We were invited to sample the wall in the ski dome in central Milton Keynes and have some fun on a Wednesday evening, leaving the midweek television behind.

The climbing wall seemed quite easy at 13 metres high and I was sure the task in reaching the top would be a doddle. After a 5-minute safety check, our instructor Rebecca showed us the ropes; by ropes I mean the one rope that would keep us safe during our exhilarating experience.

My guest and I were given some funky climbing shoes which felt as though they are made to fit (please note the largest size is 11). I was lucky enough to just squeeze my plates of meat into them. Rebecca passed us our safety harnesses; I soon found out early on that these straps give you a nice tug and many wedges throughout your climb. The bright Orange helmet stays tightly on your head to protect you.

Rebecca advised us to climb using our legs to push up while using our upper body and arms to stay close to the wall; this would use less energy.

4 metres up and my heart started to pound, sweat dripping from my head and fingers starting to feel the strain. Wow was I out of shape or what?! I pushed off from the wall to check my rope worked. I descended slowly down by the pulley system. I was in a slight frenzy and forgot to land on my feet. My bottom took impact on the soft safety mat. My guest was at 8 metres without any problem and made me look silly as I was doing the man thing and ‘bigging’ myself up before the climb.

The wall is lots of fun and can be to some, hard work. It took a few attempts to relax and figure out the best route to the top. Not until the 4th climb did I reach my goal (the top of the smaller wall). The climb is tough and looking over at the kid's wall they make it look exceptionally easy. I finally made the top of the 13-metre rock after a number of further attempts.

The man made rock is great for fun, fitness and fulfilment so take your slippers off, get off your couch and head down to the Xscape building.

Beginners are welcome and many group bookings are popular through all ages.

Climbing Wall Opening Times Monday - Saturday 11am - 7pm Sunday 11am - 5pm

Prices Children £8.00 Adults £10.00

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL! Please do not come without booking as you will be disappointed... Call us on 01908 237748 to reserve your wall time. How to find us in Xscape : In the middle of the ground floor the walls are located within the Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports Store.