Live For Today Climbing Centre (Harrogate) — Local services in England

I have been climbing at Parthian Harrogate since moving across the Pennines from Manchester. At first I was skeptical re the extent to which a smaller gym, in a smaller town, could provide what my city gym did. However, I have been positively overwhelmed by the community feel, route setting and facilities available.

You are able to do most types of climbing from lead, bottom rope and bouldering to speed. There is a breadth of variety within each type of climbing - plenty of vertical, slab, overhanging and feature walls. As we're in Yorkshire, it's only fitting that there are some crack climbs, too! There is also a training area with campus boards, circuit boards and rings. It seems they strive to improve and add to their offer whenever possible. Since becoming a member 11 months ago, I have seen the implementation of numerous new finger boards, circuits and even an app that allows you to set your own problems. There are plans to incorporate a traditional gym with weights, etc. ostensibly in the works.

Further to this, I think the route setting is exceptional. Despite being smaller than some of their competitors, the frequency of resets means you are highly unlikely to get bored, or find yourself climbing the same projects for months. Setting quality is also top notch. I have been fortunate enough to climb at gyms owned and set by internationally recognised competition climbers and I think the setting at Parthian Harrogate is of the same, high standard. I personally love how route setting is clearly done with Parthian Harrogate's specific context and demographic in mind. Being on the outskirts of the Yorkshire Dales, the gym attracts many people who frequently climb outdoors. The routes and problems resultantly mimic "real" grit and limestone routes to a great extent. I have seen my outdoor climbing improve significantly since climbing at this gym.

Lastly, the community feel at this gym is my favourite aspect. Like most gyms, Parthian Harrogate attracts a variety of age groups and ability levels. However, what I think is really special about Parthian Harrogate is the extent to which these different ages and abilities come together. I am incredibly grateful to the older, more experienced climbers who have taken me under their wing and helped me improve since climbing here. I have also felt very welcomed by younger groups and those that climb in conjuction with universities. This is no doubt facilitated by the staff's huge emphasis on creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere - there is a free, weekly social club and staff frequently conduct "floor walks", during which they are always more than happy to chat and...

After nearly seven years of climbing at Harrogate Climbing Centre my daughter completed NICAS level 5 this evening. Although the centre has changed management over that period, many of the staff have been retained and I have always felt that she was in the competent, enthusiastic and above all safe hands of a really strong team.

I would like to say a special thank you to Emma, who has been a thread of continuity throughout that period as instructor, supportive mentor and role model. Emma has worked positively with my daughter's neurodiversity when many other instructors have not noticed it. She helped coach her back into climbing after COVID (when we lived too far away from the Centre to be able to attend) and following a hand injury that kept her away from the wall for over 6 months. She has, from time-to-time, kept me in the loop on my daughters progress and been quick to sort out the few small issues that have arisen. Having started my daughter on her climbing journey 7 years ago I was very pleased that she was also able to sign off her level 5 qualification.

Overall, the NICAS qualification at Harrogate Climbing Centre has been both physically and mentally benefitial to my daughter; a constantly positive impact on her childhood. I am now looking forward to her taking her elderly...

A newbie to the world of climbing, after a tourist climb adventure in Gran Canaria, always thought climbing was an odd sport, and erm now I'm hooked. So I have recently attended a private tuition session, before I move to Scotland to commence an outdoor activity instructor course!. The facilities at Harrogate are brilliant, cafe is wonderful and the equipment, climbing areas and staff are excellent, my instructor Lee Dart was very patient with me, asked me what my goals were and was happy to start me on rope work, knots and belaying.. A brilliant session, with a two others was most useful. Lee taught at a great pace, was reassuring, and he gave notes and feedback for improved skills. His teaching style is brilliant and so useful to me. Lee has a great sense of humour, is very encouraging and helped with a challenge game that we all found useful and fun.

Thanks, team, for your expertise, patience, and encouragement. You do a cracking job and have installed a passion in me for climbing!! Absolutely life...