Climbing in England

Hi all,

I'd really like to get into tree climbing, and am currently living in Cambridge, England.

I was hoping to get a group of friends together and go climbing for my 21st. I've looked around and the two organizations I found were http://www.goodleaf.co.uk/ and http://www.mighty-oak.co.uk/ . I'd appreciate any advice as to what it's like- has anyone been for a climb with these guys?

I expect most of the people I'm going with won't want to shell out big bucks and so we'll just go for one of the 3 hour introductory climbs. I'm worried that this will be too tame for me- I'm a rock climber and good at Single Rope Technique from caving.

Any ideas about how to get into climbing on a budget while in England are appreciated!

Thanks,
Aaron

I've climbed with Paul who runs Goodleaf and a good friend of mine has climbed with Alan (I think that's his name) who runs Mighty Oak. Paul is a great climber and a patient teacher. I've heard only good things about Alan. With either outfit you're going to have an excellent climb.

No need to worry about it being too tame, you can give yourself as much challenge as you want climbing trees. In a 3-hour climb you'll get a good taste of the possibilities, do it!
-moss



aaronc wrote:

Hi all,

I'd really like to get into tree climbing, and am currently living in Cambridge, England.

I was hoping to get a group of friends together and go climbing for my 21st. I've looked around and the two organizations I found were http://www.goodleaf.co.uk/ and http://www.mighty-oak.co.uk/ . I'd appreciate any advice as to what it's like- has anyone been for a climb with these guys?

I expect most of the people I'm going with won't want to shell out big bucks and so we'll just go for one of the 3 hour introductory climbs. I'm worried that this will be too tame for me- I'm a rock climber and good at Single Rope Technique from caving.

Any ideas about how to get into climbing on a budget while in England are appreciated!

Thanks,
Aaron

Hello Aaron, From what I have seen posted and read on their web sites, (http://www.goodleaf.co.uk/ and http://www.mighty-oak.co.uk/ ) I would assume they both operate challenging, fun and safe operations.
They appear to use the required safety features and the climbers look like they are having fun while learning. So, I would encourage you to take the time and give either of these guys a trial and see if you want to be a Recreational Tree climber.
Good luck and enjoy your tree adventure!
P.S. Post some photos of your first climb!

Hi Aaron.

I too am from England (Oxfordshire). I've climbed trees for many years but am mainly self-taught. I would be very interested to hear what the course was like when you've done it (as I'm sure would the handful of other Brits who view this board)!!

Have fun!
Michael

I saw that at least one of the English Tree Climbers ( Mighty-Oak) was trained by Dancing With Trees in Georgia. That alone tells me that they were properly trained and have a great understanding of Recreational Tree Climbing as a fun and safe activity. Genevie S. was originally trained by PeterJ and that is good enough for me!

Hi

I live in Leicestershire and am still very much a beginner.

I learned to climb safely at a 2 day 1:1 weekend last September with Paul Colley-Davis at www.yellowwood.co.uk. The site is in Herefordshire in a remote wood.

I found Paul a very experienced tree climber and a really good teacher. He showed me techniques that I have been able to take away and use. He also gave me some good advice on equipment. You can see from the website that tree climbing courses are available.

Best wishes

Archers

Both of the Instructors from http://www.mighty-oak.co.uk/ and http://www.goodleaf.co.uk/ were trained by Genevie Summers to T.C.I standards.
They are the only Instructors in the UK that have been trained to the T.C.I's very high standards (as far as I know).
So either company would be good to go to for Tree climbing Knowledge/fun

Watchy'a Aaron, I gather you've had your 21st as it's been almost six months since you added this post, yet just thought I'd mention just in case you hadn't made it out for a climb, I've worked with both Paul and Alan and their both as wicked as each other. Both real down to earth, genuine guys who are thorough, professional and both sharing a clear affinity owed to the trees.
If you haven't made it down to cornwall and are planning to in the future make sure you book yourself up on the tree camping Alan offers. Its' an amazing oak with an awesome view and he even brings you up porridge for breakfast!