Discovery Mast Climb

• Maximum body weight 120kg.
• Minimum height 140cm.
• Maximum thigh circumference 75cm.
• Maximum waist circumference 120cm.
• Maximum height 200cm.
• Head circumference between 48–61cm.
• Minimum age 12 years (participants aged 12–17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must also hold a Discovery Mast Climb ticket if they wish to participate, or a Discovery Point museum ticket if they do not wish to participate)
• Tie back long hair and remove necklaces, chains, or loose jewellery.
• Do not carry phones, vapes, keys, cameras, or loose items on the course.
• Wear secure footwear (no high heels, open-toed shoes, or loose-fitting shoes).
• Wear suitable outdoor clothing appropriate for weather conditions.
• Listen carefully and follow all staff instructions at all times.
• Use all equipment provided as instructed.
• Do not smoke, vape, or participate under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs.
• You must have no known or knowable medical conditions (including pregnancy) that could affect your ability to safely participate.

Yes. Our harnesses and structure are rated for a maximum body weight of 120 kg. We regret that beyond this we cannot allow access. The minimum height to participate is 140 cm.

Participants should refer to the size diagram (provided on booking) to ensure the harness will fit properly.

You can purchase your Discovery Mast Climb tickets here.

Additional members who wish to view the Discovery Mast Climb from within Discovery Point & RRS Discovery require valid museum tickets. Pre-book your museum tickets online to make savings!

Arrive at the main reception in the Discovery Point building 15 minutes before your given start time. These times will be listed on your ticket or given to you by your event/tour organiser.

You will be required to show your e-tickets and signed Participation Agreement.

Watch for a pre-event email from us or your event organiser!

Your exact start time and pre-event information will be emailed to you after you purchase a ticket or by your event organiser.

The activity lasts around 1.5 hours.

If you can’t make your assigned start time, please contact your event organiser/charity immediately and let them know; it may not be possible to change your time slot.

You will find the Discovery Mast Climb aboard RRS Discovery, Dundee, Scotland, from 2026.

The mast structure is robust and may still operate in windy and wet conditions. If winds are too strong to reasonably and safely reach the very top and most exposed part of the mast, participants will still be able to take part in climbing to the ‘top deck’ platform, traversing out on the yard arm, and descending on the zip line — still an incredible experience!

In the event of very severe weather, the event may be postponed. We or your event organiser will contact you directly with updates and possible rescheduling instructions.

If unexpected conditions arise during the climb (e.g. lightning storms), participation may be suspended until it is safe, or the event may be postponed for the rest of the day.

Mentally:
You will be climbing up steep ‘ratlines’ (cargo nets) and rigging at heights of up to 25 metres. It will feel exposed, very high up, and often breezy! All participants will descend off the mast via a slow, controlled zip line. The course is designed to challenge you — but you will always be clipped into a safety line and guided by experienced professionals.

Physically:
Be prepared to climb long, steep, and at times vertical cargo nets. The overall experience time is 90 minutes, but time at height may last around 20–40 minutes depending on your speed and conditions.

No problem. There are two options to descend — one from the halfway platform and the other from the very top of the mast (25m high).

Our professional guides will stay with you throughout the climb and encourage you. There is a platform at the halfway point where you can rest, and you can always descend via the slow, controlled zip line from this point. If at any point you feel unable to continue, our guides can facilitate your descent.

We do our utmost to make the course as accessible as possible. However, due to the challenging nature of the activity and certain space constraints, it may not be possible for everyone to take part.

Wheelchair users or people requiring crutches or other walking aids:
We regret that the standard Mast Climb course may not accommodate wheelchair users or people requiring crutches or other walking aids. We are exploring a special variant experience (e.g., ascent + zip-line lower only) where feasible.

Mobility limitations:
To access certain areas you may need to crouch or crawl for a short period; climbing several long and steep cargo nets is required.

Visual impairment / registered blind:
Participation may be possible depending on circumstances — please contact us directly to discuss.

Essential Clothing:
The mast is very exposed to wind and cold sea air and so, for safety, if you are not wearing enough to keep yourself warm you may not be permitted to take part.

Waterproof jacket and trousers.

Warm, full-length clothing (even if the sun is shining!). Shorts are not permitted.

Well-fitting lace-up shoes (ideally walking boots). High heels, loose trainers, crocs, or laceless shoes are not permitted.

Essential Items:
Any required medication.

A payment method (card only) for food/drink or for purchasing professional event photos.

Hair band/bobbles (for long hair — this includes long beards).

We recommend bringing a friend who can look after your belongings while you take part. If you don’t have someone with you, we do provide a bag-drop facility within the museum. Please do not leave valuables unattended.

For the safety of all participants and members of the public below, no phones, cameras, GoPros, keys, or any loose objects are allowed on the Discovery Mast Climb course. Professional photos will be available for purchase after your experience.

We recommend bringing a friend who can look after your belongings while you take part. If you don’t have someone with you, we do provide a bag-drop facility within the museum. Please do not leave valuables unattended.

Absolutely! Here are your options:

1. There are a number of charities that have booked out full days at the Discovery Mast Climb — get directly in contact with them to get a ticket.
2. Buy a ticket as normal yourself and set up your own fundraising page (JustGiving etc.) and fundraise for a charity of your choice.

Zone Events are actively looking for charity partners! If you are interested in organising a special fundraising event, please get in contact at: hello@zoneevents.co.uk

Only Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs are permitted at Discovery Point.

All participants will be required to read and sign a Participation Agreement prior to taking part. By signing, you confirm that you meet the entry requirements (height/weight/age, health, footwear/clothing), accept the risks inherent in a climbing event, and agree to follow all safety rules and instructions.

Read the full terms and conditions here.