My kids can shoot up a climbing wall – but real rocks were a big challenge

Climbing is more popular than ever. Ahead of half-term our writer takes her sons on their first outdoor course in East Sussex

“I have no idea where to put my foot,” says my 10-year-old son, his voice a mix of fret and frustration. He is stuck halfway up a six-metre rock face, looking down at us for assistance.

I’m standing at the bottom holding his rope with our guide, Chris McCellan from Hatt Adventures, and my eight-year-old, who is groaning loudly about the wait and pulsing with impatience for his turn. “I can’t tell you what to do,” says Chris kindly to the older one. “It’s like a puzzle, you have to try a few things out.”