Since their relocation to Gooswell Farm, the Keswick Climbing Wall have been working hard to get the centre up and running, and developing a programme of events and competitions to draw people into the centre. As part of this, they have introduced a series of dry-tooling competitions.

With all this snow and ice around in the Lake District this winter, you may be forgiven for wondering why you would want to spend time indoors on a climbing wall with your ice axes. However, like any indoor climbing (in my opinion!) if you're wanting to improve your technique outdoors, then time spent 'in the gym' indoors, can be well spent.

It looks really mad, but whether you're wanting to improve your technique and strength on steep ice, or hard mixed routes, or simply try it out as a new facet of climbing, then it's definitely worth giving it a go. Debbie at the centre says it's open for anyone, so even if you've not tried it before, just turn up and thwack those logs!

Their next competition is on Friday 26th February from 5 - 8pm, is open to anyone over the age of 16 and costs £7 for non-members. You should take some gloves and mountaineering boots (nice and stiff, but no crampons!). If you have axes you can take them, but they do have some available if you need to borrow them, as well as the usual climbing stuff like helmet and belay device. If you're taking you own axes the adze should be covered up, so as to avoid any nasty accidents! All the routes are top-roped, so you don't need a rope.

Unfortunately I'll be in Roy Bridge that weekend, but if anyone goes, let me know how you got on! I'm advised that it gets pretty cold there, so a belay jacket might be a good idea.

For more information, visit their website www.keswickclimbingwall.co.uk