Features / Climbing
Bristol’s growing climbing scene
On a cold winter evening, when most of the city is preparing to wrap up in warm layers, a group of kids in south Bristol are busy climbing. Effortlessly moving from one hold to another, momentarily losing balance and jumping back to steady ground: their confidence is flying high.
The young people are part of the development group of the Squad at Redpoint Climbing Centre, which is focused on high-level climbing, competitions and performance while still aiming to “have fun”.
Climbing has become more popular in Bristol in recent years, amplified by Toby Roberts winning a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the first British male to win an Olympic climbing title.
Off the ground, 12-year-old Nicholas Ireland is unstoppable – photo: Karen Johnson
“We realised we had a lot of really talented kids and we kind of wanted to get them to the next level,” said Tom Biffin, deputy manager at the centre and the youth squad development lead. “Our standard instruction didn’t really allow for that because it’s more about teaching the kids the basic techniques, which is great for getting a lot of kids through, but then when you have some who are clearly very talented, you want to push them.”
Twelve-year-old Nicholas Ireland enjoys competitive climbing. Speaking to Bristol24/7, Nicholas said: “It’s fun to be not on the ground, because in most sports you stay pretty firmly rooted, except for the occasional jump.”
Nicholas started climbing because of his parents, who also enjoy the sport. Nicholas’ mum, Anastasia, said: “My husband originally started climbing, and then I joined him.
“When Nicholas came along, we were really keen for him to start climbing as well because it means that we can do it as a family.”
The climbing centre was buzzing with people of all ages on a cold December evening
Competitions might not be necessarily on the cards for Nicholas, but the thrill of the sport keeps him going.
Some members of the squad at Redpoint have competed in the Youth Climbing Series, which includes two rope-climbing and two bouldering competitions held at venues across the country.
“Our competition is the South West North region,” said Tom. “A lot of our kids got on the podium. They all did incredibly well, and two of the kids did so well that they were invited to the grand finals in Manchester.”
The latest to join the climbing scene in Bristol is the Climbing Hangar on Union Street in the former Wilko premises.
Kunal Shah, a wildlife filmmaker by profession, who often visits the space in the city centre, sees it as a great way to curb loneliness, make acquaintances and stay fit.
“I randomly thought of climbing, which I tried in 2024 and enjoyed, and I thought I should try again,” he said.
Even though fitness was on his mind, Kunal’s primary motive was socialisation.
“I kept going to the same climbing centre, pretty much twice or more a week, and over time I realised that certain people show up on certain days, so there is a consistency there. So if I talk to those people, then I might see them again the next week and the next week.”
At Redpoint, Alexis Bull, a mother of two, sees climbing as an “amazing” sport for her girls. “It’s a really inclusive sport, so there’s no boy-girl divide or anything like that,” she told Bristol24/7. “They have a lot of fun doing it. It builds their strength, their confidence, their resilience. It’s a really amazing experience for them to go compete. We’d be very happy for them to go on to be professional climbers if they wanted to do it, just for fun or because they enjoy it.”
Redpoint Climbing Centre on Winterstoke Road opened its doors in 2012
Redpoint Climbing Centre’s Squad groups are invite-only, but those interested and who fulfil the criteria mentioned on the climber checklist can express their interest to join by contacting the team.
All photos: Karen Johnson
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