Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get on a trip?
The club tends to be quite informal in the organisation of trips, heading to wherever the weather looks most promising, this can make it feel a bit difficult to get involved initially! The best thing to do is to come along to Mile End/Palm Tree on Wednesday evenings, and meet and get to know people. Trips are also organised through the e-mail chat list. In addition, we have a few scheduled meets every year, including at least one new members' meet. To see upcomiing scheduled meets, view our events page.
What experience do I need?
The club does not provide any formal training. To go away with us you don't need to be an expert climber but you do need to be able to belay safely, have the appropriate equipment, and be enthusiastic. Participation in club activities is entirely at member's risk.
For novices, there are many training courses available at London climbing walls and outdoor centres.
What equipment do I need to go away with you?
Climbing
- climbing shoes
- harness
- helmet
- screwgate carabiner (HMS type is ideal)
- belay device
Ideally, you should also have a nut key, an additional screwgate and a prussic.
Clothing
- waterproof
- approach shoes or walking boots
- outdoors trousers (not jeans)
- base layer
- fleece
- rucksack
- head-torch.
Exact requirements will depend on venue and season.
Other
- sleeping bag (required for the club cottage and all camping trips)
- tent and mat (when camping)
- wash kit
- towel
Food
- breakfast and lunch for two days (this can often be bought on the way to the cottage, but check with your driver first)
- water bottle
Evening meals we sometimes cook and sometimes go to the pub.
Do you go walking or scrambling?
We are a climbing-focussed club. Members will go walking and scrambling from time-to-time, but on most trips away we climb - there isn't usually a walking contingent. There are other London clubs that do offer more of a range of activities.