Want to go ice climbing in Scotland over New Year? Normally we'd
rate you chances as slightly better than finding a goldfish in the
OUTDOORSmagic kettle, but things have changed...
The Ice Factor, which houses the world's largest indoor ice wall,
opens in Kinlochleven, the next valley along from Glencoe, on
December 27 which is the Saturday after Christmas.
We've covered the Ice Factor before - formerly the Ice Factory,
but a 'Y' fell off the end when it turned out someone else had the
rights to the original name - see the links to previous OM articles
below, but as a brief reminder, it houses the world's biggest indoor
ice climbing wall along with sizeable rock walls and other
facilities.
Sited in a disused aluminium plant in Kinlochleven, we've heard
that it's massively impressive in real life and should be an
incredible facility. A two-hour ice session will set you back
£8.50, which added to a £1.50 daily membership makes it a
tenner. Not that bad given that you'll probably climb more vertical
ice in two hours than you'd manage in two weeks 'real' Scottish
winter climbing, especially at this time of year....
Alternatively, for ten quid plus membership, you can have all-day
rock climbing and a two-hour ice session, which can't be bad.
Launch Week Lectures
To celebrate the lauch of the Ice Factor, the facility - what sort
of word is that? - is holding a week-long programme of evening
lectures hosted by the inimitable Andy Kirkpatrick and with an
understandable focus on all things Scottish and wintery. Speakers
include Martin Moran, Scott Muir, Cameron McNeish and Dave McCleod.
Full details of the programme here.
And the Hogmany Party
Last but very definitely not least, the Ice Factor is having a
mega New Year party billed as 'The Biggest Hooly in the Highlands'.
Bands, DJs, fireworks and more, tickets are £15 each and can be
otained through the Ice Factor or various agents.
See the web
site for more details both of the Hogmany bash and general.
Alison Stockwell
The indoor ice wall at the TNF store in Manchester is open for business with 40 tons of ice just waiting for a good kicking from your expertly wielded crampon points :-)
