We're going bouldering! Don't worry if you've not done it before, or if you think you'll be bad at it. It's about having fun, not being competitive. I'm not very good either :)
You can climb as much or as little as you like. Lots of people spend most their time chatting and encouraging their friends.
Evening of Tuesday 28th October.
I (Louis Pilfold) will be at the venue from 18:00 and will likely stay until past 21:00. Turn up at any time that suits you.
So you can find us more easily: I have long brown hair tied back in a braid, a moustache, and I will be wearing an orange vest.
Stronghold Tottenham Hale
This is the entrance for the venue. Go through these doors and up the stairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/m4NHSuuV729rsqVW9
If coming from Tottenham Hale station this alley across the street is the quickest way to the venue: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UAZLvsABmDcbT3Y17
Adults: £15
Under 18s: £9
Under 18s need to have an adult supervisor: https://climbingdistrict.uk/app/uploads/2025/10/SupervisionPolicy_TH.pdf
If you have not been before you will need to register with Stronghold. This involves watching a short safety video and signing a health-and-safety document: https://climbingdistrict.uk/stronghold-registration-forms/
At reception they will likely ask you questions such as:
- "What's the safest way to fall?"
- "Does crash matting remove all danger from falling?"
- "What should you do if you find a hold that spins or moves?"
Wear clothing suitable for light exercise, that will not restrict your movement. I like to wear shorts and a loose t-shirt.
Bring a bottle of water, climbing can be thirsty work!
Remove all jewellery, especially rings.
You can rent a pair of climbing shoes from reception. Typically one would get shoes 1 size smaller than your street shoes.
Chalk is used to prevent sweaty hands while climbing, so you will likely get some chalk on your clothes. This will not damage the clothes, and washes out easily.
There are lockers available for your belongings. You can bring a padlock to lock them with.
It's good to a warm-up before doing any climbing! This could be some jogging on the spot, star-jumps, arm circles, wrist circles, etc. Getting the blood flowing and your joints warm before doing any exercise is the best way to avoid injury. There is a gym area on the far right hand side of the climbing area, that can be a good place to warm up.
Come find us! I'll be in my orange vest, remember? :)
Climbing routes (or "problems") are graded from easiest to hardest. VB -> V0 -> V1 -> V2 etc. Start with VB routes first, moving on the next level when you feel comfortable.
Be sure to have several minutes rest between attempts, especially if the route was challenging.
Most routes are like a puzzle! If you find a route challenging step back and see if there's another way you could approach it that would be easier.
If you would like any tips or advice: ask! Climbers are like programmers, they are always keen to help.
Don't give advice unless it was asked for! Working out the puzzle is half the fun of doing a climb, so don't take that away from someone by telling them the answer.
Don't push in front of someone who is waiting for a particular route.
If someone is repeatedly trying to do a route and hasn't got it yet, and you think you could do it easily, consider doing a different route instead. It can feel bad to have someone easily do your project.