Girlguiding UK Climbing and Abseiling Scheme

This is a large and well-run Scout centre with an electricity pylon with a climbing wall/abseil tower built on to it which is due to be completely refurbished with a manufactured climbing wall this year.

The site management are completely aware of the GA climbiong scheme and any instruction provided will be in accordance with the GA rules; i.e. not Scout Form 'M'. They will accept the GA Level 1 Award; however they have some procedural points they will need to show you about using their tower.

There is also an enclosed separate bouldering wall here. This has been specifically designed to be below the HSE required height for 'play equipment' and therefore no qualification is needed to supervise this. All we ask for is a competent adult with a First Aid certificate who complies with general GA rules for child supervision.

Walesby Tower Bouldering wall

Nottingham Climbing Centre

The Sports Ground, Haydn Road, Sherwood, Nottingham, NG5 1EB.

Tel: 0115 924 5388/fax 962 2050/ email: info@nottingham-climbing.co.uk

There is an informative website at: www.nottingham-climbing.co.uk

This centre has been recommended by a local Guider. It is a well-appointed commercial wall which has been voted 'Best UK Bouldering Wall'. There are several areas including those suitable for novices.

In-house instruction is offered at a level acceptable to the Association (SPA is the minimum qualification) and has been recommended as being of a high quality.

Pictures from their website:

Sherbrooke Scout Camp, Calverton

Level 1

Mansfield Lane, Calverton, NG14 6HP. Tel: 0115 965 5034 Email: jean_nev@btopenworld.com

This scout site has an abseil tower with climbing holds on 2 sides and a traversing wall plus climbing tower - all in an enclosed area. It is well maintained and a good facility; however at the moment there aren't any onsite instructors with the Level 1 award so you'd have to provide one. The warden is currently trying to get some of his staff qualified and there should be qualified staff at some stage.

Hollygate Scout Site, Cotgrave

Hollygate Lane, Cotgrave, Notts. Tel: 01949 875057 (Warden, John Green)

Web: www.senotts-scouts.fsnet.co.uk/campsite/index.htm

This scout site has a short (12-15 foot) climbing wall on plywood on a short tower. There appears to be no ladder in place.

The facility is very basic, although it has been constructed only in 2004. There are no on site qualified staff approved by GGUK.

You could use this facility with care, although it is extremely basic and limited. Please contact the site beforehand.