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Hadrians Wall, Falkirk
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Opened: 1995
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'Unique' is one way to describe this wall! The climbing walls within the large halls and adjoining rooms are made from wooden panels, adorned with odd, brightly painted, wooden, sculptural shapes which represent climbing features.
At first it seems a strange sight - more like an art installation than a wall. However, having watched climbers attempt the routes, the techniques they use to overcome these obstacles, are in fact very like the real thing. The management appear to have thought of everything, and with no space limitations to hold them back - they have gone for it!
Walls include a steep competition wall, complete with stalactites, an A1 roof traverse, and Scotland's tallest wall - the 20 metre high tower. There is much diversity - single and multi pitch lead routes with bolt or leader placed protection, depending which you prefer; steep walls for training on, aid routes for practising techniques, bouldering rooms and more.
Despite the many structures, the climbing halls remain spacious with lounging areas, additional seating and a restaurant, allowing the climber a rest or two between sessions.
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Overall verdict:
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It may not use state of the art technology, but it is a piece of art! The walls may not be everyone's cup of tea but definitely worth a visit.
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By bus: From the town centre take a no.83 (marked Grangemouth). This will drop you off outside the wall.
By train: Train to Falkirk station then take a bus or walk. To walk, cross the road and head up towards the job centre, turn left into Wier Street, follow this to its end, go down some steps, turn left under the railway bridge, down this road till its end (passing an old folks home), cross over street at lights, past flats etc and you'll find the wall on the left.
By car: From Edinburgh, exit M9 on Junction 5, follow the bypass towards Grangemouth. At the Scottish Island roundabout take the 1st exit, past the fire station on the left. The wall is just after the station on the right, next to Falkirk College. Coming in from Glasgow, exit M9 at Junction 6, follow signs for Grangemouth/Falkirk . Head straight over at the Scottish Island roundabout, and then 1st right, next to Falkirk College.
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Address:
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Hadrians Wall, Grangemouth Road, Falkirk, FK2 9AB
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Tel:
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01324 637733
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Web:
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n/a
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Wall Description:
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There are four separate climbing areas each containing several walls of varying heights. Areas include a unique beginners/training area and bouldering walls; a vast intermediate area with routes up to f6a; a dedicated hard area with routes up to f6c; a main 15 metre competition face with routes up to f8a, and a 20 metre high tower. All walls are constructed of wooden panels with wooden features and bolt on holds. Routes can be led and top-roped on bolts or leader placed protection. There are several multi pitch routes with belay ledges to practise techniques. An A1 roof traverse exists for those who wish to practise aid climbing. Features include overhangs, roofs, slabs, stalactites, fist and finger cracks, chimneys etc.
Lead/ top-rope walls
Easiest route: f4a
Hardest route: f7c
Classic of the crag: The long A1 roof traverse for pure novelty, and the large stalactites on the competition wall.
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Opening Hours:
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Mon-Fri: 1100-2200 (except Wed 1000-2200,. Sat: 1000-1800, Sun: 1200-2100. (Caesars Lounge open until 2300).
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Entry Fee:
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Standard: £6 Concession (UB40, OAP, Student): £5. Call the centre for 10-20% discounts on multi entry books of tickets.
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Entry Requirements:
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Adults must sign a disclaimer on first visit. Children must be accompanied by and adult who must sign a nvice form for thier child.
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Equipment Hire:
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Yes. Rock boots (size 2-12) £2. Harness, screw karabiner & belay device £2. Helmet £1.
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Other facilities on offer:
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Sports Complex - 5 aside indoor soccer on two pitches. Rollerskating. Table Tennis. Bouncy Castle.
Caesars Lounge - Café and Bar. 3 Pool Tables. Disco and Karaoke. Skysports on large screen TV.
Pharoahs Nite Club - dance the night away!
Meeting or band practise rooms.
Slide shows and lectures.
Private party bookings taken.
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Showers:
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Yes
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Food:
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Refreshments available from reception. Also Caesars bar and café in centre serves meals from 1100-1500 (Weekdays) and 1100-1500 and then 1900-2200 weekends). Serves food such as burgers, macaroni, bolognaise etc., and a mean plate of chips, I'm told! A basic selection of snacks are available at reception and the bar upstairs serves drinks (hot and alcoholic) and bar food in the evenings.
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Kids Club:
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Kidz Climbing Club - introduction to climbing by instructor. Runs each Saturday from 1000-1200. Cost £6.
The Academy - More advanced introduction to climbing for three different age groups - covers belaying and working with partner. 2 hr sessions run each Saturday from 1100. Cost £6 per session.
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Courses/Instruction on offer:
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Instructor available for hire £20 per hour.
Intro one hour session - Supervised introduction including entry and hire of all equipment. Standard cost: £14, Concessions: £9.
Climbing Courses - all 10 hour modules (courses are normally 5 x2 hrs but can be held overa weekend to suit) - all necessary equipment is provided.
Introductory climbing skills - Max ratio for 1:6 per instructor. For beginners or hillwalkers who want to learn how to climb safely. Cost £80 (Concession £55).
Lead Climbing - For intermediate climbers who want to gain lead climbing skills. Cost £80.
Advanced Techniques - For intermediate climbers who want to learn specialised skills, i.e. self help rescue, escaping the system etc. £80
Hillwalkers Confidence and Saftey - This course teaches basic climbing skills, security on steep ground, rope management and how to protect yourself and your party. Cost £80.
Instructor training - This course is designed to show how to teach beginners. Course delegates should be intermediate standard climbers. Call the centre to discuss.
Climbing Clinic and coaching - for personal improvement, call the centre to discuss.
Works/Groups Outings - call the centre to discuss.
Corporate Games/Activities - call the centre to discuss.
First Aid Courses - call the centre to discuss.
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Shop:
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Chalk balls only.
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Famous names who train there:
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Gary Latter has been spotted in the place….and apparently a Sir Chris Bonnington!
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Best Nearest Pub(s):
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Well I would have to say Caesars within the centre!
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Best Nearest Food:
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And again, I would have to say Caesars, certainly the nearest!
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Belay ledges mean you can practise multi pitch climbing techniques
Larger Picture
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