ONE of the tallest outdoor climbing facilities in the country will be opening near Northleach this month.

The Tower at Far Peak climbing centre on Far Peak Business Park has been built as part of an expansion of the centre’s facilities and will open on August 18.

The tallest section of The Tower is 14 and a half metres, and the facility is made up of 50 climbing routes that are accessible to all ages and abilities.

Owner of Far Peak, Chris Wild said he came up for the concept for the wall as he believes the Cotswolds are lacking in climbing facilities.

“An indoor climbing facility is wonderful. A lot of these indoor walls are urban situated and they cannot offer an outdoor experience. We can offer that. The Tower is outdoors and you have the wind in your face and everything else. The next step to this is being on a rock face.”

The current indoor climbing facility at Far Peak has been open for four and a half years and offers indoor climbing and bouldering for all ages and abilities.

Chris, who also owns the nearby Far Peak camp site, said The Tower is a fantastic addition to the existing climbing facilities at Far Peak.

He said: “We have a well established indoor climbing wall, combining that with an outdoor wall makes us unique. It makes us an all season climbing experience.”

“We have installed some of the most dynamic climbing holds on the market which puts us above a lot of other climbing centres.”

Up to 20 climbers will be able to use the new climbing facility at any one time and there will also be climbing tuition classes for all ages.

The Tower, which is clad with timber, has 21 climbing lines and two large overhang sections.

As well as climbing, The Tower has two abseiling platforms, but those wishing to abseil will have to climb their way to the top first.

“To use the abseiling wall, people will have to climb to the top. We are trying to give a proper climbing experience rather than an abseiling experience,” Chris said.

Chris explained The Tower will enable families to enjoy climbing together.

He said: “We are keen to achieve a whole family experience. We are very keen that parents are involved in climbing themselves. We will be offering climbing courses as we want something that families can do together. ”

For more information visit www.wildrockclimbing.co.uk