KendalWall, Lakeland Climbing Centres — Local services in Kendal

I've only been climbing for about a year, but I think KendalWall is far and away the best place I could have started, and that is absolutely down to Mel who runs the non-binary inclusive Women's+ Social on Monday nights. As the previous review by Amy so eloquently conveyed, Mel (along with all the wonderful people who come along) makes climbing feel accessable, and improvement achievable. The hands on support from Mel has been amazing. The effort she puts into running the Social is a huge credit to both her and the Wall, she is worth her weight in gold and I don't doubt is the reason many people decide to stick with climbing. Without it I don't think I would have had the confidence to keep going long enough to see myself building skills, strength and confidence. People are so supportive and friendly, if you're worried you'll get stuck half way up the wall and begin the slide into a panic attack as I have, then it's worth knowing that every time that's happened I've had people from the Monday nights help me breathe and get down safely. Also shout out to the lovely staff on the front desk, they make signing in a pleasure and have always been...

I go along to the women’s night and I always have a great time. I feel like the women’s sessions have vastly improved the quality of my climbing and confidence. These sessions are so well structured with opportunities for bouldering, yoga and rope climbing. In the women’s group my experience has been so well supported and encouraged. The instructing from Mel is so fun and playful with ice breakers and unique warm ups. Mel is so knowledgeable and prepared with valuable teaching. I love that she spends so much time making these significant and insightful posters demonstrating and explaining techniques, everyone ends up photographing these. For me these are really helpful as they are broken down into sections and the use of colours makes it clearer. I’ve never been to another wall who other this much. Mel welcomes ideas and suggestions such as celebrating international women’s day with sponsored climbs as well as outdoor climbing opportunities. She’s been a significant person for creating a presence for female climbers and building a strong community for us, because of her I’ve met so many new friends in a welcoming...

I’ve been climbing at Kendal Climbing Wall since October 2024, and I want to say a special thank you to Mel Adams, who runs the Womens+ Social on Monday evenings.

These aren’t just casual meet-ups—they’d be more accurately described as group development workshops led by an experienced coach within the most welcoming and supportive community of women. Every week is tailored with attention to detail considering us not only as a group of climbers, but also individuals. Mel puts incredible effort into every single session and every one of us.

She checks in with each of us - not just about our climbing, but about how we’re doing and how our week has gone. This level of personal care makes such a difference.

Mel has created the most supportive and empowering community - especially in what can sometimes feel like a male-dominated space. Thanks to Mel, we feel seen, valued, and genuinely part of something special at Kendal Wall.

I know I speak for all the women who attend the group when I say: thank you, Mel. You’re an incredible person and coach, and we feel so lucky to have you...