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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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What Is Outdoor Bouldering? A Beginner’s Guide
What is outdoor bouldering? Outdoor bouldering is a form of rock climbing done on natural rock formations without ropes, typically at lower heights. Climbers use bouldering mats for protection and focus on short, technical routes that require strength, balance, and problem-solving skills rather than endurance or height. Key things to know about outdoor bouldering No ropes or harnesses are used. Climbs are shorter and typically closer to the ground. Bouldering mats are placed
Rob McGrady
3 days ago1 min read
What Is Abseiling? A Beginner’s Guide (Bristol & UK)
What is abseiling? Abseiling (also known as rappelling) is a controlled descent down a rock face or vertical surface using a rope, harness, and safety system. It is commonly used in climbing and outdoor adventure activities, allowing participants to safely lower themselves from heights under expert supervision. How does abseiling work? Abseiling works by using a rope system and a friction device that allows you to control your speed as you descend. A typical abseiling session
Rob McGrady
Apr 173 min read
What Is Rock Climbing? A Beginner’s Guide (Bristol & UK)
What is rock climbing? Rock climbing is an outdoor or indoor activity where participants climb natural rock faces or artificial walls using their hands, feet, and safety equipment such as ropes and harnesses. It can be done recreationally, for fitness, or as part of guided experiences with qualified instructors. How does rock climbing work? Rock climbing involves ascending a rock face using a combination of physical strength, balance, and technique, while being secured by saf
Rob McGrady
Apr 133 min read
7 Outdoor Stag Do Ideas & Hen Party Adventures Your Group Will Love
Planning a stag or hen celebration has changed a lot in recent years. While traditional nights out still have their place, many groups are now choosing experiences that bring everyone together during the day before the evening celebrations begin. Outdoor adventures are one of the fastest-growing trends in stag and hen celebrations. They offer something unique: a shared challenge, a chance to explore incredible landscapes, and the opportunity to create lasting memories with fr
Rob McGrady
Mar 123 min read
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
Mar 106 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
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
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