Description

Got a head for heights and nerves of steel? Challenge yourself with a whole day of climbing at the National Ice Climbing Centre – the UK’s top indoor rock and ice climbing facility. After being kitted out with climbing equipment (all included) you’ll start off with your feet still firmly on the ground during a full briefing on safety and basic climbing techniques. Then put theory into practice with an hour and a half rock climbing session, scaling the indoor wall with expert instruction. After lunch (not included) at the on-site cafe, you’ll tackle the ice wall. Using a top-roped belay safety system, you’ll climb the 50ft wall of ice, neve and a variety of precarious angles to give you an exhilarating introduction to the sport.

Availability: 9am to 10pm, seven days a week. Allow at least four weeks advance notice for weekend bookings. Book during off-peak periods (weekdays, excluding bank holidays, from March to July and September to January) and get an extra 20 minutes’ climbing free. Weather: Duration: Rock climbing will last for around one and a half hours and ice climbing for around two hours. 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. You must complete and sign a disclaimer in order to take part.

Location: Fort William, Scottish Highlands