Category: Research
The Association of British Climbing Walls (ABC) has published the fifth edition of its bi-annual climbing wall survey.
This year’s survey had its highest ever number of respondents representing all regions of the UK as well as Ireland. It offers important insights into the size, shape and confidence of the UK market.
ABC’s CEO Kath Hipwell said:
“The report reflects a fascinating time for indoor climbing, with the industry changing shape and form arguably quicker than ever before. At the ABC, our mission is to support the professionalisation, safety, growth, and diversity of indoor climbing. Providing high-quality research like this report for our members and the wider sector is a key part in helping drive the industry forward. I’m particularly pleased to see the upward trend in professionalising the workforce, with more wall staff on secure contracts. Thank you to all the walls that contributed.”
Key trends…
Group walls have a bigger market share
ABC membership data shows the proportion of group walls increasing from 29% in 2023 to 36% in 2025. The average group size is now 4.5 walls.
Bouldering outpaces roped climbing in new walls
New walls are more likely to offer bouldering than roped climbing, with 62% of walls opening within the last four years offering bouldering only. Across all walls surveyed, 46% are bouldering only.
The workplace is professionalising
The percentage of PAYE wall staff has increased from 55% in 2023 to 71% in 2025. This is a good indicator of a more professionalised, secure and equitable job market.
The market is maturing
The sector continues to mature with the average age of survey walls increasing from 9.6 years in 2023 to 10.3 years in 2025.
Buy the full report here – first 20 orders get a free hard copy with your download!
- If you’re an ABC member, you will save 50% – that’s £250 – off the standard price. Join today to access this and many other benefits.
A free research sample of the research can be downloaded here.
For further information please contact [email protected].
This month the ABC is launching a new webinar series, building on our 2024 conference theme of ‘Scaling Success’, and focused on some of the common challenges and ambitions of climbing walls. We will be bringing together expert speakers from our Board, partner organisations and beyond, to provide insights, advice and solutions on a range of topics.
ACCIDENT RESEARCH: INSIGHTS AND ACTIONS
28 November 10-11am.
Our first webinar offers an exclusive look at ABC research data on indoor climbing accidents. Join Kath Hipwell (CEO) and Dan Crossdale (Depot General Manager, ABC Board Safety Lead) as they take you through the findings of the ABC’s accident research, exploring the reasons behind indoor climbing accidents and opening up for a discussion on how walls can mitigate against them.
IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY: GRASSROOTS TO TEAM GB
11 December 7-8pm
We are thrilled to be joined by Hannah Baldwin, two-time World Paraclimbing Champion and GB Paraclimbing coach. In conversation with El Temple, ABC’s EDI Manager, Hannah will draw on her climbing and coaching expertise as well as her climbing centre manager experience, to guide you through the ways climbing walls can become more inclusive and accessible for disabled people, from setting for paraclimbers to the potential funding that is on offer.
This session is open to ABC members and will be an open, collaborative conversation with shared problem-solving. We encourage you to send your questions and challenges in advance to [email protected].
Upcoming webinars to look out for:
- Route Setter CPD (RSD Members only)
- Marketing your climbing wall
- ABC Accreditation – key principles
- Intro to the ABC (run regularly for new members)
Contact us if there are other topics you would like us to cover in future!
