Climbing in Devon

Can you scale our full-height climbing tower?

You look up. Take a breath. Then make your first move.

Climbing at Skern Lodge is all about building confidence, one step at a time. With two different climbing walls on site, there’s plenty of opportunity to learn, practise, and push past your comfort zone.

Our low-level traversing wall is perfect for developing movement, balance, and core climbing techniques in a supportive, ground-level setting. Alongside this, our full-height climbing tower offers a bigger physical and mental challenge, with two routes to choose from and a real sense of achievement as you climb higher.

Whether you’re new to climbing or looking to challenge yourself, our sessions are led by experienced instructors who tailor the experience to suit the group. Climbing is a fantastic way to build problem-solving skills, decision-making, emotional control, and resilience — all while having fun.

This activity is ideal for school residentials, corporate team building, families, or anyone keen to try something active and rewarding. To give it a go, contact our team and book a session.

Why choose us?

Devon’s Leading Outdoor Activity Centre
Over 45 Years Of Experience
Fully Qualified Instructors & Detailed Safety Procedures

FAQs

Show FAQs

Are the climbing walls safe?

Yes, there will be a full safety briefing before starting. All climbing sessions at Skern are run by qualified, experienced instructors who provide full safety briefings before the activity begins. Participants use approved safety equipment, which is regularly checked and maintained, and all sessions are closely supervised. Safety is always our top priority, and activities are delivered in line with industry best practice and risk assessments.

Are your climbing walls open to the public?

Yes, our climbing walls are open to the public at selected times. Sessions are instructor-led and suitable for a range of ages and abilities, including beginners. All safety equipment is provided, and activities are run in line with current conditions and availability. We recommend contacting our team in advance to check session times and book, as availability can vary.

Can we include the climbing walls as part of a school residential?

Yes, the climbing walls can be included as part of a school residential at Skern Lodge. Climbing is a popular activity that can be tailored to suit the age, ability, and confidence of the group. Sessions are led by qualified instructors, with full safety briefings and equipment provided. The activity supports key learning outcomes such as confidence-building, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience, making it a great fit within a residential programme.

How do we book?

Booking with us is easy. Simply complete the enquiry form on our website or give us a call. As programmes vary depending on group size, age and activities, we’ll check availability, talk through your requirements and guide you through the rest of the booking process.

What should we wear or bring?

Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are recommended so visitors can move safely and easily. All specialist equipment is provided, and our instructors will guide groups through everything they need to know on the day.

Get in Touch

Skern Lodge Outdoor Activity Centre
Appledore,
Bideford,
Devon
EX39 1NG

Contact

01237 475 992

Looking for the next adventure?

Get in touch with our friendly team.

Other activites at Skern Lodge

Archery

Nock... Draw... Loose! Hit the target, measure your progress and finish with some fun archery based games and competitions. Archery teaches concentration, coordination and self-discipline.

Assault Course

Make your way through a series of connecting obstacles including the wall, rope bridges, balance beams and a zip wire.

Body Boarding

Body boarding is great fun and quick to learn too. It's a bit like surfing but on smaller boards, but unlike surfing you don't stand up, instead you lie on the board and catch the next big wave back to shore.

Coastal Exploration

Coastal traversing involves climbing and scrambling around the sea cliffs. Traverse along, over, under, around and through the rocky obstacles. Try and stay dry as you find a way to dodge the rock pools. You may even come across the odd piece of shipwreck.

Hartland Day

Spend the whole day on the beautiful North Devon coastline. Explore, walk and scramble over the rugged natural features. This is an opportunity to spend time walking and coastal traversing in this amazing location. Subject to tides and conditions.

High Ropes

Our high ropes course stands 12 metres high. The course can be used for a variety of challenges - High beams, multi-vines, scramble net and trapeze to name a few!

Kayaking

Enjoy a trip along the River Torridge, our sheltered estuary. For most sessions we use Sit-on-tops, which allow for two people and as the name suggests you sit on top. But if you would rather like a closed cockpit let us know.

Powerboating

Take the wheel under the guidance of our qualified instructor and experience racing across the seas in our RIB Powerboat.

Surfing

With one of the ideal safe surf beaches on our doorstep, Westward Ho! provides the ideal location to take to the waves. We offer surf sessions using soft surfboards. These are ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers.