Youth Climbing Meets are all about enabling and encouraging young climbers to take the first steps outside, to point them in the right direction for a life on the rocks,” says James McHaffie, one of the organisers of the latest of these events. “The one we’ve just had in Northumberland has been great, and great to be a part of."

The BMC’s Youth Climbing Meets are an opportunity for young climbers to get out to the crags. They also provide an opportunity for climbers with a little outdoor climbing experience to gain confidence on the rocks. The event offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy some classic trad routes under the watchful eye of experienced climbers.

This time around, on the last weekend of October, 21 climbers aged from 10 to 16, sampled the blasted joys of Northumbrian sandstone on the mythical Bowden Doors and Back Bowden crags.

“I’d really wanted to do outdoor climbing for ages, but it’s not how I imagined it. It’s better,” buzzed one youngster making her first moves on real rock.

“Climbs indoors just have grades but outdoors ones have great names, like Tiger Wall. I love that,” beamed another.

The weekend was a great success. Thanks to all the kids, parents and fantastic volunteers for bringing the smiles.

With thanks to our volunteers who made this Youth Meet a success: Sam Bullock, Gavin Ellis, Susan Dudink, Claudia Sarner, Andy Potter, Alex Mccann, Mike Lea, Patricia Pearson, and Chris Bullock, who initiated the Youth Meet.

Courses for indoor climbers making their first moves onto rock

Who are they for?

These courses are ideal for novice climbing club members, students, parents and individuals who may have had the odd taster of climbing outdoors and wish to gain key safety skills at an excellent price. They may also be a good precursor for people contemplating the Single Pitch Award training. You should already know how to put on a harness and belay. These courses are for people aged 18 or older.

Under 18?: Check out our rock climbing courses for climbers aged 11-17 

What do the courses cover?

A variety of topics will be covered during the day as well as offering a fun taster to outdoor climbing. Topics may include:

• Types of trad climbing equipment
• Placing good protection
• Building good belays
• Using guidebooks
• Seconding/top roping 

FIND OUT MORE: Ready to Rock Courses 2022

FIND OUT MORE: Women Ready To Rock Courses 2022

FIND OUT MORE: Outdoor Sport Climbing Courses for 11-17 year olds

FIND OUT MORE: Outdoor Trad Courses for 11-17 year olds

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