Quay Climbing Centre, Exeter

meet the team behind the Quay...

we are all passionate about climbing and running a climbing wall has been a dream for us for many years.  Aquiring the Old Electricity Building and transforming it into a centre for you to enjoy has been a great privilege.  With the support of our team of instructors, our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming and vibrant environment for climbers of all ages, abilities and experience to develop and master their climbing skills.  Come and meet us at the centre - we are around most days and welcome your thoughts and feedback.   

Damian Johnson - Managing Director

after spending 10 years in physics and 15 in the finance industry, Damian is realising his (day) dream of opening an indoor climbing centre.  A climbing and mountaineering enthusiast, Damian has spent his holidays wandering mountains, climbing ice fields or hiding in caves dreaming of the day when his own wall would amount to more than a few bolt-on holds in the garage.   

Alison Smith - Director

Alison manages the marketing and administration for the Quay.  Like Damian, she has spent most of her career in the finance industry and is enjoying her new investment in the centre.  A keen runner, surfer and enthusiastic but novice climber and mountaineer, Alison is looking forward to improving her climbing, whilst keeping the finances in order.

Paul Russell - Director and Centre Manager, Quay Climbing

Paul has over 25 years experience in the outdoor education industry.  He spent most of his younger days either climbing in the mines of North Wales, or walking the mountains instructing Duke of Edinburgh groups.  He can still be found doing what he loves, just a lot slower.   

Aaran Eade - Director and Centre Manager, Clip 'n Climb

Aaran has spent over 22 years in the Army as a fitness instructor and mountain leader in the Army Physical Training Corps, where he pursued his passion for climbing, kayaking and mountaineering.  He has completed the Marathon des Sables, the Dynamic adventure series and the Devon coast to coast and now plans to channel his energies into the success of the Quay and Clip n Climb.

the Quay crew...

Paul Russell - Director and Centre Manager, Quay Climbing

Paul has over 25 years experience in the outdoor education industry.  He spent most of his younger days either climbing in the mines of North Wales, or walking the mountains instructing Duke of Edinburgh groups.  He can still be found doing what he loves, just a lot slower.

Gavin Atkins - Deputy Manager, Quay Climbing

being born over 200 miles from the nearest natural crags, climbing was an obvious choice for Gavin! After many years and many climbing trips in the UK and Europe, he became an outdoor instructor in his spare time.  10 years later this evolved into his full time profession, along with route setting.  He comes to the Quay straight from East Anglia, where he was involved in the redevelopment of the region's premier climbing venue.  Since moving to the South West, Gavin has been spoilt with the choice of rock on his doorstep and is pleased to be joining the local climbing community at The Quay.  

Andy Bearne - Deputy Manager, Quay Climbing

having recently returned to Exeter after a year in New Zealand, Andy is keen to revive his love of climbing and, predictably now he is back living in Devon, learn to surf!  With over 9 years experience as an outdoor activity instructor,  working in places as far afield as Scotland, the Alps and Kurdistan (see pic laying cables for a seismic survey there) Andy is a great addition to the team. 

Tom Eagle - Instructor, Quay Climbing

an avid surfer, Tom has spent years travelling in search of the best waves as well as trekking in the Himalayas to an altitude of 18000ft, grade 4/5 kayaking in New Zealand and climbing/bouldering South Island.  He has been an Outdoor Activity Instructor for eight years.  Tom loves trad and sport route climbing, bouldering, kayaking, surfing, tea, cake, Spain and vans.  He is dislikes digging, technology and very hot weather!

Rosie Hughes-Jones - Instructor, Quay Climbing

Rosie realised her passion for everything outdoors during 4 years in Scotland.  Summers and student loans were 'invested' in trips to the Pyreneees, Atlas Mountains and the Himalayas.  She's just returned from a 6 month walk, climb, mountain bike and sail across South and Central America (see pic:  the Bolivian Salt Flats at dawn) and is getting stuck into the best climbing the South West has to offer...indoors and outdoors! 

Anne-Marie Dobner - Instructor/Centre Receptionist

Anne-Marie has enjoyed the outdoors since childhood hiking trips with her Dad but got hooked on climbing after attending a beginners course at an indoor climbing centre in Sydney five years ago.  She hasn't looked back since.  Two years ago, her mounting intolerance of really big spiders inspired a move to the UK, where she began her career in the outdoor activities industry.  Anne Marie joins us all the way from the Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre...100 metres across the road!  

Charlotte Lloyd-Wrigley - Instructor/Centre Receptionist

Charlotte discovered her love of climbing whilst at school (taught by the legendary Mike Bradford) and after a stint in the city and lots of travelling (see pic clearly not taken in Devon!) fled back to Devon where she has set up a successful local restaurant (check out Petit Mange on Magdalen Road) and joined us here at the Quay as one of our instructors and a friendly face on reception. 

Cherry Bedford - Instructor, Quay Climbing

a passionate climber since a young age,  Cherry can usually be found up a cliff working on a sport climbing project or attempting to onsight a trad route!  She loves sharing her passion for the sport with others.  Check out Cherry climbing Just Revenge (7c+) at Anstey's Cove...and if you want to read about more of her adventures, see her blog.  For the sweet toothed among you, Cherry makes handmade chocolates! 

Pen Farthing -Technical Director

Pen has worked and played in the outdoor industry for over 25 years, sharing his passion for the mountains with those who want to know what all the hype is about!  He manages his own outdoor business, The Adventure Fitness Company, which provides training and assessment courses for the MLTE and BCU and safety cover for overseas charity treks to Morocco.  Pen is currently running a series of CWA and SPA courses at the Quay - look on our news items for course dates and more information.  When not climbing Pen can be found in Afghanistan walking dogs for the Nowzad dogs charity...but that is another story!

Jennifer Thomas - Centre Receptionist

Jen didn't quite know what she got herself into when she got the job at the Quay...a climbing virgin the team threw her in at the deep end and she was leading on her 3rd training session!  With a background in personal training, Jen is a great addition to the team and when she is not at the centre she keeps herself fit running around after her little boy.  She's got the climbing bug now and is excited about this new challenge.

general facilities

the centre is well equipped for climbers, groups and friends or family accompanying them.  We have male and female toilets located on the ground floor and the first floor.  Disabled access toilets are available on the ground floor. 

There are large pidgeon holes in the lounge area of the main climbing arena as well as lockers (we ask climbers to provide a key as deposit for locker use).  

There is a separate kitting up room in the Clip 'n Climb centre.

If you do not have your own gear we have a large stock of rental items for hire by centre users including climbing shoes, harnesses, belay devices, chalk bags and chalk.  If you are signed up for a course or taster session your equipment will be provided free of charge.  We do not require children to wear helmets whilst climbing in the centre however helmets are available to hire, free of charge, upon request. 

want to find a climbing buddy?

if you want to find a climbing partner at the Quay, we run a noticeboard in the centre or you can send an email to us via our Contact Us page (select the option 'find a climbing partner' from the drop down menu) and we will post your name, contact details and short message on the  'Climbing Buddy' board.

Alternatively, the website Climbfind.com can help.  Simply sign up to use their fantastic service and search for the Quay!  Click here to find out more.

opening hours

the centre is open daily at the following times: 

Monday to Friday:  10am to 10pm

Saturday:  12.15 pm to 8pm

Sunday:  12.15 pm to 8pm

EASTER OPENING:  the centre will be open as usual on Good Friday and Easter Monday (10am to 10pm) but will be opening EALIER than usual on Saturday and Easter Monday - public climbing is open from 10am to 8pm both days