Indoor Climbing Near Kettering, Wellingborough and Daventry

If you live in Kettering, Wellingborough, Daventry, Towcester or Rushden and fancy trying climbing, you may not realise how close the nearest proper climbing centre is. The Pinnacle has two dedicated centres in Northampton, and for most of Northamptonshire that is a twenty to thirty minute drive.

Two centres, two different experiences

The Pinnacle Climbing Centre in Far Cotton is the bigger of the two: over 200 routes across 70 lines, walls up to 12.5 metres, seven auto belays and an indoor cave system that is the only one of its kind in Northampton. This is the one for roped climbing and for anyone who wants height.

The Pinnacle Bouldering Centre in Weston Favell Shopping Centre is ropes-free climbing on 4.5 metre walls, with more than 70 problems graded V0 to V8+, a dedicated beginners area, kids rooms, a training area with MoonBoard and fingerboards, and a gym. This is the one for dropping in, climbing for an hour and heading home.

Clip 'n Climb Northampton is also at Weston Favell, with 32 colourful challenges aimed at families and younger children.

How far is it really?

Rough drive times to Northampton, traffic depending: Towcester around 20 minutes, Wellingborough around 20 minutes, Daventry around 25 minutes, Kettering around 25 minutes, Rushden around 25 to 30 minutes, Market Harborough around 35 minutes.

For the Bouldering Centre specifically, Weston Favell Shopping Centre sits on the east side of Northampton, so if you are coming from Wellingborough, Rushden or Kettering it is the closer of the two and you get shopping centre parking on the doorstep.

Never climbed before?

That is most people who walk through the door. You do not need any equipment, any experience or anyone to come with you.

For bouldering, a short induction gets you signed off to climb independently, and after that you can turn up and pay on entry whenever you like. For the roped walls, a taster session or a beginners course is the usual way in. Either way an instructor takes you through everything and shoes are available to hire.

What it costs to get started

Entry, induction and course prices for both centres are listed on our pricing page. Memberships are available if you end up coming regularly, which quite a lot of people do.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the nearest climbing wall to Kettering?

The Pinnacle has two centres in Northampton, roughly a 25 minute drive from Kettering. The Bouldering Centre at Weston Favell is the closer of the two coming from that direction.

Is there indoor climbing near Wellingborough?

Yes. The Pinnacle Bouldering Centre at Weston Favell Shopping Centre is around 20 minutes from Wellingborough, with the larger Climbing Centre at Far Cotton a little further on.

Do I need to book in advance?

If you have climbed with us before you can usually turn up and pay on entry for bouldering. First-timers need an induction or taster session, and those are best booked ahead, especially at weekends.

Do I need my own equipment?

No. Climbing shoes are available to hire and all safety equipment is provided. Just bring comfortable clothes you can move in.

Which centre should I go to first?

If you want to try climbing with the least fuss, start with bouldering at Weston Favell. If you want the height and the ropes, or you are bringing a group, head for the Climbing Centre at Far Cotton.

Is there parking?

The Bouldering Centre is inside Weston Favell Shopping Centre with its car park on site. The Climbing Centre at Far Cotton has parking at the Minton Business Centre.

Plan your first visit

Both centres are open seven days a week and welcome complete beginners. Check opening times and pricing, or call us on 01604 875 996 if you would rather talk it through first.