Having a wall of a time at Chill Factore
Even children can reach the top of the climbing wall
MY past climbing experience has been confined to large trees in conker season 30 years ago.
I was pretty fearless about it then, but how would I fare on a 12m climbing wall – even though this time I would be roped up?
One such wall is in the ‘Alpine Street’ of the Chill Factore ski and snow centre, just off Junction 10 of the M60 and is open to people of all abilities.
If you’re lucky, you can just turn up and have a go – but it may be safer to book.
Christmas turkey
Trussed up like a Christmas turkey in the safety harness, with an expert below both showing me the ropes and, thankfully, holding them, I tried various difficulty levels on the wall. It is safe for children, too, but unlike adults (who can opt out) they must wear a safety helmet.
You climb the wall using hand and foot holds and ‘breaks’ in the wall which you can use to hoist yourself up. It’s all about technique, apparently.
It’s a great workout for the heart (and especially the arms – though you’re supposed to let your legs to all the work) and you get a great sense of achievement when you reach the top (though there were no conkers). But are you’re brave enough to look down!
Open: From 10am each day. Prices: £7.50 for an all-day climb if you are a competent climber. If you cannot already climb it is £10 for a one hour lesson for juniors (both peak and off peak) or £40 for an hour lesson for a group of three adults.
Published: Thu, 13 November, 2008
Comment on this article
You need to be logged in to comment. Login | Register