Gloucestershire is set to become a premier destination for climbers as 270 Climbing Park introduces two state-of-the-art climbing walls, including the tallest outdoor competition climbing wall in the UK. Strategically located near the M5 and A417, this expansion marks the park’s third development phase in a £7 million project designed to elevate the sport’s profile and accessibility.
The new 18-metre-high, 35-metre-wide outdoor wall stands out not only for its height but also because it houses the UK’s only outdoor speed climbing lanes. Developed in collaboration with Bulgarian climbing experts Dreamwall, this wall meets international competition standards, providing an unrivalled outdoor climbing experience for both elite athletes and enthusiastic amateurs alike. It is equipped to host national and international training camps and competitions, underscoring 270 Climbing Park’s ambition to become a key European climbing hub.
Prior to its official public opening, the outdoor wall hosted over 60 of Europe’s military climbing elite during the European Military Climbing Championships 2025 — a testament to its world-class credentials.
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Indoors, climbers can enjoy one of the country’s tallest roped walls, measuring 17 metres with an eight-metre overhang and routes that stretch up to 25 metres in length. The indoor facility also features an IFSC-standard boulder wall permanently set to Olympic competition specifications, catering to professional climbers and ambitious amateurs preparing for high-level contests.
Additionally, the park boasts the UK’s largest autobelay wall, designed for climbers ranging from beginners to intermediate levels, ensuring inclusivity across all skill sets.
The British Mountaineering Council’s CEO, Paul Ratcliffe, praised the facility, emphasizing its contribution to growing the climbing community by combining accessibility with top-tier infrastructure. GB Route Setter Jake Mason highlighted the facility’s significance for the southern UK, calling it comparable to established venues like Innsbruck, especially for developing new talent aiming for the GB team.
Co-owner David Stevens described the development as a milestone for both 270 Climbing Park and the wider UK climbing scene, highlighting the unique combination of variety and scale offered by the venue.
These new walls complement 270 Climbing Park’s existing attractions, including the UK’s most challenging high ropes course with six levels up to 18 metres high. Its pinnacle, dubbed ‘Mission Impossible,’ is known as one of the country’s toughest high ropes challenges, designed for adrenaline seekers seeking the ultimate test.
270 Climbing Park is not just expanding its physical footprint but also its reputation as a comprehensive destination that supports climbers of all abilities and ambitions.