Vertical Chill - Xscape

My first impression of the climbing wall was how high it was. I had absolutely no experience of climbing and looking at the 43ft high wall,I was tempted not to have a go. However, the friendly staff were very persuasive and I did not want to miss this wonderful opportunity; so I had a go ... I was kitted up with a helmet, rock climbing shoes and a harness. A very friendly member of staff helped me and chatted to me about the wall, making me feel more positive about going up - after all I was only going to go a little way and then come back down (if only I had known!)


Once I had come to the wall climbing area, I was clipped onto a safety rope, which was attached by the harness. Looking at the foot holds and hand holds, I could see that they were different colours. I was later told that these were colour coded according to different grades of experience.

As I started climbing I found that the foot holds and hand grips were easy to use, but as I got higher, I found it hard to find where to put my feet. However this was no problem as the staff were happy to help and directed me as to where to put my feet and hands. No sooner than I had started climbing, I was nearing the top. At this point I would advise no-one to look down - but if you are scared of heights don't worry it's not actually that high up (about 15/17m high).

When I got nearer to the top a big, red button came into view. If I touched this button it would mean that I had reached the top. I pulled my body up and touched it - as I did a video link set up at Xscape sent an image of me at the top of the climbing wall all round the building and even to the huge outside screen above the front door!

Now came an even bigger challenge - to let go of the hand holds and let the safety rope guide me to the ground. As I did the assistants told me to push my legs away from the wall. I got down safely and was soon back on flat land. The first thing I noticed as soon as my feet touched the ground was that my arms were really aching - I hadn't realised that the whole way up my arms had been doing all the work; pulling my body up the wall. However the aching soon subsided and I felt a great sense of achivement having reached the top of that wall - it is well worth the experience!

Climbing can obviously be sweaty and dusty and clothes do tear, so it is best to wear loose, comfortable tracksuit bottoms and trainers which you don't mind scuffing. If you have a harness or proper rock shoes bring them along, otherwise you can hire them.

Climbing improves concentration span, confidence, communication skills, balance, poise and general fitness. Climbing is fun and the more experienced you become the more fulfilling it is.

The Vertical Chill offers a Kidz Club and other lessons are available every day, with qualified instructors provided. It is a very good facility for team building or corporate events - companies such as Abbey National and Psion have already visited.
Booking is essential as Vertical Chill is very busy.

Vertical Chill is open:
Monday - Friday 11am- 7pm.
Saturday - Sunday 11am - 6pm.

For more information :

Telephone: 01908 237748

Vertical Chill,
Xscape ,
Central Milton Keynes,
MK9 7XS.

Milton Keynes Xscape Home Page

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