Overview
Curved resin bouldering and toproping wall built 1991. 28 sq m surface. Sports centre.
A quiet wall that you'll often have to yourself on a weeknight. Situated on a viewing balcony above the main indoor court, so you'll usually find you're sharing the space with mums, dads, boyfirends, girlfriends and siblings of whoever happens to be playing badminton/roller hockey/five-a-side etc on the court below. Although the wall can be set up for toproping, there are no ropes in place and it's small enough that adult climbers can solo it. (There's plenty of protection beneath it if you do fall).
The wall itself consists largely of vertical panels with the top row of panels (about 12 to 15ft off the ground) overhung at an angle of about 30 degrees. At one end there is a pillar set out from the main wall which provides an opportunity for some cornering/chimney work.
There doesn't seem to be any consistent activity in terms of route setting, although holds do get moved around from time to time. The panels are featured, allowing you to make up your own crimpy routes. Probably the worst apect of the wall is that the resin surface is becoming very worn, so even with good quality boots you may find yourself slipping on the lower holds.
In conclusion, not the greatest climbing experience that the world has to offer, but a useful place to know if you just want somewhere quiet and local to keep in shape.
If you plan to use the wall, you need to bring evidence of membership of
another wall. If you don't have that they won't let you climb until you've
done an induction session to demonstrate your competence, and it's best to ring in advance to arrange this. [Laurence Scotford 4/01]