The Lock Climbing Wall
The Lock Climbing Wall
4.5
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About
Whether you are a seasoned climber or a newcomer looking to try the sport, The Lock provides quality climbing experiences for all abilities. The Lock has four main climbing walls up to 14 metres in height, some of the tallest in the South-East and one of the four main faces is reset every month with new climbs and new holds. There is 1,000 square metres of climbing with 50 lines and over 100 top-roped routes, ranging in difficulty from 3 to 8a, plus 60 bolted lead routes, 'Dry Tooling' (simulated ice climbing) as well as a dedicated bouldering room and abseil platforms. Specialist facilities and equipment are also available for those with disabilities.
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The Lock Climbing Wall
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
18 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
5
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Joseph
London, UK27 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
I climb regularly at the Lock and I must say it is a great centre. The staff are friendly for the most part and they aim to make the centre as vibrant and broad ranging as possible.
From simple routes to more challenging lead, the centre has it all. Even some artificial routes outside. The route setting is always spot on and challenging - my only complaint is that there are usually huge jumps in the grades for lead meaning there is little to hone learners onto.
Another gripe is perhaps the very high age limit for children. Other centres allow me to supervise and instruct my 4 year old, others have “mini mountaineer” groups, however the Lock prevent this - likely due to insurance, but this does restrict the scope of what the wall has to offer.
Other than this it is a great place to visit and well worth the journey for - just be aware of the limited parking if you do drive.
From simple routes to more challenging lead, the centre has it all. Even some artificial routes outside. The route setting is always spot on and challenging - my only complaint is that there are usually huge jumps in the grades for lead meaning there is little to hone learners onto.
Another gripe is perhaps the very high age limit for children. Other centres allow me to supervise and instruct my 4 year old, others have “mini mountaineer” groups, however the Lock prevent this - likely due to insurance, but this does restrict the scope of what the wall has to offer.
Other than this it is a great place to visit and well worth the journey for - just be aware of the limited parking if you do drive.
Written October 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jaggedsauce
13 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
Myself and my girlfriend went on the learn to climb course today and it was a really fun/knowledgeable day out. Colette was our instructor who was very friendly and great at explaining how to tie the ropes etc. This is the 3rd climbing centre I've visited and is my new favorite due to the amount of rope climbs available.
There's a small bouldering section upstairs and a concrete slab outside. This was really fun being outside in the sun and having to work out a route without any coloured holds to go off.
The staff there all seemed really friendly and approachable and I will definitely be coming back and getting some of my friends to try it too, thanks for a good day.
There's a small bouldering section upstairs and a concrete slab outside. This was really fun being outside in the sun and having to work out a route without any coloured holds to go off.
The staff there all seemed really friendly and approachable and I will definitely be coming back and getting some of my friends to try it too, thanks for a good day.
Written June 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul A
5 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
Really friendly staff, nice little coffee shops and some decent walls ranging from 3 to comp grade , nicely set has auto belays, open till 10pm most week nights so handy for after work. I would recommend it only draw back is limited bouldering but for top rope and lead climbing its a winner.
Written March 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kerry
Hertfordshire, UK77 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
We had a taster session booked and although my 10 year old son had done some climbing before, we were a little anxious for our 7 year old daughter. But I needn't have worried. They both thoroughly enjoyed their session and they went higher than they thought they could. Our instructor (I think her name was Vicky) was fantastic with them by encouraging them to keep going when they felt nervous. They came away feeling very chuffed with themselves and they both want to return!
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
Written March 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dream608409
1 contribution
Nov 2018 • Family
The staff are really friendly and were great with the kids. Great atmosphere whether your chilling up in the cafe or climbing on the wall. Kids came out buzzing and can’t wait to go again
Written November 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
inschris680
London, UK15 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
Been into Boldering and rock climbing and thought i would try this place in Harlow.. Being a regular at the Castle climbing centre i was a little let down by this place.. A really small Bouldering area with a few of them loose. The instructors and people working there great. Really helpful. They have a nice cafe but parking is very limited. I was there for 1hr and felt that was enough. Glad i tried out a new place.. Not sure if i would go back though
Written October 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PaulHarness
Leeds, UK245 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Good instructor for kayaking BCU test. Friendly, helpful staff. Good facilities, but let down by poor parking availability.
Written August 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
skyduck5
Brookmans Park, UK51 contributions
Oct 2017 • Business
We visited with a group of Scouts, they has a really good time brilliant team building would definitely visit again. Our instructor made the experience even better as she was very encouraging especially for the slightly nervous ones .
Written November 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Victoria Mead
7 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
My husband and I are regulars here and make full use of it. I am still relatively new to climbing but love it and all the instructors and staff are really friendly and mega helpful. They have 3 auto belays in the main centre as well as over 40 routes of varying grades which get changed regularly. The high walls are about 14m so a good height to go with. The bouldering room is small but well thought out and safe. They also have great facilities for the less able.
The showers are a little tired but all function very well as do the lockers that are offered. All in all a great place to visit.
The showers are a little tired but all function very well as do the lockers that are offered. All in all a great place to visit.
Written October 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daniel S
Oslo, Norway30 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
Local climb cave, Worn and well used place. They have 3 autobelays which is Nice. The bouldering section is a bit small but works Ok. Worth a visit!
Written September 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
How much is a session and do you have to precook
How much is it for children?
Zoe H
Chester, UK
where is it
PaulHarness
Leeds, UK245 contributions
Burnt mill lane, Harlow, Essex.
You need to approach it down Burnt mill lane as the bridge over the canal is blocked off