Bouldering is low walls with mats and no ropes. Top-rope and lead climbing use a rope and a partner. Sport climbing is bolted routes outdoors, and trad climbing means placing your own protection in the rock. Most people try a few and pick a favourite.

Indoors, on a bouldering wall or a top-rope. It is warm, safe and a good place to learn the moves before there is any real height involved.

Less than you think. Technique and balance matter more than raw power, especially early on. The strength turns up on its own the more you climb.

With proper instruction, checked gear and a sensible partner, yes. The instructors on adventuro teach you how to climb and how to keep your partner safe on the rope.

No. Shoes, harness and ropes come with a session. Most people buy their own shoes first, once they have decided they are keen.

Indoors. It is controlled and warm, and ideal for learning. Outdoors adds real rock, weather and route-finding, so it is better once you have the basics down.

Climb more, then learn to lead indoors, then head outside with a course or a guide. After that it is sport, trad or multi-pitch, whichever grabs you.