IF you were to guess where in the country the UK’s highest climbing wall was, it’s doubtful that Brighouse would spring to many people’s mind.

But at the ROKT Climbing Gym in the town, on the side of an old grain silo, stands a British climbing mecca.

At 36 metres high, taller than the Angel of the North, it will give experienced climbers and complete novices the chance to try their hand at the sport when it officially opens to the public on Sunday, May 14.

It will also act as a training base for member of Team GB’s climbing team, as they prepare to go for gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Ahead of the opening, members of the media, including T&A photographer Mike Simmonds and I, were invited to have a go.

For adrenaline junkies, the climb is great fun. There are a number of routes depending on the climber’s ability, to the main 28m summit, and its record peak at 36m.

The first three-quarters of the climb were fairly straightforward - as long as you don’t look down - but it is the last few metres which really test you, both mentally and physically.

Expect sore forearms, straining fingers and burning quads, as you hoist yourself upwards to the sky, followed by a sweet mixture of joy and relief as you finally reach the top.

While at the top and on the climb up, especially on a bright summer’s day, it offers great views across Brighouse and the surrounding areas, which help take your mind off the the fact you are more than ten storeys off the ground.

When I finally touched down back on terra firma, my aching arms told me to stay grounded, but my inner thril-seeker wanted to get straight back to it.

For seasoned pros to people who have never tried the sport, the ROKT outdoor wall is a great addition to the Bradford district which should not be mixed.

Luke Murphy, 19, is a climber with Team GB and does all his training at the centre.

He said: “It’s amazing, we have looked across at the silo for the last nine years and asked, why aren’t we climbing on there.

“It’s great to climb on especially when it’s nice and sunny.

“I’ve been climbing for about 12 years and having a facility like this is great. Tokyo is the goal and hopefully this new wall can help me get there.”

Euan Noble, owner of ROKT, said the new wall is “stunning”.

“It’s been on the cards for the past three years so it’s great to finally have it open,” he said.

“It could bring 25,000 to 30,000 new visitors to the area each year nationwide and from abroad, it’s something to tick off on your list if you like extreme sports and we all know local visits are worth a lot to the local economy.

“Come and give it a go - it’s about conquering certain fears, and going as high as you can. We have ropes up all the time, you don’t have to be an expert, just come and have a go at it.”

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