Stories Archives - The Climbing Academy

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A man gives. thumbs up as he climbs on an auto belay

15.12.25

Climbing for Mental Wellbeing: Common Wheel at TCA

How Common Wheel uses climbing to support mental wellbeing, build confidence and reduce isolation through inclusive sessions

Two climbers take a smiling selfie at the top of a trad route

08.09.25

Stephanie’s climbing journey

Read about Stephanie's climbing journey since joining our Women's Boulder Social.

Two climbers sporting Glasgow Queer Adventures t-shirts. We see their torsos, one facing us smiling and one facing away from the camera.

22.07.25

Belonging on the Wall: Glasgow’s Queer Climbing Community

Climbing is more inclusive, joyful and empowering than ever. Find out more.

Ben Harvey pictured hanging form ropes along with routesetting gear.

24.06.25

Watch the premiere of ‘Routesetter’

Join us on Thu 3 July at The Arc for the premiere screening of Routesetter — a short documentary about TCA routesetter Ben Harvey, filmed right here in the southwest.

A person climbing on an indoor climbing wall at a queer climbing social

22.04.25

Queer Climbing at TCA Glasgow

Join the Queer Climbing Social at The Climbing Academy! Hosted by Glasgow Queer Adventures

DeafBlind climber Karolina training for her Everest attempt _ she stands in the foreground roped to another climber. We can see some other climbers in the background on the snowy mountain

17.07.24

Meet Karolina – DeafBlind Everest climber

Find out more about TCA regular and DeafBlind climber Karolina who is aiming to summit Everest.

Paraclimber bouldering indoors at a climbing wall

06.03.24

Paraclimbing Social at TCA

In collaboration with the UK Paraclimbing Collective, we host paraclimbing social sessions

14.03.23

What’s that tune? Music in TCA Glasgow

Atmosphere - it's that thing you can't quite put your finger on, but it can make or break a space.

14.03.23

Let’s go outside

A useful skip through lots of the things you should be thinking about if you're starting to climb outside. With guide and coach Trev Massiah

23.02.23

TCA’s guide to climbing etiquette

Learn some top tips for understanding climbing etiquette

30.03.22

Stepping Up

Climbing is a sport for all – watch our new film by Mark Vaughan

09.11.21

10 years of TCA Glasgow

Take a walk down memory lane as we celebrate 10 amazing years of TCA Glasgow.

28.06.21

Is it possible to climb with kids?

We spoke to parents at TCA to find out how they’ve faced and conquered the challenge of climbing with kids. From encouraging them to making time for yourself. Here's how to make it work.

15.06.21

TCA squad – challenging, friendly, rewarding

Owen Taylor tells us about his time in the youth climbing team

Squad mums in Bristol

25.03.21

I didn’t expect to be learning a new sport at my age!

We talk to parents of kids who climb in our squad about how climbing has impacted their lives.

15.03.21

Climbing is great for mental health

Tom Stabbins reflects on the ways in which climbing has helped his mental health

10.03.21

Climbing hard and saving lives

TCA climber, Dr Ry McHenry's had an incredible 2020. In between heavy shifts in ICU he managed one of his best climbing years to date

20.02.21

Forgetting to clip auto belay – an interview

Climbing on auto belay is a safe sport, if it is done correctly. But lose focus and any one of us could forget to clip. We speak to Sam about her accident and what we need to do as climbers to stay safe.

26.01.21

Call of Duty Warzone tournament

Join other TCA climbers for a mighty private tournament for fans of Call of Duty warzone.

19.01.21

Climbing as therapy

Pete Burrows from The University of Bristol looks at the science behind the benefits of exercise and climbing.

12.01.21

Hazel Findlay on Mental Health and Climbing

Hazel shares her thoughts on why climbing is so good for your mental health and what can you do to stay positive in lockdown.

18.12.20

Bouldering in the time of coronavirus

The final instalment of Jonny Kydd's travel journal.

12.11.20

Swiss Adventures

The next leg of TCA routesetter and BD Local Hero Jonny's grand bouldering tour

09.11.20

James Rudge climbing at TCA

Paraclimber James talks about getting back into climbing at TCA and we share his brilliant new video.

13.10.20

Travelling during a pandemic

TCA routesetter and BD Local Hero Jonny Kydd gives us a glimpse of life on the road as he tentatively restarts his climbing tour.

08.09.20

Dumbarton Rock

As the brand new Dumby guide hits the shelves, co-author and TCA staff member John Hutchinson shares his personal connection to the Clyde's iconic climbing venue.

06.08.20

My Lockdown Motivation

Young Scottish competition climber Hannah Kerr tells us about her lockdown.

24.06.20

Finding adventure a little closer to home

Nat Berry on exploring local climbing venues and getting used to a slower pace of life

19.06.20

A life of climbing – Alan Cassidy

TCA Director Alan reminisces about his journey into climbing and a few of his biggest climbs.

09.06.20

Top tips for cragging safely after lockdown

It is a good time to explore local crags. Roz and Jonny have compiled essential advice for getting restarted.

15.05.20

Climbing jigsaws

If you want something to keep your mind and your fingers active, try our new TCA jigsaws

08.05.20

Musings on the art of route-setting

TCA setter Dan talks about the art and challenges of being a route-setter

The Mothership

85 Barrow Road
Bristol
BS5 0FD

01179 072 956

Mon-Fri: 7am-10pm
(Peak 3-8pm)

Sat-Sun: 8am-8pm
(Peak 8am-3pm)
The Newsroom

124 Portman St
Kinning Park, Glasgow
G41 1EJ

0141 429 6331

Mon-Fri: 7am-10pm
(Peak 3-8pm)

Sat-Sun: 8am-8pm
(Peak 8am-3pm)
The Church

St.Werburgh's Church
Mina Road, Bristol
BS2 9YQ

01179 413 489

Mon-Fri: 12pm-10pm
(Peak 3-8pm)

Sat-Sun: 9am-6pm
(Peak 9am-3pm)
The Prop Store

24 Craigmont St
Maryhill, Glasgow
G20 9BT

0141 429 6331

Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm
(Peak 3-8pm)
Sat-Sun: 8am-8pm
(Peak 8am-3pm)
The Arc

Westmead Lane
Chippenham
SN15 3HZ

01249 471182

Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri : 11am-10pm
(Peak 3-8pm)

Wed : 9.30am-10pm
(Peak 3-8pm)

Sat-Sun: 9.30am-6pm
(Peak 9.30am-3pm)