Lochbroom Leisure Centre
* 1/2
|
| |
|
Opened: 1990
|
If those strong westerly winds and lashing rain stop play in the North West Highlands as they so often do, then a session on this wall should be considered as an option. This lead and bouldering wall, located in the Lochbroom Leisure Centre is typical of the DR Walls built in the early 90's - good for its time, but now somewhat dated. Although it lacks the imagination of the more modern walls, it does he the advantage of being quite high (7 metres). It is also good for supervised beginners wishing to learn multi pitch belaying techniques and how to place protection. With a bit of imagination many good problems can be had and I'm told it's quite good for practicing a bit of aid climbing too! The jamming fiend is catered for and those looking for something a little less positive will get it with poor and sloping holds also being present in the form of natural stone holds.
If wishing to lead, I would recommend that you should be able to either solo to a height of 7 metres plus to get a rope in place, or be confident in your natural gear placements (which do look good on this wall). There are no mats in place so boulderers should beware, as a fall onto the wooden floor from a height could be a slippery affair to say the least!
As the wall is located at the far end of a sports hall, the noise from kiddies playing on the Bouncy Castle or practicing athletics can be distracting and may play hoc with your nervous system!
|
|
Overall verdict:
|
|
Not a bad wall for a small town, worth a visit if rained off the crags.
|
| How to get there:
|
By bus: City Link bus to Ullapool town centre, then on foot to centre.
By train:
By car: On entering Ullapool, follow the main shore front road to its far (west) end. Just after the pier you will pick up a sign for The Leisure Centre, follow this. (The centre is located on the north side of Ullapool).
|
|
Address:
|
|
Quay Street, Ullapool, Highland, IV26 2TU
|
|
Tel:
|
|
01854 612 884
|
|
Web:
|
|
n/a
|
|
Wall Description:
|
Lead and Bouldering Wall
This lead or bouldering wall stands at between 7 and 8 metres in height. To get a top rope in place, one must solo, or place natural gear to reach the insitu Screwgates, of which there are five in total. The concrete wall is vertical throughout with holds being either natural rocks inserted or shaped slots cut out of a pebble/concrete mixture. The holds are varied, offering a mixture of slopers, pinches, finger, hand and fist cracks, crimps and jugs. There is also a mantleshelf and a belay ledge for practicing techniques and belaying. Natural protection can be placed so bring along, cams, nuts, slings and hexes.
Easiest problem: no set problems
Hardest problem: no set problems
Classic of the crag: hand & fist crack
|
|
Opening Hours:
|
|
Summer time: 10am-10pm. Term time: Varied opening hours, call reception for more details.
|
|
Entry Fee:
|
|
Adult: £2.90 Junior: £1.45 |
|
Entry Requirements:
|
|
None
|
|
Equipment Hire:
|
|
No
|
|
Other facilities on offer:
|
|
25m swimming pool, games hall, fitness room and outdoor tennis courts.
|
|
Showers:
|
|
Yes
|
|
Food:
|
|
Vending machine.
|
|
Kids Club:
|
|
No
|
|
Courses/Instruction on offer:
|
|
during the summer school holidays there are coaching classes. Call reception for more details.
|
|
Shop:
|
|
yes, but does not sell climbing equipment.
|
|
Famous names who train there:
|
|
Local climber Andy Cunningham has been known to use the wall, as has ex local, Lawrence Hughes who's been practicing a few aid climbing techniques here!
|
|
Best Nearest Pub(s):
|
|
Got to be The Ferry Boat Inn for good atmosphere, reasonable beer and its near the shore if you fancy a moonlit dip. The Ceilidh Place is also a good spot for a whisky or two and live music.
|
|
Best Nearest Food:
|
|
If its fast food, head on down to Seefish on the shore front for a great takeaway haddock and chips. If you're in need of something a tad healthier then try The Ceilidh Place for a good veggie & healthy selection of food. Want to read a climbing mag while noshing, then drop in at Mountain Man Supplies for a good cuppa cappacino and home baking, plus meals at reasonable prices. And if all that sea air has given you the taste for something seafoody, then go for gold with the Morefield's a la carte menu, or try their excellent and more reasonably priced bar meals.
|
