A Kendal climbing centre has reopened its indoor via ferrata – which is the only one in the UK.
Kendal Wall closed the attraction in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and teams have since worked to retrain staff and ready the course to welcome people back.
Via ferrata is a non-technical form of climbing that originated in Italy and is more commonly found in alpine and mountainous outdoor locations.
The Kendal course features a series of cables, rungs, ladders as well as plank walks, an alpinists hut, cave tunnel section and big swing.
There is also a final ‘skyjump’ at the end of the course where climbers plunge down three stories.
Ali Wood, marketing manager at the centre described the course as physically challenging and good fun.
She said: “It has taken us until now to reopen with staff training and checks taking place and we’re really happy to have it back. You do need to be reasonably fit to take part but it is open to anyone.
“Our centre owner is very proactive and innovative so its always a case of lets see what we can do with this and how can we try that. Our building is also very unique and has a great height to it so the course takes you through some unusual spaces in the centre.
“But above all it’s really an experiential thing – ladders and rungs sound a bit tame but it is really not when you’re doing it, it’s quite a challenging experience.”
Since the course reopened, Ali said it had been busy with bookings and has so far received positive feedback.
Sessions are led by an instructor and last 60 to 90 minutes in length. Children aged 11 accompanied by an adult can take part as well as adults with no climbing experience.
People are also able to book the entire course for themselves for parties, stag and hen do’s, families or groups.
