Q. What is the easiest form of climbing?
A. Probably, rock scrambling. This takes place on low rocks and does not need equipment. However, for safety you should have a qualified outward bound instructor with you.
Q. Why do I need to wear a safety helmet?
A. You should always wear a safety helmet when you are taking part in any rock climbing activity. There may be some danger from loose falling rocks but it is more than possible that someone above you may drop something. If someone above you shouts a warning, look down - not up!
Q. Do I need special equipment?
A. Most of the equipment you need is provided by your instructor when you are having a lesson. If you are climbing as part of a group you may be able to hire equipment from a club or a centre. The only item you are likely to need is footwear(See Get a Foothold)
Q. Is climbing dangerous?
A. Of course there is some danger but this is kept to a minimum because there are strict safety precautions that you should follow. All the equipment you use is designed for maximum safety. (See Get a Foothold for information about equipment and safety)
Q. Is it difficult to climb?
A. You will attempt some climbing even during your first lesson. Some strength is needed but just as important is the ability balance when your weight shifts as you climb. Your first experiences of climbing will use the top-rope technique. When this technique is used, your instructor will assist your climb by pulling down on the rope that is attached to your harness for safety. This is called 'belaying'.(See Let's climb).
Q. Are weather conditions important?
A. The weather is very important when you are climbing. Conditions can change quickly in hill and mountain areas so you should be prepared for emergencies. Wet and windy weather make climbing much more difficult.
Q. What is Alpine climbing?
A. This is a form of climbing carried out in mountainous areas. It usually involves climbing on ice and snow and may require special equipment such as ice axes and crampons. (See About climbing and Let's climb for more information.)
Q. Where are the best places to climb in the UK?
A. We are very lucky in the UK because there are so many places to climb - the mountains of Scotland, Wales and the Lake District offer challenging climbs but there are locations everywhere where you can climb on crags or outcrops. We also have a reasonably large number of indoor climbing walls.
Q. What is the highest mountain in the world that has been climbed?
A. Mount Everest in the Himalayas is considered to be the world's highest mountain. The summit was reached in 1953 by a New Zealand Explorer, Edmund Hillary, and his Sherpa guide, Tenzing Norgay. Some scientific measurements have shown that K2, formerly known as Godwin-Austen and also in the Himalayas, might be slightly higher than Everest. This was first conquered in 1954 by an Italian expedition. About Climbing gives you a list of famous 'first climbs'.
