Redpoint Birmingham: stalactites, cracks and a friendly climbing community

Looking for a workout that feels more like an adventure? Redpoint Climbing Centre, at 77 Cecil Street just north of Birmingham city centre, has been offering exactly that since 2008, when its founders finally found the right building for their vision of a spectacular indoor climbing venue with a friendly atmosphere.

The wall design is the star of the show. Redpoint offers a three-dimensional climbing experience full of shapes, angles, bridges and arches, plus what the team calls its "notorious stalactites". Roped climbing reaches up to 13 metres, across more than 75 lines and over 300 routes, with in-house setters refreshing routes every week. Climbers who fancy a challenge can test their jamming skills on one of the few indoor 'Yorkshire VS cracks' in the country.

Bouldering is just as varied, spread across four areas including Redbloc, the Bunker and Babybloc, with more than 200 problems arranged into graded circuits. A training room offers Beastmaker fingerboards, a peg board and a campus board for those who want to get serious.

Newcomers are well looked after. Taster sessions introduce first-timers to the roped area and the lower bouldering walls with crash pads, and the team is made up of keen, experienced climbers who are happy to help.

Younger climbers are a big part of Redpoint's story. Its Rock Monkeys clubs welcome children aged 5 to 17 in small groups, and many follow the Redpoint Climbing Scheme, a structured way to log progress and celebrate achievements. The centre also has long experience of supporting climbers with special educational needs and disabilities, with tailored programmes and disabled access.

Beyond the wall, Redpoint's staff have organised sponsored charity abseils for over 20 years, helping charities raise thousands of pounds.

After a session, the café is a relaxed spot to refuel with drinks and snacks. The centre is open from 10am to 10pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm at weekends and bank holidays.

Prices, taster sessions and kids' club details are on the Redpoint Birmingham website.