Overview

Update 15/10/2016
The Crystal Wall has been refitted with a plethora of bolt on holds, there are now approx 50 routes available from 11 in-situ ropes. The wall still remains closed to the general public, however it is available for use to individuals and groups where a person or leader has a recognised climbing award, i.e. SPA and above. Call the centre for details.
There are still introductory climbing sessions taking place on Mon,Tues & Wed evenings, ask the centre if spaces are available. If you search for the venue on Facebook you should be able to find a grade spreadsheet for the routes.

Update 11/11/10
The sad news is that for the foreseeable future the wall is closed to the general public, unless they are attending a course run by a qualified instructor. The reason for this has not yet been fully explained, however the decision appears to be largely due to issues arising from Health & Safety and Public Liability Insurance. For a full explanation you will still have to enquire with the Crystal. We hope something can be sorted out as the Crystal Wall is a much loved and almost unique indoor venue for local climbers of all abilities.

Bouldering room in ex-squash court with a variety of angled walls and central overhang by DR, built 1990. No gear hire. Courses available. Sports centre facilities. [12/99]
[reviews welcomed - UKC Ed]

Posted by Rob Shaw Climbing course supervisor at the Crystal. The grades given below are a guide only, and are based on similar routes set at other local walls. Feel free to comment.

Description
Compact 4 sided (Squash court size) Bouldering & Climbing wall, with fully padded floor.
The wall construction is a mix of 1220x1220mm (4ft) 25mm thick textured birch plywood and brick wall with fixed embedded concrete and real rock holds.
Descriptions below viewed from as you enter the room.

LEFT WALL (Bouldering Wall)
On entering room there is a series of 6 overhanging grit style textured plywood (not bolted) panels, graded below from the door to the back of the room.
Panel 1 Grade 5+ (The easy up)
Panel 2 Grade 6b+ (The Sloper)
Panel 3 Grade 6a (The Sausage)
Panel 4 Grade 6a+ (Crimp)
Panel 5 Grade 6b (X/Y)
Panel 6 Grade 7a (2 finger pocket ouch!)
These panels are usually used for vertical assents and bum starts.
However there is a profusion of iconed routes across all six panels that have been marked up by regular users,
look for the ‘Skateboard’ or ‘Swirl’ routes, some very entertaining bum starts, of a high standard.

GENERAL OVERVIEW
There are no lead routes at the wall.

Although the brick far back and right walls have embedded proper rock holds, these on no account should be used for placing gear and leading, as this will damage the holds.
These rock holds, are extremely useful for ‘demonstrating’ gear placement, and can be used with care for ‘mock leads’ with the climber’s weight supported with a bottom rope.
Please make sure no weight is placed on any mock protection when using this method of training.
It is possible to circuit traverse the entire room. The wall is often used for developing stamina. All the rock holds are numbered. Careful inspection of these will identify routes.
The Crystal is a small wall, but used with imagination can provide some excellent indoor climbing, regular users are genuinely happy to see new faces and advise on routes.

CLIMBING COURSES
Adult & junior climbing courses take place on Monday evenings 6.00 till 8.00pm, Tuesday evenings (Rob Shaw) 6.45 till 8.45pm, Wed evenings 6.00 till 8.00pm
These are introductory courses in blocks of 12 to 14 weeks, places on these courses are in demand and there is a waiting list, so please ask at the reception for details,
or call one of the instructors, Rob Shaw 0781 2673743.
If you are unsure of what goes on during a course, pop your head round the door on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evening, the instructors will be happy to answer any questions.

Rob Shaw (Climbing course supervisor at Crystal)

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