Mile End Climbing Wall - Development through Challenge

Who we are

Mile End Climbing Wall (MECW) is the trading name of the charity Development through Challenge (DtC).

Development through Challenge started life as a charity called North London Rescue Commando (NLRC), set up when London was at threat of flood. They moved to the current site from North London, where they had started as a small water sports centre. In the mid-1980s a change in focus led to the formation of Mile End Climbing Wall. It became the climbing wall in London and one of the first climbing walls in England. In 1997 NLRC changed its name to Development through Challenge.

Most of MECW was built by 1990 and it had no direct competition until the Castle opened in 1994. MECW has continually renewed itself with new builds and constant redevelopment of climbing areas in order to compete commercially within an ever changing and growing market.

Our culture and values

Development through Challenge

Providing East London and UK climbing communities with high quality climbing and associated facilities that are available to everyone regardless of ability to pay, physical ability, or skill-level. We organise training and challenges that improve people’s wellbeing.

Mile End Climbing Wall – Working to make climbing accessible for all.

We provide high quality indoor climbing for our local community and beyond.

We believe in the benefits of climbing and the removal of all barriers to participation.

We provide an environment of inclusion, adventure, challenge, and fun.

We focus on the future, embracing new ideas and developments, building on our deep roots in UK climbing.

We are independent and not-for-profit, striving to remain authentic and a force for good.