Frequently Asked Questions

A guide to the workings of club, how to come on meets, what to bring and more.

How do I get on a trip?

If you’re new to the club, the best place to start is one of our new members’ meets, which we hold in the spring and autumn. You can email the new members’ secretary for more details.

We also hold outdoor meets throughout the year. To see upcoming scheduled meets, and contact details, view our meets page.

The club also has a lot of informally organised trips, heading to wherever the weather looks most promising. The best thing to do is to come along to The Castle/Brownswood on Monday evenings, or Mile End/Palm Tree on Wednesday evenings, to meet and get to know other members.

Trips are also organised through the our chat forum.

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. As of the 2019 Constitution updates, demonstrating proficiency in lead belaying (to be confirmed by two existing members) is now a requirement to join the club.

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 two prussics.

Clothing

  • waterproof
  • approach shoes or walking boots
  • outdoor suitable trousers
  • 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.