Bath has welcomed its first dedicated boulder training gym, LUMA Climbing, which is quickly becoming a hub for the local climbing community. Opening in early May, LUMA offers climbers state-of-the-art facilities right in the city center.
The gym features over 12,000 routes on an adjustable Tension Board 2, along with specialized fingerboards and a training area designed to enhance strength and technique. Setting itself apart, LUMA operates as the city’s first unmanned climbing gym, giving members unprecedented freedom to train independently between 6am and 11pm.
Co-founders Matt Hilson and Lucy Saunders have been thrilled by the enthusiastic response. “It’s incredible to see so many people embracing Bath’s first climbing facility,” Matt said. “The energy and passion from members and visitors have exceeded all our expectations.”
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Lucy explained the rationale behind the innovative unmanned model: “We designed LUMA with the modern climber in mind. It offers the flexibility to drop in for focused training sessions without being restricted by traditional gym hours or the need for staff supervision.”
Conveniently located at 14 Ferry Lane, the gym allows local climbers who previously had to travel outside the city easy access to premier bouldering facilities. Members book 60-minute slots and can enter 15 minutes early or stay 15 minutes late, with a maximum of six climbers per session to ensure a quality experience.
Born from Matt and Lucy’s passion for bouldering and outdoor climbing, LUMA aims to cultivate a close-knit climbing community in Bath. It welcomes solo climbers looking to sharpen their skills as well as groups wanting a social and supportive environment.
Whether through flexible memberships or one-off bookings, LUMA is providing Bath’s climbers a cutting-edge training space to climb on their own terms.
