Buddy's UK Climbing Wall Guide
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Overall I would give The Leeds Climbing Wall in West Yorkshire a 5 star rating. This climbing wall is an all round excellent centre though the customer service and café leave a little to be desired. It is very popular and they recon they can cope with 250 visitors. This is definitely a place for the experienced climber with 80% of the routes suitable for leading (but be prepared to have your belaying checked, regularly !!). There is just enough for the less experienced and novice climbers. The staff aren’t the friendliest I have encountered particularly in the café. There is an excellent shop that is well worth a visit all in its own right. |
|
Essential Details for The Leeds Wall West Yorkshire
|
|
|
Address
|
The Leeds Wall
100a Gelderd Road
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS12 6BY
|
|
Phone
|
0113 234 1554
|
|
Fax
|
0113 234 1554
|
|
Email
|
info@theleedswall.co.uk
|
|
Web
|
www.theleedswall.co.uk (see link at bottom of page)
|
|
Cost
|
Adults £6.80 (see their web site for full details)
|
|
Opening Hours
|
Weekdays - 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Weekends - 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (winter)
Weekends - 10:00 am to 6:30 pm (summer)
|
|
Rating
|
5 Star
|
|
The Routes at The Leeds Wall West Yorkshire
|
||
|
Description
|
Rating
|
Comments
|
|
Height of routes
|
5 star
|
The heights vary and reach up to 13 metres
|
|
Number of lines/routes
|
4 star
|
56 lines, a few with ropes and 80% for leading - well over 150 routes in all
|
|
Range of grades
|
5 star
|
Routes range from 3 (easy beginners) to 8a (serious expert)
|
|
Labelling of routes
|
5 star
|
Very clear - all routes are graded by the climb
|
|
Description & variety of routes
|
5 Star
|
Many of the climbs are technically challenging and have interesting twists and characteristics requiring technique as well as strength
|
|
Frequency of route setting
|
4 star
|
Often something being changed. On average individual routes are changed every 3 to 4 months - popular routes may stay longer
|
|
Equipment provided
|
5 star
|
Only a few routes are ready roped - leading routes have quickdraws. Harnesses, helmets, belay devices and shoes are available for hire
|
|
Availability for leading
|
5 star
|
3/4 of the routes are for leading
|
|
Overhangs
|
5 star
|
Overhangs vary from up to 6 metre
|
|
Bouldering
|
5 star
|
A good bouldering wall over 40 metres in length spreading across 2 walls. Some panel and some sculptures, all with holds
|
|
Traversing
|
1 star
|
No dedicated traverse wall - use the main bouldering or climbing walls
|
|
Auto belays
|
4 Star
|
There are up to 4 auto belays in fixed positions
|
|
The Management at The Leeds Wall West Yorkshire
|
||
|
Description
|
Rating
|
Comments
|
|
Staff knowledge of climbing
|
5 star
|
All the staff are climbers
|
|
Friendliness of staff
|
2 star
|
I didn't find the staff as friendly as I have come to expect from visiting other walls
|
|
Popularity of wall
|
5 star
|
The wall is very popular though they recon the can cope with 250 visitors
|
|
Dedicated or part of a complex
|
5 star
|
This is a dedicated climbing wall
|
|
Membership
|
4 star
|
there is a one of fee of £3
|
|
Fees to climb
|
4 star
|
Adult fees per session are £6.80 (2006)
|
|
Registration procedure
|
5 star
|
There is the usual questionnaire and disclaimer to sign as well as a check on tying in and belaying
|
|
Climbing partners
|
3 star
|
There is an in-house system for finding partners as well as Wednesday evenings where staff will partner you if needed
|
|
Competitions
|
3 star
|
They are on the Winter Bouldering League circuit
|
|
Contact details
|
5 star
|
The Leeds Wall, 100a Gelderd Road, Leeds, LE12 6BY
or phone 0113 234 1554
|
|
Web Site
|
4 Star
|
A good web site (see link at the bottom of this page)
|
|
Membership of ABC
|
5 star
|
They are full members of ABC
|
|
The Facilities at The Leeds Wall West Yorkshire
|
||
|
Description
|
Details
|
Comments
|
|
Opening Hours
|
Weekdays - 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Weekends - 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (Winter)
Weekends - 10:00 am to 6:30 pm (Summer)
|
|
|
Open to public
|
The centre is always open to the public
|
|
|
Location
|
Not difficult to find near the centre of Leeds
|
|
|
Parking
|
Yes
|
Limited parking in their car park, otherwise park in the local streets - avoid times when there is a home Leeds football match on !!
|
|
Cafe/Bar
|
There is a cafe with very limited provisions
|
|
|
Lockers
|
No
|
There are no lockers though there are partitioned shelves where you can leave your kit
|
|
Spectator area
|
Spectators must stay on the blue carpeted area
|
|
|
Areas to relax
|
Yes
|
In the cafe
|
|
Toilets
|
Yes
|
Acceptable
|
|
Shop
|
Yes
|
They have their own very good shop called "Off The Wall"
|
|
Wall Construction
|
A mixture of panelled and sculptured walls all with holds
|
|
|
Building construction
|
Build in a modern industrial unit
|
|
|
General
|
This is an excellent centre and is well worth visiting particularly if you are an experienced climber
|
|
|
The Suitability of The Leeds Wall West Yorkshire
|
||
|
Description
|
Rating
|
Comments
|
|
For novices
|
3 star
|
The centre is suitable for novices with a limited number of easy climbs
|
|
For experienced climbers
|
5 star
|
Plenty to go at from technically difficult climbs to the extremely challenging overhangs. Over 3/4 on the routes are for lead climbing
|
|
For groups
|
4 star
|
Groups of all standards and varieties are very welcome, though booking is required. SPA holders with current 1st Certificate and their own or group insurance can take their own groups (phone them for details)
|
|
Instructors and Courses at The Leeds Wall West Yorkshire
|
||
|
Description
|
Details
|
Comments
|
|
For novices
|
Taster sessions and learning to climb courses
|
There are a number of courses available as well as a climbing club for youngsters
|
|
For experienced climbers
|
There are improvers courses as well as 1 to 1 courses
|
|
|
For groups
|
Of all abilities
|
Group sessions are very popular from birthday parties to regular climbing clubs.
|
|
Instructors
|
There are (on average) 20 freelance instructors some of whom are SPA holders
|
|
|
Own instruction
|
Yes
|
SPA holders (and above) can take their own groups provided they have their own or group insurance and current 1st Aid Certificate - booking is required. Group size is 8 students to each instructor
|
Return to Home Page
Go back to "Find a Wall" page
To visit The Leeds Wall’s own web site click here
|
If you would like to receive regular updates on this or any other wall, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please complete the simple box below.
|
