Description

Do you have what it takes to climb this 50 feet colossus? More than five times bigger than any other indoor ice climbing wall in the world, this is the perfect place to go ice climbing, even if you’ve never grasped an ice axe before. After a full safety briefing and being issued with the essentials, you’ll tackle the icy wall with full supervision from your expert instructor, using a top-roped belay safety system. There are routes to suit every level of experience, ranging from simple, easy angled slopes for the beginner, through to hanging bollards and gully features for more experienced climbers. This is a thrilling experience which may be the first of many more to come.

Availability: 9am to 10pm, seven days a week. Allow at least four weeks advance notice for weekend bookings. Weather: Duration: Your experience will last for about one and a half hours, including briefings, kit issue and a minimum of one hour in the ice bay. Please arrive a few minutes early to ensure a prompt start. Numbers On Day: A 1:4 ratio of instructors to climbers gives the best input and most climbing. A maximum of 12 people will be on the wall at any one time. Spectators: Spectators are welcome and can watch from a special viewing area. There is a cafe serving hot and cold drinks and a selection of food. Dress Code: Wear waterproofs if you have them, and lots of warm layers (multiple thin layers are more effective than a single bulky layer). Climbing equipment, warm clothing and specialist ice-climbing boots will be provided. Guidelines: Kinlochleven is in the western highlands of Scotland near Ben Nevis and Glencoe, around two hours’ drive north of Glasgow. From the A82 take the B863. Once you enter Kinlochleven the venue is well signposted. Restrictions: Minimum age is 14. Parental consent is required for under 16’s. There are no weight or height restrictions, but the minimum boot size is adult four. You’ll need to be reasonably fit; as a guide you should be able to hold a 1kg weight at arms length. Other Info: The Ice Factor is the National Ice Climbing Centre and at 800 square metres is the world’s largest indoor ice-climbing wall, with an ice cave, ice pillar, neve wall and fall-out gully.

Location: Fort William, Scottish Highlands