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Our Blog
Welcome to our Up & Under Adventures blog.
Here you will find useful articles written by some of our instructors and coaches regarding aspects of their expertise. From all areas of climbing, both indoors and outdoors, you will also find articles on coaching and navigation.
We will continually added articles for your reading pleasure in the hope that you will find them useful in planning your activities and adventures.
If you like our articles, click the heart icons. If you have any questions or queries regarding any of our articles, then please feel free to contact us on info@upandunderadventures.com.
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Stag & Hen Adventure Activities: What Works Best?
When planning a stag or hen celebration, many groups are looking for something a little more memorable than the traditional night out. Increasingly, people want experiences that bring everyone together, create real shared moments, and make the most of the great outdoors. That’s where adventure activities come in. From scaling real rock faces to tackling outdoor challenges as a team, stag do and hen party adventure activities offer the perfect balance of excitement, laughter
Rob McGrady
3h6 min read
What to Wear for Outdoor Rock Climbing & Abseiling
A practical guide based on the recommended kit from Up & Under Adventures If you’re preparing for your first session and wondering what to wear rock climbing, the key is to keep things simple, practical, and suited to the outdoors. Unlike indoor climbing walls, outdoor climbing and abseiling expose you to weather, uneven ground, and longer periods outside. This Outdoor Rock Climbing & abseiling clothing guide is tailored around what experienced instructors recommend you bring
Rob McGrady
Feb 185 min read
Is Rock Climbing Safe for Beginners? What to Expect on Your First Session
Rock climbing - especially for beginners - can look intimidating from the outside. But with the right guidance, gear, and mindset, your first time rock climbing can be safe, exciting, and incredibly rewarding. In this guide, we’ll unpack what to expect as a newcomer, how safety is prioritised (including the big question: is abseiling safe? ), and what it feels like to take on rock climbing for the first time with a professional provider like Up & Under Adventures . 🧗♀️ Rock
Rob McGrady
Feb 43 min read
🧭 Map & Compass vs GPS: What Should Outdoor Beginners Learn First?
If you’re new to hiking, backpacking, or camping, one of the first big questions you’ll face is this: map and compass vs GPS - which navigation method should I learn first? With so many outdoor navigation tools available today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Short answer? You should learn both - but not at the same time, and not for the same reasons. Let’s break down what each option offers and which navigation skills beginners should focus on first. Candidate using map and c
Rob McGrady
Jan 143 min read
What You’ll Learn on a Beginner Navigation Course
If you love the idea of exploring the outdoors with confidence but aren’t sure where to start, a beginner navigation course is the perfect first step. Whether you’re new to hiking or simply want to build essential outdoor skills, these courses are designed to help you feel comfortable finding your way in the countryside. So, what can you actually expect on the day? Here’s a breakdown of what a beginner navigation course typically involves. A Friendly Introduction to Navigatio
Rob McGrady
Jan 62 min read
Taking the first steps into indoor climbing.
So how do we go about taking the first steps in to indoor climbing, to enjoy these bright and bustling centres with their artistic splattering of ropes and brightly coloured plastic holds?
Rob McGrady
Oct 12, 20225 min read
Buying climbing equipment.
Why you should always go to a reputable outlet when buying climbing equipment and how to spot potentially dangerous equipment. Make sure your Climbing Harness is actually a climbing harness and meets EN12277. Having worked in the outdoor pursuits industry for close to 13 years now we have seen a myriad of changes and regulations that have made our industry safer. However regardless of all these measures, we still see and hear of people unknowingly (and sometimes knowingly) b
Rob McGrady
Sep 7, 20224 min read
Making the leap in to outdoor climbing.
Author: Rob (RCI, CWDI, CWI) Rob on 'One Less White Oliver' VS 4c, Shorn Cliff As the summer draws closer, most will notice that our beloved climbing gyms are becoming sparsely populated. Just the mere hint of sun and most of us will be out on our projects or to our favourite crags. We probably take it for granted that we can climb outdoors. But, I can guarantee that we all remember our first outdoor climbing experience. For some it was a school trip. For others, it was an ou
Rob McGrady
Apr 10, 20194 min read
Top Ten Tips to improve your climbing!
Author: Rob (Coach & Personal Trainer) Rob on Fausse Rouge 5a, Roche aux Sabot Whether we climb indoors or out, there will always be a point in our climbing careers where we will need to sit down and focus on how to improve our performance. In this article we will list our top 10 coaching tips to help improve your climbing performance. 1. Climb more! Sounds simple doesn't it? But actually it makes a lot of sense. Just like any other skill set, you need to get the mileage in
Rob McGrady
Apr 9, 20195 min read
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