Adventure Peaks’ towering ambition with third store
CUMBRIAN company Adventure Peaks, which organises trips to Mount Everest, has created its own mountaineering challenge closer to home with a giant indoor climbing wall in Ambleside.
The 36ft high climbing wall forms the centrepiece of the company’s new retail store on Lake Road, Ambleside.
Located in a five storey building, Adventure Peaks hopes the wall will become a major attraction with climbers when bad weather prevents grounds them.
The £250,000 store, which has been funded by NatWest Business & Commercial Bank, is Adventure Peak’s third outlet in its hometown.
As well as showcasing a wide range of mountaineering clothing and equipment, the 6,000sq ft store also offers conferencing and exhibition facilities.
Founded 10 years ago by mountaineering veteran Dave Pritt, Adventure Peaks, which has an annual turnover of £1.7m, has developed into one of Europe’s leading providers of mountaineering expeditions and courses.
It runs regular expeditions to some of the world’s highest peaks including Kilimanjaro, K2 and the Andes. Last year Mr Pritt and his team helped 14 climbers tackle Mount Everest.
Dave Pritt, director of Adventure Peaks, said: “Before we decided to build the climbing wall we did a lot of market research. The results were very positive and showed that climbers wanted an alternative place to visit when the weather prevented them from going outdoors.
“We also plan to run training courses for younger and less experienced climbers to help them get started in the sport. This is an exciting time for everyone connected with Adventure Peaks and we look forward to welcoming our first visitors.”
David Holdsworth, relationship manager at NatWest, said: “Dave has built a very successful business due to his passion and knowledge of the mountaineering industry. We are very happy to support his latest project and look forward to watching the climbing wall become a popular visitor attraction.”
