Cambridge Climbing
& Caving Club

Climbing

The Scene

Climbers in the club usually meet up during the week to climb indoors in Cambridge or the surrounding area. Many weekends, unoffical small 1-day trips to the peak district are organized amongst members. There are offical weekend trips roughly once a month to various places in the UK, and sometimes abroad.

Weekly, club members can be usually be found on Wednesday evenings at a local climbing wall. The first Wednesday of the month is Kelsey Kerridge night from about 8pm, followed by a pint at the Free Press from about 10pm. This first Wednesday also serves as our 'meet the club' night to introduce beginners to club members. The third Wednesday of the month is Harlow night. But club members may be found at either of these locations most Wednesdays.

You do not need to be a member of the club to climb at any of the climbing walls or join us at the pub. So pop by on a Wednesday and ask for the 4C's (or the city climbing club), and you should find us.

Climbing Experience

The club welcomes new members of all abilities and experience. If you're already a climber, it's a great place to meet people and gather a carload to get out of Cambridge to more vertical terrain. If you're new, it's a great way to get an introduction to the sport.

New to Climbing?

If you are new to climbing, or would like to give it a go, joining a club is an excellent way to start. There is a strong tradition of mentoring new climbers. Most people learn by climbing with others and gradually building up their skills and experience.

If you would like to try climbing, drop by the wall or the pub on the first Wednesday of the month. You don't have to be a member to climb, and club members at the wall or the pub will be happy to talk about the club, and climbing indoors and out. Ask people at the wall (or at the bar at the Free Press) for the city climbing club, and you shouldn't have any trouble finding us.

If you would like to go on a weekend trip, you must become a member of the club for insurance reasons.

Equipment

The club doesn't keep any climbing equipment. However, if you need somthing for a trip it's more than likely that extra equipment can be found amongst members. Contact someone in the club/committee if need something.

To try climbing indoors, all you need are close fitting trainers and comfortable/stretchy clothes. If you intend to keep climbing indoors or out, getting a pair of climbing shoes is recommended. A chalk bag for drying hands is also a useful investment.

For climbing outside, you will need a harness, a belay device, and if possible a helmet. Other necessary equipment (ropes and gear) can usually be provided by your partner while you're still experimenting with the sport.

Trips

Winter meets are usually based around mountaineering huts, which provide basic bunk accommodation and cooking facilities at around £5 per person per night. For the rest of the year, we usually base ourselves on campsites.

Feel free to get in touch for queries about upcoming trips, or any other questions you may have.