Parthian Climbing — Local services in Test Valley

I would have rated this five stars, if it weren’t for one of my more recent experiences. Parthian have a great reputation for route setting and variety but i was let down by a few level 2-3s last time I went. I started climbing a few months ago and have been around southampton in different gyms, Parthian is a much tougher gym. Not only that but some dynamic climbs are set too close to the wall meaning failure results in bruises and lost skin at best for taller climbers like me. There was a certain level 2-3 black with textures so abrasive that it couldn’t be climbed without pads or a hoodie. Without realising that, I completed it without both and lost some skin on that one. Forgetting about that, Parthian’s warm up area is without a shadow of a doubt my favourite. The campus wall has different holds too including balls and a larger campus hold for beginners. I also really enjoy the board to the right in this area. The challenging holds: crimps, pinch and small slopers are great for warming up the forearms and fingers. Finally, the cafe food is delicious and healthy yet also the most expensive in the area. The climbing sessions and membership are the most expensive too.

It’s a great gym for lead climbing but my rating as a boulderer...

Really enjoyed my trip to Parthian - a great new climbing facility with plenty of routes and problems for all abilities. Friendly staff who went through all the registration and safety information on arrival, a good spacious locker and changing area, nice big full height doors to keep fresh air flowing and a bright interior all make it a very pleasant place to climb! There are loads of problems in the bouldering area with even more upstairs. In the rope climbing area there were plenty of auto-belay routes to warm up on, a wide range of top-roped routes and plenty of lead routes too. My only very minor criticisms are that there weren't many lower grade routes on the big overhanging lead routes facing out into the main hall, meaning that was empty and the space behind was busy, and also the music was a little loud for lead climbing meaning we had to really shout to maintain communication between lead and belay, but these are minor niggles and I'm sure I'll be...

Great climbing gym. Problems are refreshed often, so you benefit from going regularly. The setter Sam Banks is pretty damn good. Staff is great and friendly. Ready to help. Big car park as well. Recommend coming before the 18h rush, but it’s big enough to accommodate most.

Only thing I’d say that it would benefit having more drinking fountains and ah hand washing station outside of the toilets.

Edit: I’d like to add that would be nice for the supervisor of the training groups to actually supervise the group in order to make sure other people can climb and the kids don’t hog the wall. I waited about 10 min for the kids to continue to climb on the training wall and neither the kids not the supervisor paid any attention to the climbers around that wanted to continue their session. Worth notice, I was there before and waited patiently. End up leaving. Pay attention to the rest of the centre that...