The Arch Climbing Wall

I went here yesterday with a group of friends. We booked an introduction class (via e-mail) in which there were around 15 people and 2 instructors.
The class lasted about an hour and then we were let loose on the facilities, though the instructors were around if we had any queries on how to handle a route.

The instructors were very friendly and engaging (as were the rest of the staff).
We spent a good 5 hours overall there and were definitely tired by the end of it.

There are various routes you can take on the walls (which are colour coded). The routes are moved every 6-8 weeks to keep things fresh.

Every one of our group said they would definitely love to return. 

This was a great wall - if a little cliquey - but sadly now closed due to the redevelopment of London Bridge Station.

A friend took me there for climbing… Its a nice place to use your fingers after typing on the keyboard for the whole day at work… I Liked it.
It starts getting crowded late evenings… Go early if you like it to be quite… :)

This place is great fun, make sure you get a lessons! We’re new to rockclimbing so we were on what was essentially the kiddie wall but it’s a great way to spend the afternoon and the staff are all really helpful.

The Arch is right by London Bridge so easy to get to after work if you're in that part of town.

If indoor is your only option then bouldering is loads of fun. There's a puzzle solving element to it all which means it's difficult to get bored - especially as they regularly change the climbs (it seems to be every couple of weeks at the moment).

Fred's who you want to try and speak to if you're a little bit nervous or a rookie - he's helpful, friendly and won't sell you anything you don't need. But everyone's great - and don't be fooled by the laid back exterior...these chaps are amazing climbers.

If you find yourself really stuck on a problem, don't be afraid to chat to the other climbers around you. Considering they're found in the middle of London this is a really friendly bunch!

Yes it can get a bit dirty but isn't that some of the fun? The lockers are spacious and the shower's functional.

If you can get in before 6.30pm in the evening it's not too busy - weekends are also usually a bit quieter. Friday's are busy but worth it for the free tips and training sessions that run.

If you think you're going to go quite often during peak times get the 'ten visits' (£65) or 'monthly option' (£50 for one month, £80 for two) and think about investing in some shoes as one-offs and rental costs can quickly add up.

Nice place. I'll try to give the information you'd wish you had had, if you went there.

The staff are nice. Two of them are French (great climbers). You can have a lesson for £20. It's worth it from time to time... Bouldering is solving problems, tough when you have no idea how.

Prices are cheap (compared to other walls in London). Make sure you're there before 4pm and pay £6.50 only, because from 6 it's also quite crowded.

The back room has no windows and is a trap for chalk powder, which quickly turns grey. In other words, it doesn't seem very clean.

The changing rooms are small, with only one shower!

All in all a great place to train indoors.

Edit (7 October): today the holds were changed (just as I arrived) on one of the walls.

First: the staff use new/cleaned holds, but it's incredible how fast they get dirty (10 times with the rubber of my shoes on one and it was dark). Then come the chalk, quickly turning grey. So it HAS to be dirty, but not always nor everywhere. Keep looking!

Second: the problems are set up on a "as I feel" basis, so it can be confusing / tilted towards the most difficult (interesting) problems, but then there often is one guy giving advice. They say on the website that they don't provide advice, actually yes they do, but not officially. Hang around!

If you like bouldering, a form of rock climbing that involves using low walls, caves and overhangs, The Arch, London’s latest dedicated bouldering wall is the best, and dare I say it the most fashionable place to be right now. Hidden within one of the railway arches in London Bridge (which explains its name), it’s a stones throw away from Borough Market, a very handy realization if after a hard morning’s climbing you have forgotten to buy food for the week (this often happens if you’re me).

It was features a very impressive 200 graded problems and colour circuits, which get re-set every month, so there’s no chance of you getting bored. For all you south London residents, this is a fantastic place to train before you make your way out to Fontainbleau or Portland Jet.

It has a very cool look about it; the spider monkey logo immediately suggests a place with an edgier vibe than me friendly, chilled climbing home, The Castle. It’s full of very hard core, sinewy serious-looking climbers. Probably not the best place in the world if you are a beginner tackling your first 4a and looking to meet pals, much better if your idea of a Saturday morning equals flexing your tendons on the finger-board. It has flat screen images of climbing films (very aspirational dahhling) a very cool store and café. Oh and the sound system is outstanding. Go, and try not to feel intimidated!

Went for the first time today, had a great time. Awesome set-up, helpful induction (especially as someone who’s never climbed before). Decent price given it’s central location. If you’re considering making it a regular thing, maybe invest in your own shoes, as they’ll end up paying for themselves. One thing tho - be prepared to feel your forearms BULGE! Great fun!

Nice bouldering facility, on the small side but makes good use of the space to provide a range of challenging problems. Route setting is interesting and varied with the bonus of contributions from such luminaries as Johnny Dawes. Friendly staff and atmosphere.
Only criticism would be that it’s slightly overpriced compared to other facilities, although if it’s to survive in such a central location this is probably understandable.
As it’s a bouldering venue there’s naturally a slight emphasis towards more experienced climbers, but still a good selection of easier routes exist, and beginners classes are offered.

The Arch has great walls with decent variation in difficulty, ranging from a few basic walls to more intermediate levels, nothing extreme. The walls are based on bouldering so no ropes but plenty of massively thick mats so very safe in all. Inductions are good with useful tips on climbing and energy conservation.

Aside from that the place has been designed nicely with some walls sporting some cool graffiti and graphics. At approx. 5 mins walk from London Bridge it is easily accessible.

Off peak costs are £6.50
Peak costs are £10

Shoes + chalk can be hired for £3