Climbing offers people a variety of benefits, including personal fitness. Climbing is also a very social activity, with a really diverse community, with people from all walks of life and backgrounds taking part.

What are the benefits of climbing?

Cognitive Skills

I can be creative when deciding the moves required to complete a climb

I use problem-solving skills before and during climbing to decide which movements are required

I have to focus to make sure I climb efficiently

I need to concentrate on the movement of my body to improve my performance

I have to follow the instructions given to me to perform the task

Physical Competencies

I use my kinaesthetic awareness to enable me to orientate my body appropriately

I use my gross motor skills to perform more complex climbing moves

I use rhythm and timing to climb efficiently

I can use coordination and fluency to link my climbing movements

I can control and adjust my body position to allow me to stay balanced when climbing

I use my fine motor skills to grip holds in a variety of ways

Physical Fitness

I develop all aspects of my physical fitness to perform a variety of climbing moves

I have the flexibility to climb efficiently

I can use my core stability to keep balanced and in control

I use strength and stamina to succeed at my climb

I can vary the speed of my movement to stay in control

Personal Qualities

It is my responsibility to behave in a safe and appropriate manner when taking part in climbing activities

I am determined and will use my resilience to develop as a climber

I use my leadership skills when climbing to help motivate my peers

I am respectful and tolerant of others

I can communicate in a variety of ways to stay safe and learn

As I discover new climbing skills my confidence increases

More information

If you think climbing could be a great activity for you, your child or your class or group find out more about:

The ClimbScotland team is here to offer advice and support to parents, clubs, youth groups, schools and colleges, with the aim of getting more young people climbing in Scotland.

Contact us at  to chat to our Regional Development Team.