rules at a glance.
1. Leave it better than you found it.
2. Be kind, everyone belongs here.
3. Report any issues.
4. Look up, stay out of fall zones.
5. Supervise your children at all times.
6. No outdoor shoes on the mats.
7. Jewellery off, tops on.
8. No bare feet on the holds.
9. Food, drinks, phones off the mats.
10. Down climb when you can.
What is a “fall zone”?
The area beneath a climber. It must always be clear of people and belongings.
Can I wear jewellery while climbing?
No, jewellery must be removed to prevent injury.
What should I do if I see something unsafe?
Report it immediately, either via the QR code or by speaking to a coordinator/member of staff.
Community & Culture
What’s the vibe like?
We’re a small, community-focused space. The aim is to be welcoming, inclusive, and supportive whether it’s your first climb or your hundredth.
Can I give advice to other climbers?
Only if it’s welcome. Many people prefer to work things out themselves, so it’s best to ask first.
Can I take photos or videos?
You can film yourself, but don’t film others without their consent.
Membership & Fair Use
Can I share my membership with someone else?
No, memberships and QR codes are for personal use only.
Why are there booking limits?
To keep access fair. With limited capacity, every unused slot is a missed opportunity for someone else.
How many sessions can I book in advance?
3 sessions. You'll need to use up a booking to free up the next. This is to enable everyone to get a chance to use the facility.
Can I book back to back sessions?
Yes. Maximum 2 sessions a day. So you can have a 3 hour session subject to session availability.
Health & Emergencies
What if I have a medical condition?
Please let us know before climbing. This helps us support you safely if needed.
What happens if someone gets injured?
Report it immediately. In serious cases, call emergency services and avoid moving the injured person.
Still Not Sure?
I feel a bit nervous, what should I do?
That’s completely normal. Climbing can feel intimidating at first, but most people find it fun, social, and rewarding very quickly. Start easy, take your time, and ask questions—we’re here to help.
Accessible Climbing for All
We want to make climbing affordable and accessible to more people
Stay in the loop
Signup for our email updates. We send out about once a week at the moment with so much going on.
