Buddy's UK Climbing Wall Guide
...For the Welsh International Wall – South Wales

Overview

Overall I would give The Welsh International climbing wall in South Wales a 5 star rating. The Welsh International (which is now under new management) is an awesome place. It is so vast that the Westway would probably fit into one corner. It has something for everybody from beginners walls to the huge competition wall (17 metres with 8 metre overhang).

Its only draw back is that it is in the middle of nowhere (make sure your map reading skills are good or use a GPS!!). It is well worth the hassle though as this place really is fantastic. It is billed as one of Europe biggest climbing walls. In terms of value for money the fees are very reasonable. I wish this wall was on my doorstep.

*Essential Details for Welsh International Climbing Wall, South Wales*
Address	Welsh International Climbing Centre Twelewis Treharris Mid Glamorgan South Wales CF46 6RD
Phone	01443 710749
Fax	01443 710789
Email
Web	www.indoorclimbingwalls.co.uk (see link at bottom of page)
Cost	Adults £7.70 (see their web site for full details)
Opening Hours	Weekdays 10:00 am to 10:00 pm - last entry 8:45 pm Weekends 10:00 am to 7:30 pm - last entry 5:00 pm
Rating	5 Star

*The Routes at Welsh International Climbing Wall, South Wales*
Description	Rating	Comments
Height of routes	5 star	Some serious climbing here with a maximum height of 17 metres
Number of lines/routes	5 star	90 lines, some with ropes and some for leading, over 300 routes. Do be deceived by the relatively small number of line - they are well spaced out
Range of grades	5 star	Routes range from 3 (beginners) to 9a+ (seriously expert)
Labelling of routes	5 star	Very clear - a page is stuck to the floor for every group of climbs
Description & variety of routes	5 Star	Many of the climbs are technically challenging and have interesting twists and characteristics requiring some thought
Frequency of route setting	5 star	Always something being changed. Individual routes are changed every 4 weeks
Equipment provided	5 star	Some routes are ready roped - leading routes have quickdraws. Harnesses, helmets, belay devices and shoes are available for hire
Availability for leading	4 star	Yes plenty of it
Overhangs	5 star	Overhangs vary from 2 metre to a massive 8 metre on the competition wall
Bouldering	5 star	2 bouldering areas - one in the main arena and one serious one in a separate room. Graded from V0 to V9
Traversing	2 star	Use the bouldering wall in the main arena
Auto belays	1 Star	Only one and in a fixed position

*The Management at Welsh International Climbing Wall, South Wales*
Description	Rating	Comments
Staff knowledge of climbing	2 star	The staff are pleasant and helpful
Friendliness of staff	3 star	Very average
Popularity of wall	3 star	The centre is so vast that crowding isn't a problem
Dedicated or part of a complex	5 star	Although there is a fitness centre everything revolves around the climbing wall
Membership	4 star	A one of registration fee of £5.00 (2006)
Fees to climb	3 star	Adult fees per session at peak times are £7.00 (2006) and well worth it.
Registration procedure	5 star	There is a fast track system if you are already a member of another ABC wall. If not there is a practical test and a disclaimer to sign.
Climbing partners	3 star	There is a contact system arranged through reception and they will put you in touch with local climbing clubs
Competitions	5 star	They run regular bouldering and climbing competitions
Contact details	5 star	Good web site (see link at bottom of page) Welsh International Climbing Centre Twelewis Treharris Mid Glamorgan South Wales CF46 6RD 01443 710749
Membership of ABC	4 star	They are an aspirant member of ABC

*The Facilities at Welsh International Climbing Wall, South Wales*
Description	Details	Comments
Opening Hours		Weekdays 10:00 am to 10:00 pm - last entry 8:45 pm Weekends 10:00 am to 7:30 pm - last entry 5:00 pm
Open to public		The centre is always open to the public
Location	In the middle of nowhere - or at least it seemed like that	The best place for directions is their web site (see link at bottom of page)
Parking	Yes	Plenty of free parking
Cafe	Yes	I didn't go in the cafe but I gather it also has a bar
Lockers	Yes	Get a key from reception
Spectator area	Yes	There are some comfortable chairs positioned right in front of the competition wall. Non climbers are permitted to use these
Areas to relax	Yes	In the Cafe and on seating in front of competition wall
Toilets	Yes	Average
Shop	Not at present
Wall Construction	Entre-Prises built in 1997	An excellent variety of walls, some sculptured and some panelled, and the vibrant colour scheme gives a bright and airy feel
Building construction		A modern well designed building
General		This is a vast place that seems to have almost everything

*The Suitability of Welsh International Climbing Wall, South Wales*
Description	Rating	Comments
For novices	5 star	The centre is very suitable for novices with plenty of easy climbs - grade 3
For experienced climbers	5 star	An enormous amount to go at all the way up to grades 8 and sometimes 9
For groups	5 star	Groups of all standards and varieties from birthday parties to climbing clubs are all welcome, though booking is required. SPA holders with their own or group insurance can take their own groups (see conditions)

*Instructors and Courses at Welsh International Climbing Wall, South Wales*
Description	Details	Comments
For novices	Taster sessions and learning to climb courses	The taster sessions (usually 1 to 2 hours) will have you climbing before the session is finished. Climbing courses will tend to run over a number of weeks
For experienced climbers	Advanced climbing and leading	Usually over a number of weeks and are geared to your ability and needs
For groups	Of all abilities	Group sessions are very popular from birthday parties to regular climbing clubs.
Instructors		There are on average 10 instructors, half of which are usually 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

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Buddy's UK Climbing Wall Guide...For the Welsh International Wall – South Wales

Buddy's UK Climbing Wall Guide
...For the Welsh International Wall – South Wales