Climbing in Devon

Two people wearing helmets and harnesses climbing a wooden climbing wall with handholds, viewed from above.
Climbing at Skern Adventure takes place across both our Appledore and Abbotsham centres, offering a range of challenges for individuals, families and groups. Sessions are designed to support progression, confidence and skill development in a safe and structured environment.

At Appledore, participants can develop technique and balance on low-level traversing walls before progressing to full-height climbing towers, building confidence step by step. At Abbotsham, climbers can take on a 35-foot climbing wall, providing a more advanced challenge for both beginners and experienced participants, with routes designed to support progression and achievement.

Sessions are led by qualified instructors who provide clear guidance and support throughout. Activities are adapted to suit different ages, abilities and experience levels, allowing participants to work at their own pace while developing confidence, coordination and problem-solving skills.

Climbing is suitable for school residentials, group visits and team building programmes, and can also be booked as an activity session for individuals and families. It offers a structured and rewarding way to challenge yourself while taking part in an outdoor activity.

Why choose us?

  • Orange check mark icon.
    Leading Outdoor Activity Provider
  • Orange check mark icon.
    50 Years Of Experience
  • Orange check mark icon.
    Fully Qualified Instructors & Detailed Safety Procedures
Person wearing a helmet climbing a tall outdoor wooden climbing wall with harness and ropes.
Two people wearing helmets and harnesses climbing a wooden outdoor climbing wall with holds, under a clear blue sky.
Woman wearing a white helmet climbing a wooden climbing wall outdoors on a sunny day.
Two people wearing helmets and harnesses climbing a wooden rock climbing wall outdoors.
Child wearing a red helmet climbing an outdoor wooden rock climbing wall with colourful holds.
Child wearing a blue helmet climbing a wooden climbing wall while another child in a helmet holds the safety rope.

FAQs

Get in touch
What should we wear or bring?

Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are recommended so visitors can move safely and easily. All specialist equipment is provided, and our instructors will guide groups through everything they need to know on the day.

How do we book?

Booking with us is easy. Simply complete the enquiry form on our website or give us a call, and our team will guide you through the process. As programmes vary depending on group size, age, and activity choices, we’ll check availability and help tailor the right experience for you. Some activities can also be booked directly online via our activities page.

Can we include the climbing walls as part of a school residential?

Yes, climbing can be included as part of a school residential at Skern Adventure. It’s a popular activity that can be tailored to suit the age, ability, and confidence of each group. Sessions are led by qualified instructors, with full safety briefings and equipment provided. The activity supports key outcomes such as confidence-building, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience, making it a valuable part of any residential programme.

Are your climbing walls open to the public?

Yes, our climbing walls are open to the public at selected times. Sessions are instructor-led and suitable for a range of ages and abilities, including beginners. All equipment is provided, and sessions run subject to availability and conditions. You can book online via our activities page or contact the team for more information.

Are the climbing walls safe?

Yes. All climbing sessions at Skern Adventure begin with a full safety briefing delivered by our qualified and experienced instructors. Participants use approved, regularly inspected safety equipment, and every session is closely supervised. All activities are run in line with industry best practice and comprehensive risk assessments, with safety as our top priority.

Other activites at Skern Adventure

Archery

Nock... Draw... Loose! ​ Hit the target, measure your progress and finish with some fun archery based games and competitions. ​ Archery teaches concentration, coordination and self-discipline.

Body Boarding

Body boarding is great fun and quick to learn too. It's a bit like surfing but on smaller boards, but unlike surfing you don't stand up, instead you lie on the board and catch the next big wave back to shore.

Coastal Exploration

Coastal traversing involves climbing and scrambling around the sea cliffs. Traverse along, over, under, around and through the rocky obstacles. Try and stay dry as you find a way to dodge the rock pools. You may even come across the odd piece of shipwreck.

Hartland Day

Spend the whole day on the beautiful North Devon coastline. Explore, walk and scramble over the rugged natural features. This is an opportunity to spend time walking and coastal traversing in this amazing location. Subject to tides and conditions.

High Ropes

Our high ropes course stands 12 metres high. The course can be used for a variety of challenges - High beams, multi-vines, scramble net and trapeze to name a few!

Kayaking

Enjoy a trip along the River Torridge, our sheltered estuary. For most sessions we use Sit-on-tops, which allow for two people and as the name suggests you sit on top. But if you would rather like a closed cockpit let us know.

Powerboating

Take the wheel under the guidance of our qualified instructor and experience racing across the seas in our RIB Powerboat.

Surfing

With one of the ideal safe surf beaches on our doorstep, Westward Ho! provides the ideal location to take to the waves. We offer surf sessions using soft surfboards. These are ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers.

Water Assault Course

A fun, Wipeout-inspired water and land assault course packed with slides, splash zones, and inflatable obstacles.

Looking for the next adventure?

Get in touch with our friendly team.

Contact us
Group of 25 adults posing outdoors on grass under trees, wearing casual clothes including green polo shirts and shorts.