The exterior of the Kelvin Hall may be majestic, but unfortunately the wall inside is not. This bouldering wall, hemmed in on all sides by sheets of Perspex, is located upstairs at the far end of a dark hallway.
The wall had its day, but in recent years with the advancement in designs and the more modern Glasgow Climbing Centre, it has certainly been left behind and seems to sit in a time warp. Sounds from the athletics track, and screams and squeaky trainers from the sports courts are amplified by the tall ceilings of the sports hall, which means a quiet climb is not always guaranteed! It's not all doom and gloom though.
Some modernisation to the panels, and new bolt on holds in 1994, have improved it somewhat. The wall does the job, some good problems can be had, and at £2.75 for an adult it may be the preferred option if you've only got an hour to spare, and don't want to fork out the full £5 that Glasgow Climbing Centre charge.
Overall verdict:
If you're in the West End and happen to find yourself needing a quick, cheap bouldering fix, then it's ok - otherwise this slightly outdated wall is no match to the more modern wall at Ibrox.
How to get there:
By bus: From City Centre (Argyle Street), take a number 64 or 62. This will drop you off outside the sports hall. By train: Train to Central Station, Glasgow, then jump on a tube from there. By tube: Take the tube to Kelvin Hall station. Exit station and turn left. Follow Dumbarton Road to Kelvin Hall (large red sandstone building) just over the bridge, on the right. By car: The easiest way to get here it by joining the Clydeside expressway, exit at Partick and follow signs to either the Kelvin Hall/Kelvin museum.
Address:
Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena, Argyle Street, Glasgow.
Tel:
0141 357 2525
Web:
n/a
Wall Description:
This 5 metre high and 15 metre long bouldering wall by Bendcrete is constructed of resin panels with bolt on holds. One panel is moulded resin with insert stone features for holds. Other walls consist of a small overhang in the centre and overhanging and vertical walls.
Easiest problem: No set problems Hardest problem: Classic of the crag:
Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 0900-2230 (except Wednesday open at 1000-2230 and Sat 0900-1830).
Entry Fee:
Adult £2.75
Entry Requirements:
Must be over 16 to join.
Equipment Hire:
No
Other facilities on offer:
Gymnasium, indoor sports arena, games courts, health suite and Sports Injury Clinic (clinic open Mon,Tues & Thurs 1830-1930).
Showers:
Yes
Food:
Vending machine for hot, cold drinks, crisps and snacks. Seating available nearby.
Kids Club:
No
Courses/Instruction on offer:
n/a
Shop:
Yes - but does not stock climbing gear.
Famous names who train there:
At one time, most well known Glasgow based climbers trained here, including the likes of Andy Gallagher, Mark McGowan and Cubby. Now they've all moved on to sunnier pastures!
Best Nearest Pub(s):
The Brewery Tap on Sauchiehall street has a good atmosphere and serves a good ale (just turn right out of the sports hall - 5 min walk). For those seeking something more trendy, The Living Room at the start of Byres Road should suffice.
Best Nearest Food:
Heading west out of Kelvin Hall, you'll find all sorts of culinary delights on Byres road - from pub food, Indian, Chinese, vegetarian, Italian and modern cuisine, kebabs and fish & chips. Also within walking distance, for a really special meal try Two Fat Ladies (88 Dumbarton Rd), great food - fresh fish is a speciality - pricy but worth it. The Fusion Sushi Bar (41 Byres Rd) do a good sushi in modern simple surroundings; Air Organic (36 Kelvingrove St) do some really interesting organic meals & lunches. Indian grub - Mother India (28 Westminister Terr) does delicious Indian food with 'BYOB' - bring your own booze, and The Ashoka (Argyle St) is a well known nearby curry house). Lastly, the Kelvin museum and art galleries just across the road serves food and drink and is worth a visit for its fantastic architecture and works of art.And again, I would have to say Caesars, certainly the nearest!
