Two guests wearing harnesses and helmets are near the top of an abseil wall, holding yellow rope with their feet planted on the wall. There is an instructor in a red helmet at the top of the wall looking down at them and trees on the left side of the picture.

Abseiling

Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or someone looking to try something new, abseiling offers a unique blend of excitement and tailored learning in a safe and controlled environment.

Abseiling

What is abseiling?

Abseiling essentially involves descending down a vertical surface, like a rock face, a building or a wall using ropes and specialised equipment. You can go at your own pace and it involves harnessing yourself securely to a system of ropes and gradually lowering yourself down while maintaining control and balance. It’s a great way to experience the exhilaration of heights, whilst also developing a variety of skills.

Abseiling at Calvert Exmoor

Here at Calvert, we have an outdoor abseiling wall that is suitable to use in all weather. Instructors talk you through the equipment and instructions, giving personalised advice and guidance throughout the session. In this session, you’ll build confidence through the development of motor skills and coordination, as well as communication skills with fellow group members.

Abseiling in action

Your abseiling session

Click on each step for more information on what you can expect from an abseiling session with us…

1: Get ready

You will meet your instructor at your allocated meeting point, which is given to you upon arrival
Your instructor will stay with you for the entirety of the session, keeping you safe and ensuring you have a great time
You’ll head to the equipment room with your instructor and your group, where they’ll talk to you about the equipment you’ll be using and how to use it
You’ll be wearing a helmet and a harness as well as any other specialist equipment you may need depending on your needs
Head to our ‘Abseiling Equipment’ section to see pictures of the equipment you could be using

2: Learn how

Depending on your group, this usually takes place at the top of the abseil wall.
Your instructor will give you a safety briefing, showing you and your group the rope system you’ll be attached into and talk you through how it’ll keep you safe
Make sure to listen carefully, as you’ll also be shown how to keep yourself safe too!

3: Have a go

One at a time (sometimes two if you’re lucky enough to have an extra instructor!), you’ll be attached into the safety system and get yourself comfortable
Your instructor will check how you’re feeling throughout, using various forms of communication, depending on your needs – don’t be afraid to let them know if you’re feeling uncomfortable or nervous
You’ll take it in turns to abseil down the wall
Some participants might find it more comforting to have someone abseil with them – in these situations, your instructor might suggest one of your group can partner up with you into the same rope system and be by your side as you have a go!
The rest of your group will be there to support you from the sidelines, watching and learning, ready for their turn

4: Finish up

At the end of your abseiling activity, the instructor will take you to the zipwire area to start the next activity
If your group has requested not to take part in a zipwire activity, at this point, your instructor will help you return your equipment to the equipment store room before heading back to the centre

Abseiling equipment

Whether you want to get an idea of what our kit looks like, or see some of our specialised gear that helps make our sessions more accessible, have a look below…

Abseil wheelchair

This wheelchair is specifically designed for our abseil wall. With a head rest, optional cushioning and other supportive aids, the user will be safe both in its seat and in the hands of our highly qualified instructors
If you are a wheelchair user or have a mobility impairment that affects your muscular strength and stamina, our staff will likely suggest use of this chair
With this equipment in particular, the user is not strapped into the chair for safety reasons, however, both the chair and the user are attached to the safety rope separately
It’s worth noting that this chair, while it’s an amazing bit of kit, it may not suit everyone. If you have any questions or concerns about this piece of equipment, feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll answer any questions we can

Kite harness (with padding)

This harness has velcro strips which allow instructors to attach some special padding that increases the rigidity of the harness – this is the red-coloured seating
Without the red padding, the Kite harness adds a different level of support: the harness is easily moulded to the shape of the user
Individuals who need extra spinal support benefit from this gear

Rope equipment

Don’t worry, it will be the instructor’s responsibility to make sure this equipment is used properly but they will tell you how to use it
A variety of ropes and devices, such as descenders, are used throughout these sessions to keep you safe and comfortable while descending smoothly
Instructors use a variety of knots and other rope techniques for various functions – try out our knot teaching corner while you’re waiting at the abseil wall!

Harnesses

Harnesses come in all shapes and sizes – this is one is called a “sit” harness and is commonly used for our rope activities
This picture shows a harness on the floor ready to put your feet into the smaller circles and then pull up and over your waist, like a pair of trousers
Our instructors will help you to choose the right harness for you and show you how to put it on correctly

Helmets

In all of our rope-based activities, you must wear a helmet!
We have helmets of all sizes

Pont Harness

Don’t be fooled by the red chair and the indoor climbing wall behind, this particular harness can be used in the blue abseil chair too
The Pont harness is similar to the Kite harness, in that the seat section is rigid, but the back support is not
This harness benefits users who may need extra support but still have the core stability to sit upright by themselves

Mobile hoists

These hoists can be used to transfer a wheelchair user from their own chair into the appropriate harness within the abseiling chair
Your instructor will take one of these to the top of the abseil wall ready for the session

Chest harness

Much like a “sit” harness is pulled on like a pair of trousers, the chest harness is put on like a jacket
This harness engages around the top half of the body and attaches onto the “sit” harness, which creates a full-body support system
This is typically used for those who are
- larger-bodied
- smaller-bodied
- lack core strength
- would simply like to feel more supported

FAQs

Will I be able to take part in this activity?

Yes! We leave no one out and no matter what, we do everything we can to make sure you can enjoy the experience of abseiling in a way that suits you and keeps you safe.

What if I struggle with this activity?

At Calvert Exmoor, it’s what you CAN do that counts. Our instructors use the term ‘challenge by choice’, which ensures that while you’re taking part and given challenges along the way, you ultimately always have the agency and control over your own limitations. Our staff are there to keep you safe but also build your confidence, even if this means accomplishing a simpler version of the activity.

Where does this take place?

Our abseiling activity takes place on our outdoor climbing and abseiling wall.

This is onsite and only a 2 minute walk away from your accommodation.

What training do your instructors have for this activity?

Every instructor has:

extensive in-house training including observation hours logged prior to running a session independently
either a Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) qualification including an abseil module

a Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI) qualification by British Mountaineering Council