Alien Rock 2, Edinburgh
*****
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Opened: 2001
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Without doubt, Scotland's best dedicated bouldering wall. Built by the boys and girls of Alien Rock, Alien Rock2 is a state of the art bouldering facility, catering not only for the likes of the world's strongest, but also for those with less in the way of muscle power.
The wall looks modern and whacky - a mix of bright colours with scores of interestingly shaped holds and features. Huge 'blob' holds, arches, aretes, stalactites, outrageously steep roofs and 45 degree walls will put to test even the best climbers.
Unless it is blowing a gale, or the rain is lashing horizontally, the ventilation is superb - the sliding doors at the front of the building can be opened up, giving endless amounts of fresh air (and friction), and a good sun tan on hot days! The entire floor space is kitted out in thick crash matting with no gaps, so climbers shouldn't be afraid to go for it on problems.
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Overall verdict:
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A superb training facility - one of the best in Britain. Some seriously strong climbers should emerge from here! Only let down is some unimaginative problem setting.
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By bus: From the City Centre, catch a number 7, 14, 25a or 11 and get off at Pilrid Street (junction of Ferry Rd). Only a few minutes walk from there.
By train: Train to Edinburgh's Waverley Station, then hop on a bus.
By car: check out maps on their web site.
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Address:
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Alien Rock2, 37 Bowling Green Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5NX
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Tel:
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0131 552 7211
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Web:
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www.alienrock.co.uk
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Wall Description:
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Bouldering
Designed and built by the guys and gals of Alien Rock, they are made from featured and shaped resin panels with bolt on holds and features. A good way to describe them is hard and even harder! All in all there is 300 sqm of wall space at varying angles - one vertical, then 10, 20, 30 and 45 degrees walls, and a whooping 8 metre roof!
There are a range of circuits in place - each offering numerous problems of varying levels of difficulty. A novice to world-class boulderer will find a challenge. many of the hardest problems have been set by non other than malcolm smith himself.
Easiest problem: British 4a
Hardest problem: Font 8a+ courtesy of Malcolm Smith
Classic of the crag: The hemco holds in the cave and the huge stalacite.
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Opening Hours:
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Weekdays: 1600-2200
Weekends:1200-1900
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Entry Fee:
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£5 at peak times. £3.50 off peak. £3 for kids (under 16's).
Discount options available, ask at reception.
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Entry Requirements:
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Must sign a conditions of use diclaimer on entry. Under 14's must be supervised by an adult. 14-18 year olds can go through an assessment, and if they pass can obtain a pareental consent form and use the wall unsupervised.
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Equipment Hire:
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No |
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Other facilities on offer:
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None |
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Showers:
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No
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Food:
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Snacks and drinks available at reception. |
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Kids Club:
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Not developed yet - will do if there is a demand
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Courses/Instruction on offer:
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Not Yet
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Shop:
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Chalk and finger tape for sale
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Famous names who train there:
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One of the best boulderers in the world trains here ……a true bouldering superstar who has climbed Font 8c. He goes by the name of Malcolm Smith - need we mention anyone else? And on the lassies front, the young, talented Sadie Renwick and the super strong April Marr use this place as their home training ground.
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Best Nearest Pub(s):
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The Bridge Inn.
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Best Nearest Food:
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Head down to Leith where you'll find loads of top notch eating spots, pub grub or sandwich stops.
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