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Kit List

  • Suitable footwear. Please don’t wear flip-flops or thin urban sandals. Rugged Teva type sandals are okay but approach shoes/walking shoes/hiking boots or tough trainers with grippy soles are much better.
  • Rucksack or day sack (big enough to fit lots in but not too big! – something like 30 to 40 litres) Don’t forget you’ll have to carry your personal stuff, your extra clothing, food & water, climbing shoes, harness & helmet (if you don’t own a harness or helmet, I will be providing them but you’ll be carrying them) and I may ask you to carry one of the ropes. You don’t really want to be clipping things on the outside or have to resort to carrying a shopping bag if you can help it! If you don’t have a suitable rucksack, let me know and I can provide one.
  • Warm layers (check the weather and plan accordingly). Choose fabrics that are okay in the wet just in case (fleece is good). I like to carry a spare thermal top in case it gets chilly.
  • Leggings are a great idea – you can move freely and they dry quickly after rain (on chilly, windy days you can add waterproof trousers for a perfect combo). Shorts are good if it’s hot. Outdoor trousers need to be loose fitting or stretchy and quick drying (not jeans). Zip-off convertibles are good if you have them.
  • Waterproof jacket (and trousers if you have them) in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
  • A warm jacket to throw over everything when you’re standing around (if the weather forecast says it might be chilly).
  • Hat & gloves (again check the weather reports).
  • Sun hat and shades (just in case it’s blazing).
  • Sun cream (a high factor would be sensible).
  • Plenty of water (if it’s a hot day you’ll need more than 1ltr – I often take 2 ltrs).
  • Food for lunch and snacks (sarnies/wraps/pork pies/cereal bars are all good – chopped salad veg, fruit or cherry toms are great if it’s hot, they’ll boost your mood when you’re thirsty).
  • A fully charged up phone and/or a camera to catch those memories.

I will provide all the climbing gear that you’ll need but if you have any of your own (harness/rock shoes/helmet etc.) please bring along.

A final request: Please leave jewellery at home – no rings on fingers or toes, dangly earrings, bracelets or necklaces for safety reasons – no tutus or tiaras!
Even if it doesn’t cause you an injury, it will probably get trashed or lost.