Just to clarify: the original Arch building, at London Bridge, is closing because of the station expansion (I was there earlier today for my last climb, and am currently all verklempt about it -- I have a lot of memories associated with that place).
However, they've got another (newer and larger) building at the Biscuit Factory, not far from Bermondsey Tube station, which is very much open. And I gather the plan is to open a second building to replace the London Bridge one.
The Arch is bouldering-only; it's where I most often climb, because I'm primarily a boulderer. And it's lovely and they've been very good to me.
The Westway has lots and lots of of route-climbing (I sometimes go there to route-climb with friends), but a relatively small amount of bouldering.
So it's a good place to get started and to learn the skills to top-rope and belay safely, and an excellent place if route-climbing turns out to be your primary interest. There's a noticeboard there which often has messages up from people looking for climbing partners; the UKclimbing.com forums are also often used by people looking for partners to climb at various London climbing walls.
However, if you find you enjoy bouldering too, I'd recommend trying the Arch as well. *g*
ETA: This time I forgot to say: I hope you have an excellent time tomorrow!
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branchandroot
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Date: 2012-10-19 08:28 pm (UTC)However, they've got another (newer and larger) building at the Biscuit Factory, not far from Bermondsey Tube station, which is very much open. And I gather the plan is to open a second building to replace the London Bridge one.
The Arch is bouldering-only; it's where I most often climb, because I'm primarily a boulderer. And it's lovely and they've been very good to me.
The Westway has lots and lots of of route-climbing (I sometimes go there to route-climb with friends), but a relatively small amount of bouldering.
So it's a good place to get started and to learn the skills to top-rope and belay safely, and an excellent place if route-climbing turns out to be your primary interest. There's a noticeboard there which often has messages up from people looking for climbing partners; the UKclimbing.com forums are also often used by people looking for partners to climb at various London climbing walls.
However, if you find you enjoy bouldering too, I'd recommend trying the Arch as well. *g*
ETA: This time I forgot to say: I hope you have an excellent time tomorrow!