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Gem Sports Hall, Aston University

This wall is not a dedicated climbing centre. It is might be run by a school or leisure centre

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Last updated on 19/Dec/2014

Overview

Coated panels and moulded concrete bouldering wall in dedicated area on first floor, by Bendcrete, built 1991. 48 sq m of wall surface. Changing and showers.
"Not for beginners. It's a bouldering wall 14' high and 35' long. We don't hire equipment. There's never queues." [Centre staff to Charles Arthur. Somehow they made it sound worth trying, though.]

Reviews

John Wisker

15 Jun, 2007
The Aston University climbing wall is the sort of wall Don Whillans and Hamish Macinnes would have considered using. There are no soft touches like lockers, cafe, gear shop, ladder to get you to the top of the wall to set up belays or decent mats. Any one who has stayed at Willies Farm below Tryfan in the Ogwen Valley in North Wales, will have their memory revived of that experience when they visit the sanitary facilities. However if you are an intermediate climber looking for a way of moving up a grade or two this wall is the perfect tool. In addition to the wall there is a pull-up bar and a frame for doing dips on. The one other climber I met during my evening at Aston University said that the wall would be quite now as most of the student climbers had gone home for the summer. So if you are looking for a quite location to do some intense sport specific training, and do not want to pay for unneeded luxuries this is the wall for you. John Wisker June 2007

12 May, 2007
It's a very good wall. I manage to get round most parts but what is frustrating is the lack of routes or grading. If the club President reads this, it would very useful to have some graded routes on there.
chris

18 Mar, 2007
Im phd student at Aston. Started out (altogether) on this wall 6 months ago and my arms and hands are the strongest theyve ever been. I took out and out beginners along a while ago and they really enjoyed themselves. I dont believe all this talk of "not for the faint hearted" and all that. Its a great wall for building your strength up and allows you to takle other walls with more confidence once you get up to certain level on it.
Jamie Hill

31 Aug, 2006
I'm the current President of the Aston Uni Climbing club even though I only started climbing at Aston. I find this wall one of the best, and certainly the cheapest I've tryed! For students is £1.30! However, the uni are aparently rebuilding the sports complex it is in and they are not taking it with them. So please help us keep this wall!
Jaffar

16 Mar, 2005
My first ever climb was here and i was told it is quite tough. Never really put me off and im still going back. Try it out!
Philip Smith

10 Oct, 2003
Small wall but excellent for training on if you are on your own and want to get strong fingers. The best bit is the leaning panel which as lots of good problems and and some good circuits if you are strong enough to hang on. Would not recommend if you are a beginner but if you are keen on bouldering worth a visit. Note the price has recently gone up to £2.40
Ray

19 Apr, 2003
Excellent wall...one problem, I hadn't read that it wasn't for beginners when I first went and although I managed to climb around some sections the result was very strained muscles! Hasn't put me off though...recommend this wall to anyone. Costs £2.20 as well..not £3. If you hold an NUS card it's even cheaper. Crash mats are a bit naff though! I guess the idea isn't to fall off too much!
adam palmer

28 May, 2002
Went to the uni, and joined the club; they suggested I try out the wall there, just to see how good I thought I was. Most of the walls are OK, but circuits round the centre wall at an angle of about 30 degrees kills your arms and fingers! Rumoured to be one of the hardest bouldering walls in the country, and I think after a year training on the walls I'd have to agree! Good for improving finger strength but not for the faint hearted. Give it a try, I dare you!
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