The Lock Climbing Wall
The Lock Climbing Wall
4.5
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About
Whether you are a seasoned climber or a newcomer looking to try the sport, The Lock provides quality climbing experiences for all abilities. The Lock has four main climbing walls up to 14 metres in height, some of the tallest in the South-East and one of the four main faces is reset every month with new climbs and new holds. There is 1,000 square metres of climbing with 50 lines and over 100 top-roped routes, ranging in difficulty from 3 to 8a, plus 60 bolted lead routes, 'Dry Tooling' (simulated ice climbing) as well as a dedicated bouldering room and abseil platforms. Specialist facilities and equipment are also available for those with disabilities.
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The Lock Climbing Wall
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4.5
19 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
5
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Pathfinder801293
22 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Had a taster course for an hour and a half.
I felt really welcome, and everything was really well-organised. I've never done it before; I was a total, (mature) novice! The instructor (Vickie) was so good, patient and friendly. All the staff were!
Just some useful information: there doesn't seem to be much on the website:
Parking is very limited. There is ample parking in The Moorhen, a few minutes walk away. At night, it's a dark lane so bring a torch/phone.
The climbing centre is downstairs 'in a tin box', (their quote!), and it was very cold when I went in November. Not a complaint, just bring some warm layers! Apparently it gets hot in the summer.
You are advised not to wear jewellery, (I think not allowed), for safety reasons. They put tape around my wedding ring. You are not allowed to wear gloves for the same reason, I guess.
Special climbing shoes are supplied, and a harness. You definitely 'learn the ropes', it's not just climbing! It was a friendly group-learning session with no pressure from anyone.
If you don't live nearby, allow plenty of time. There were roadworks on the nearby roundabout with a massive holdup which will be going on until Spring 2025 apparently. It was worth the hour's drive for us.
I would recommend this place to anyone, although I can't speak for those with children. Vicky gave good information at the end about courses if you want to continue your climbing journey.
I felt really welcome, and everything was really well-organised. I've never done it before; I was a total, (mature) novice! The instructor (Vickie) was so good, patient and friendly. All the staff were!
Just some useful information: there doesn't seem to be much on the website:
Parking is very limited. There is ample parking in The Moorhen, a few minutes walk away. At night, it's a dark lane so bring a torch/phone.
The climbing centre is downstairs 'in a tin box', (their quote!), and it was very cold when I went in November. Not a complaint, just bring some warm layers! Apparently it gets hot in the summer.
You are advised not to wear jewellery, (I think not allowed), for safety reasons. They put tape around my wedding ring. You are not allowed to wear gloves for the same reason, I guess.
Special climbing shoes are supplied, and a harness. You definitely 'learn the ropes', it's not just climbing! It was a friendly group-learning session with no pressure from anyone.
If you don't live nearby, allow plenty of time. There were roadworks on the nearby roundabout with a massive holdup which will be going on until Spring 2025 apparently. It was worth the hour's drive for us.
I would recommend this place to anyone, although I can't speak for those with children. Vicky gave good information at the end about courses if you want to continue your climbing journey.
Written 29 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Love to Travel
Potters Bar, UK804 contributions
Mar 2015 • Family
Took my son here for the first time yesterday, he had previously been going to a different centre that he had outgrown. The main climbing area is inside, I think I read somewhere that it is the biggest in the south east?
They offer different class on different days, both for junior and adult.
You can work towards the various NICAS level
Both the instructors and the reception staff were friendly and helpful.
My son is looking forward to coming back
They offer different class on different days, both for junior and adult.
You can work towards the various NICAS level
Both the instructors and the reception staff were friendly and helpful.
My son is looking forward to coming back
Written 25 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph
London, UK26 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
I climb regularly at the Lock and I must say it is a great centre. The staff are friendly for the most part and they aim to make the centre as vibrant and broad ranging as possible.
From simple routes to more challenging lead, the centre has it all. Even some artificial routes outside. The route setting is always spot on and challenging - my only complaint is that there are usually huge jumps in the grades for lead meaning there is little to hone learners onto.
Another gripe is perhaps the very high age limit for children. Other centres allow me to supervise and instruct my 4 year old, others have “mini mountaineer” groups, however the Lock prevent this - likely due to insurance, but this does restrict the scope of what the wall has to offer.
Other than this it is a great place to visit and well worth the journey for - just be aware of the limited parking if you do drive.
From simple routes to more challenging lead, the centre has it all. Even some artificial routes outside. The route setting is always spot on and challenging - my only complaint is that there are usually huge jumps in the grades for lead meaning there is little to hone learners onto.
Another gripe is perhaps the very high age limit for children. Other centres allow me to supervise and instruct my 4 year old, others have “mini mountaineer” groups, however the Lock prevent this - likely due to insurance, but this does restrict the scope of what the wall has to offer.
Other than this it is a great place to visit and well worth the journey for - just be aware of the limited parking if you do drive.
Written 6 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nathan H
St. Neots, UK27 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
Love going here with friends as it is a nice day out and a good way to let of some steam whilst bonding with one another. Staff are very helpful and friendly. Loads of different ability walls to climb making it fair for newbies or experts.
Written 24 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sandybum464159
Bishops Stortford, UK8 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
My 13 year old daughter has regularly climbed here for the last few years. She has been working towards National Indoor climbing awards. It is sport that is strenuous and requires concentration. The staff here are meticulous, necessary in this environment, but always friendly and informative too. Would highly recommend. The only downside is due to it's popularity, you can't always get booked into the classes.
Written 6 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaggedsauce
18 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
Myself and my girlfriend went on the learn to climb course today and it was a really fun/knowledgeable day out. Colette was our instructor who was very friendly and great at explaining how to tie the ropes etc. This is the 3rd climbing centre I've visited and is my new favorite due to the amount of rope climbs available.
There's a small bouldering section upstairs and a concrete slab outside. This was really fun being outside in the sun and having to work out a route without any coloured holds to go off.
The staff there all seemed really friendly and approachable and I will definitely be coming back and getting some of my friends to try it too, thanks for a good day.
There's a small bouldering section upstairs and a concrete slab outside. This was really fun being outside in the sun and having to work out a route without any coloured holds to go off.
The staff there all seemed really friendly and approachable and I will definitely be coming back and getting some of my friends to try it too, thanks for a good day.
Written 2 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul A
5 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
Really friendly staff, nice little coffee shops and some decent walls ranging from 3 to comp grade , nicely set has auto belays, open till 10pm most week nights so handy for after work. I would recommend it only draw back is limited bouldering but for top rope and lead climbing its a winner.
Written 13 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerry
Hertfordshire, UK72 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
We had a taster session booked and although my 10 year old son had done some climbing before, we were a little anxious for our 7 year old daughter. But I needn't have worried. They both thoroughly enjoyed their session and they went higher than they thought they could. Our instructor (I think her name was Vicky) was fantastic with them by encouraging them to keep going when they felt nervous. They came away feeling very chuffed with themselves and they both want to return!
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
Written 10 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dream608409
1 contribution
Nov 2018 • Family
The staff are really friendly and were great with the kids. Great atmosphere whether your chilling up in the cafe or climbing on the wall. Kids came out buzzing and can’t wait to go again
Written 28 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
inschris680
London, UK14 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
Been into Boldering and rock climbing and thought i would try this place in Harlow.. Being a regular at the Castle climbing centre i was a little let down by this place.. A really small Bouldering area with a few of them loose. The instructors and people working there great. Really helpful. They have a nice cafe but parking is very limited. I was there for 1hr and felt that was enough. Glad i tried out a new place.. Not sure if i would go back though
Written 10 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much is a session and do you have to precook
Written 7 August 2019
Burnt mill lane, Harlow, Essex.
You need to approach it down Burnt mill lane as the bridge over the canal is blocked off
Written 16 August 2018
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