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The Beach Leisure Centre, Aberdeen
*½
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Opened: 1989
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This bouldering/ top-rope wall is located in the Beach Leisure Centre on the sea front in Aberdeen. The location is great, the building is modern as are many of the facilities, but the climbing wall is disappointing.
The wall, built by Bendcrete, is housed in a long narrow corridor which is poorly lit and feels claustrophobic. Though not the best ambience, does offer some good problems and features for climbers of all levels. There are some marked problems (though I couldn't find the grades for these) which look good, and the features in place cover a good variety of climbing techniques.
Gripes include old matting, and more importantly, the fact that some of the problems are dangerously close to the back concrete wall. An outward fall could result in a visit to the hospital - take a helmet and some body padding!
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Overall verdict:
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The climbing is reasonable and many good problems can be had - but the setting is grim. The beach itself is worth a visit.
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By bus: Catch a number 14 or 15. This will take you to the Beach Ballroom which adjoins the leisure centre.
By train: Aberdeen train station is located behind Union Street. From here either take a bus, or a 20 minute walk.
By car: Follow signs to Aberdeen City Centre - this will take you to Union Street. Follow this to its end, then follow the road left to enter Kings Street. Turn right at the first traffic lights to reach a roundabout. Take the 2nd exit, then turn left onto the sea front road. An orange roofed building can be seen, this is the sports centre. Park about 50 metres further on for main entrance.
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Address:
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Beach Leisure Centre, Beach Promenade, Aberdeen, AB24 5NR.
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Tel:
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01224 655401
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Web:
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n/a
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Wall Description:
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Bouldering/top-rope walls
This older style wall is constructed of 100 sqm of highly featured resin walls. The holds are made from sculptured features and real stone inserts. Features include fist and hand cracks, a small roof and overlap, a slab, aretes, a back & foot corner, flakes , pockets, crimps, undercuts and pinches. A bar at the top of the wall enables top-roping.
Easiest problem: Unknown
Hardest problem: Unknnown
Classic of the crag: Lay-back arete
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Opening Hours:
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Mon-Fri: 0830-2230
Sat & Sun: 0830-2030
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Entry Fee:
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Adult: £3.50 Junior £1.65
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Entry Requirements:
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Sign disclaimer on entry. Children (over 8 years only) admitted but must be accompanied by an adult. Adults must sign a consent form for child.
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Equipment Hire:
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No |
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Other facilities on offer:
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Health suite, Pleasure Pool, Sports Hall, Fitness gym, Ballroom.
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Showers:
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Yes
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Food:
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Large café serving hot & cold food and drinks. Vending machines for snacks, ice cream and drinks. |
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Kids Club:
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No
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Courses/Instruction on offer:
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No
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Shop:
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no climbing equipment.
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Famous names who train there:
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Before the Aberdeen boys built their own walls, the likes of Tim Rankin, John Wilson, Neil Morrison, Neil Shepherd, Guy Robertson and Mike Reed all trained here. Nowadays, the wall lacks the fab and the famous.
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Best Nearest Pub(s):
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Not the nearest, but perhaps the best ….. The Prince of Wales, Aberdeen's oldest unchanged pub (just off Nicholas Square).
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Best Nearest Food:
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There are several cafes on the beach front worth a visit, but if you're heading into town then Estaminet do great tapas, and The Prince of Wales pub (as described above) is the all-time favourite for pub grub.
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The lighting may be poor, but there are some good problems to be had
Larger Picture
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