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Lochaber Leisure Centre, Fort William
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Opened: 1987 (new sections 1993)
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A much needed facility for climbers living in what is officially the wettest place in Britain - Fort William! This bouldering wall is located close to Ben Nevis so it proves very useful when (on the not so rare occasion) you are rained or stormed off the mountains.
Located in a sports centre near the town centre, the wall offers good bouldering for the intermediate climber. For the beginner it is a bit tricky, and one has to be careful not to slip off the polished holds on the easier walls, or pull tendons on the steeper walls. For those who enjoy jamming, a testing roof crack should appeal.
The first time visitor can try out some of the excellent problems (from British 5b-7a) which are marked out, although, unfortunately the addition of new matting means the starts of many of these are now more difficult or impossible. New crash matting is a much welcome addition, as are the orange painted walls for that Mediterranean look! Good heating and venting system.
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Overall verdict:
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A fingery wall with many good problems on offer. Definitely worth a visit on a wet Highland day.
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| How to get there:
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By bus: From the town centre, catch any bus marked Corpach, Coal or Claggan, however it may be just as quick to do the 10 minute walk.
By train: Train to Fort William station, then a five minute walk. Exit station from main entrance and turn left, cross the main dual carraigeway to the hospital and keep following the road (A82 towards Inverness) for about a ¼ mile. The sports centre is on right, after the playing field.
By car: From the West, follow the A82 to Fort William, take the town bypass, 2nd exit on roundabout (pass Ellis Brighams on your left) and after a ¼ mile, the sports centre is on the right.
From the east, head towards the town centre, taking the 2nd turning on the left after the 'Woollen Mill' roundabout.
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Address:
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Lochaber Leisure Centre, Belford Road, Fort William, Inverness-shire, PH33 6BU
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Tel:
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01397 704359
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Web:
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n/a
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Wall Description:
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Bouldering
This wall comprises of a total of 138 sqm of wall surface, this bouldering wall comprising of two sections, namely 'the old wall' and 'the new wall', both built by Bendcrete. The old wall is constructed from moulded concrete, with holds consisting of stone inserts, bolt-ons and moulded concrete holds. The old walls vary in angle from vertical to overhanging, to a large roof, which sports a testing fist crack problem. The new wall is constructed of highly featured resin panels with bolt-ons and moulded resin as holds. Both sections of this wall are overhanging. All walls are 6 metres high with a top-rope bar in place and new, fixed crash matting for bouldering. The stone inserts on the old wall have become very polished but offer the easier climbing. Holds are varied with features including aretes, a roof, finger crack, pockets and lay-backs.
Easiest problem: British 5b
Hardest problem: British 7a
Classic of the crag: roof jam crack
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Opening Hours:
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Mon-Fri: 9am-9pm, Sat & Sun: 10am-6pm (1st July-31st August)
Mon-Fri: 9am-9pm, Sat & Sun: 10am-4pm (1st Sept-30th June)
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Entry Fee:
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£2.50 per session or £5.50 for weekly tickets. No registration fee.
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Entry Requirements:
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First time users to sign a disclaimer. Juniors must be accompanied by an adult, who must sign a liability form for the child.
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Equipment Hire:
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No. Rock boots can be hired from West Coast Outdoor Leisure in the High Street, Fort William.
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Other facilities on offer:
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Sauna suite, squash, table tennis, fitness suite, cardio gym, solarium, tennis, swimming, putting.
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Showers:
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Yes
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Food:
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Vending machine for sweets, crisps and cold 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
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Famous names who train there:
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The wall has seen many a famous face from north and south of the border. All those who have been rained off the mountains end up here - Twid Turner, Graham Desroy, Andy Cave, Emma Alsford, Murray Hamilton, Dave Cuthbertson and David MacLeod to name but a few ....
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Best Nearest Pub(s):
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I would have to say the Nevisport bar, purely for the roaring fire in the cold winter evenings and climbing memorabilia on the walls, though it's worth checking out the Grog & Gruel and Achintee Farm bar for good drinks and live music.
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Best Nearest Food:
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For a great roast meat or veg sandwich, head over to the café opposite West Coast Outdoor Leisure at the west end of the High Street. Seafood lovers should try out The Crannog on the seafront. Those seeking something a little different must visit the converted farm building at Achintee Farm (unusual menu, casual atmosphere, child friendly & great views) - head out of town towards Inverness (A82) and take the next turning on the right after the Glen Nevis turn off. Follow this road, then take a right before the Spar shop and follow this road to its end. And lastly if you're looking for a special night out, try out some of the chefs specials at No.7, tucked away on Fort William's High Street, or The Moorings restaurant out of town, in Banavie, next to the Caledonian Canal. A little bit pricey, but you won't be disappointed.
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