Climbing stories: Meet Hattie

I first got into climbing over a decade ago, friends of mine used to take me out with them and I really enjoyed it but living abroad and starting a family meant I didn't climb regularly.

Around 18 months ago I started looking at getting back into climbing. I'd seen the women's group at Summit Up advertised and thought I'd give it a go. It's been one of the best decisions I ever made.

I now climb regularly, around 2 times per week and it's become an essential part of my weekly routine.

Climbing is the only sport which allows me to be completely mindful, when I'm climbing I'm not thinking about anything other than the route I'm on. I enjoy that it is both a physical and social sport, I've made lots of new friends in the last 18 months and my climbing has improved significantly as a result of climbing with lots of new people.

The atmosphere at Summit Up has also been a huge factor in my climbing getting better and in making me absolutely fall in love with the sport.

It is definitely one of the friendliest, open and inclusive centres that I have climbed at. Staff are super helpful and approachable and the facilities are amazing. The coaching and support that I have received through climbing at Summit Up have been instrumental not just in improving my climbing grade but also in developing my confidence in my skills and knowledge.

I recently successfully completed my CWI training and assessment though Summit Up and I am looking forward to start instructing in the near future!