News

The battle of the walls is heating up in the UK, as two indoor centres compete for the highest height.

Just as Kendal's Lakeland Climbing Centre opens a 24.5 metre wall (the largest in the country), planning permission has been passed for the world's tallest climbing wall in the south-west.

Climbing is becoming an increasingly popular activity, seeing a huge surge in the numbers of people taking to the walls. Indoor climbing centres are most likely to be responsible for this surge in recreational popularity, offering accessible walls that are resilient to weather conditions, safe, and cater for all levels of experience.

Extreme enthusiasts will be thrilled at the news of the ever-expanding challenges that are being added to an already substantial collection of indoor walls. Kendal offers world-class climbing facilities, with 50 leading lines ranging from slabs to roofs, from 7m to a staggering 24.5m high and with route grades from 3 to 8a+. It also has the largest 'routing roof' in the UK, as well as intermediate walls and activities for beginners and children.

The rival wall, planned to be a whopping 40m, will overshadow indoor walls worldwide. It is expected to be finished at the start of 2013, and will take centre stage among the many other extreme challenges on offer. The Extreme Rock Climbing Centre offers activities for the 'boldest and the beginner,' with leading, top roping, and a considerable bouldering surface.