You are a climber and want to visit The Foundry....
Quick Knowledge
If you're a competent, experienced climber, you need to register at The Foundry before you can start climbing.
If you've never climbed before, you'll need to book some instruction.
If you are under 18 there is a different procedure!
You need a 30m rope to climb on the lead walls.
Quickdraws are in place.
We have a free car park!
We hire out boots, harnesses, and belay devices, but not ropes.
We have a great café.
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Registration Forms
To make your visit to the centre as hassle free as possible, we've provided downloadable registration forms - you can fill these out and bring them to the centre upon your first visit to speed up the registration process.
Please read our conditions of use before registering. You won't be allowed to climb unless you have read and understood them! (and we might even quiz you on them...)
The Foundry's Conditions of Use (required reading before registering!)
Bouldering Only Conditions of Use (required reading before registering!)
Young Persons (under 18 years)
If you are under 18 and want to climb at The Foundry, you must either have taken the Green Card Assessment, or be signed in by a registered adult member.
Under 14's
You can only take the Green Card Assessment once you have turned 14. So if you are under 14, you must be signed in by a registered adult member in order to climb. Alternatively, you can have an instruction session.
14 - 17 Year olds
Any climber from 14 to 17 years of age (inclusive) must either be signed in by a registered adult climber, or adopt the Green Card procedure. This involves demonstrating competence in performing the basic safety procedures to a qualified instructor.
Demonstration sessions take place on Thursday evenings as part of Young Climbers Club. If the young person is under 16 yrs old their parent or guardian must visit the centre to sign a consent form, for those aged 16+ the consent form can be taken home to be signed.
The green card does not permit the young person to lead climb or lead belay. For this they must pass the Leader Card which can be taken at the same time as the Green Card demonstation. For more information please contact us.
Bringing guests
A registered Adult climber can bring up to two guests for a climbing session.
Please note: Guests who are novice climbers (i.e. very little or no climbing experience) should only belay when backed up by the a competent, registered member of The Foundry
The competent climber must sign their guests in and agree to provide tuition in the basic safety procedures if their guests are not experienced climbers, and full supervision throughout the session. The registered climber is responsible for their guests' safety and safe behaviour during that time.
Any guests who are 18 years and over and competent climbers will be required to register as individual members.
Visiting instructors and groups
Any group of three or more novices must be accompanied and signed in by a registered instructor. The instructor must have one of the BMC/MLTB recognised qualifications; CWA/CWLA, SPA, MIA, MIC or Guide, and hold current public liability insurance in respect of their instructor's role.
We require photocopies of the relevant documentation (i.e. qualification pass certificate and liability insurance policy/letter from relevant authorities you may be working for). We will then issue an instructor card.
There is no need to book a session at The Foundry, but we recommend telephoning in advance if you wish to identify a quieter period.
NB: THERE IS A MAXIMUM LIMIT OF 8 PERSONS PER INSTRUCTOR WITH A GROUP.
If you are unsure of your position please contact The Foundry before your visit to make sure you will be able to use the centre.
