A NEW adventure wall has been created in the heart of the Lake District – and organisers hope it will attract keen climbers from around the globe.

Adventure Peaks, the Ambleside international outdoor expedition provider, has announced the opening of a new flagship retail store with indoor climbing wall and wi-fi cafe.

The wall in an historic building in the centre of Ambleside will be 36 feet high. It has been developed by David Pritt, a leading figure in the climbing world.

Also being launched in conjunction with the scheme will be a wi-fi cafe called ‘Cafe with Altitude’.

Its northern and western sides have been opened up to provide views of the Lake District fells and will also overlook the climbing wall via a glass wall.

“Adventure Peaks is a serious, technical outdoor expedition provider and we have been expanding as a company for several years" said director Dave Pritt.

“Now is absolutely the right time to bring an indoor climbing centre and retail store into the heart of the Lake District.

“The economic positives of tourism for the area are there and we can offer a day out for the whole family to enjoy, whether they are local or here on holiday. They can view the mountains outdoors and enjoy climbing indoors.”

Angie Hall-Aspland, who has helped organise the project, tried climbing for the first time on the new wall.

“It’s absolutely ama-zing. I’m totally converted,” she said. “It’s great for someone who wants to do a bit of exercise and its lots of fun.”

Giving presentations during two grand openings, on December 4 and 11, world class A-list climbers Steve McClure and Lucy Creamer, and Everest summiteer and expedition leader Stu Peacock, will give talks and workshops.

Opening times for the wall, on Lakeland Road, will be 9am-10pm, seven days a week.