I wouldnt normally blog a wall visit, but thought folk might be interested in a report on the new harrogate Wall.
Me, dave shield, Sweary Ian and Andy T went to the new Harrogate Wall on thursday to check it out. If you are on the north west side of york its much quicker than leeds – about 25 minutes. If you are on the south east, like me, its no quicker as you have the cross town traffic to contend with. Nice wall though.
First thoughts: "oh dear, these grades seem quite stiff" Rapidly replaced by " not too stiff at all, once you get used to the route style". Certainly much more consistent than oaklands.
Its a decent size and height, good use of space. I think the best aspect of it is the interesting variety of wall angles – some technical slabs with overlaps, to a roof route that got much swearage out of Ian, some tufas, lots of variants on off-vertical to overhanging. Much more 3D in style than either the oaklands or leeds walls. There has also been some clever use of the wall to provide jamming and layback cracks – take tape if you fancy the jamming crack coz at present the friction is very rough indeed.
There is a small Outside outlet there too, but its not very big,and no cafe yet – just a few refreshments available over the counter.
Dave liked the look of the bouldering room, but we didnt try that this time. Definately enough interesting climbing to make return trips likely
http://harrogateclimbingcentre.com/
ps when you sign up they make you demonstrate tying "a knot that you would use to tie in". This feels strangely difficult to do when the rope is not actually attached to your harness!