A new state of the art climbing wall in Harlech has been officially opened by Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards. The facilities were built as part of an £842,000 grant funded community-led project, Hamdden Harlech and Ardudwy Leisure, that originated in response to the Council's threat of closure to the adjoining swimming pool in late 2007.

The 10.5 metre tall climbing wall plus a dedicated bouldering room next door, are linked to the refurbished pool and its facilities, by a new reception and an airy 50-seater cafe with external sun terrace.

Hamdden Harlech and Ardudwy Leisure, who are now responsible for the centre, see the wall and café as important revenue streams for the project's success.

At the opening, climbers sponsored by the Llanberis based climbing manufacturer, DMM, and British Mountaineering Council (BMC) Officer, Elfyn Jones, were in action as guests and dignitaries were shown around the indoor wall known as The Rock or Y Graig.

The visually striking wall makes the most of the 10m x 10m floor space with a central tower, basalt-like hexagonal columns and slabs giving both top-rope and lead routes to choose from across the grades, with a particular focus on the popular F6a/6b grade. A belay/rigging ledge is ideal for instructors teaching stance management.

Scott Muir and his team from Dream Climbing Walls who constructed the wall believe that they've come up with a winning solution to the technical challenges they faced.

Scott said: "We have crammed a lot of diverse 3D climbing angles (inspired by Fingal’s Cave and the Sgurr on Eigg) into the space to ensure there is something for everyone and left room for future expansion. We put our heart and soul into the project and hope that everyone visiting the wall really enjoys the climbing experience we have created." 

"We knew we had to do something very different at Harlech, something impressive that gave them the very best chances of success being in a low population area and slightly out of the way location. It had to be worth the effort to get in the car and travel, and this was a very big responsibility."

He added:"We wish Harlech and Ardudwy Leisure every success and urge everyone to support this wall. The staff and the group of volunteers have worked tirelessly to save a local swimming facility and turn it into something very special indeed. Dream fulfilled.”

Hamdden Harlech and Ardudwy Leisure drew down £500,000 funding from the Big Lottery and £300,000 from the Welsh Government's Community Facilities and Activities Programme to bring new life and many more people to the centre.

Close to the Cambrian Coast railway station with direct rail links to Pwllheli and Aberystwyth, the wall is likely to attract climbers living in and around southern Snowdonia, as well as being a popular all-weather attraction for visitors to the region.

Opening hours are 1 p.m. – 10 p.m. during weekdays, 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday. For more information on opening hours, courses and all other enquiries please contact Mike Roberts on 01766 780 576 or go to harlechpool.com

Photo: Silvia Fitzpatrick demonstrating one of the routes on the central pillar at the official opening of the new Harlech climbing wall. © Ray Wood