The Climbing Academy - "The Prop Store"
BEST FOR
Ages 0+
ENTRY
from £7.80
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Glasgow
What it’s like
Bouldering and roped climbing on auto belays, with peak and off-peak pricing that rewards a midweek morning visit.
Two ways in here: bouldering low down on thick matting, or roped climbing up the taller walls using auto belays once you've done the induction. Nobody just walks up to the ropes on day one, mind. Beginners have to do a course or an auto belay induction first, which is a sensible faff rather than an annoying one given what's at stake.
Under 8s and bouldering is a grey area, the site says to call ahead and check rather than promising it outright, so that's one to sort before you turn up with a keen five-year-old. Once they're in, under 16s need supervision on the bouldering wall and under 18s need it on ropes, so this isn't a drop-and-leave unless you fancy climbing too.
Pricing swings a fair bit depending on when you go. Peak hours (3-8pm weekdays, before 3pm weekends) cost more than off-peak, and an under 8 gets in for £7.80 off-peak against £8.80 at peak, so timing your visit shaves a bit off. Shoes, harness and belay kit are all separate hire charges on top of entry, which adds up if you haven't got your own gear yet.
Birthday parties run from age 6, with climbing, games and the kind of noise that means everyone's shattered by home time. Parking's free outside, there's a café for the inevitable post-climb hunger, and term-time youth classes run for those who want to go back regularly rather than treat it as a one-off.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- School-age kids and up; under 8s bouldering needs a call ahead first
- Parking
- Free parking outside
- Off-peak entry is noticeably cheaper, worth timing a visit around if you can
- Shoe, harness and belay kit hire are all charged separately from entry
- Punch cards and monthly passes work out cheaper if you're going regularly
- Students get in for £10 on Fridays from 3pm
- Term-time youth classes run for those wanting a regular slot
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Depends on age and timing. Adults are £12.50 off-peak or £14.50 peak, under 16s £8.80 to £9.80, and under 8s £7.80 to £8.80.
What counts as peak and off-peak?
Peak is 3-8pm weekdays or before 3pm weekends. Off-peak is before 3pm or after 8pm on weekdays, or after 3pm at weekends.
Do we need to book?
No booking is needed, you can just turn up.
Is it suitable for a toddler?
Ages start from 0 on the entry pricing, but under 8s bouldering access is restricted and they suggest calling ahead to check first.
Can my child climb without me?
Under 16s need supervision when bouldering and under 18s need supervision on the ropes, so someone has to be on hand.
Do beginners need training before roped climbing?
You have to complete a course or an auto belay induction before you can use the roped walls.
Is there parking?
There's free parking outside.
Do we need our own climbing shoes and harness?
You can hire everything on site. Shoes are £4 for adults or £3 for under 16s, harness hire is £3.50, and belay device and carabiner hire is £1.50.
What about food?
There's a café on site for afterwards.
Do you do birthday parties?
From age 6 upwards. Prices start at £125 for up to 6 participants, rising depending on age group and numbers.
Are there cheaper options if we go a lot?
There are monthly passes, prepaid blocks and punch cards for regular visits, plus a £10 student deal on Fridays from 3pm.
What are the opening hours?
10am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 8pm at weekends.
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