Rock Climbing & Caving
Rock climbing is a very popular and exciting world wide sport which ranges from nice easy, safe climbs, to extremely demanding high risk routes in remote areas.
As an introductory activity, climbing is done in a number of ways the most common of which is by top roping. This is a rope from above lowered to you and clipped into a harness.
This is controlled by the Instructor and the rope pulled in as you climb. You are lowered back down or walk off at the top of the climb. Most top roping is done between 20 – 30 feet and you start off with the very easy routes then build up to more difficult ones.
Abseiling is going down a rock face backwards and sometimes with a freefall which is when your feet are not touching the wall. The height can be from 15 to 150 feet.
You have two ropes attached to your harness, one you control and the other controlled by the Instructor which is the safety rope. He/she will hold you up or lower you down if you are in difficulty.
All abseiling is done with a progression in the teaching with some groups starting on a steep area of grass, then moving on to easy rock faces. It is done mostly from spring through to summer.
Bouldering is a small rock climb up to 6 or 7 feet, which you practice moving about on and if you run out of holds or strength you can jump off. You have a partner who helps and looks out for you. It is one of the best ways of building stamina and confidence. Done throughout the year when the rock is dry.
Caving
We offer a unique guided tours through the caving system around Arrochar, which is located at the top of Loch Long. Nestling in the shadows of the mighty Ben Narnain and Ben Arthur (The Cobbler), our instructors will give you a full briefing on the history, geology and geomorphology of the famous Arrochar caves.
Why not challenge yourself with The Letterbox, Twister and the Arrowslot, before entering the largest and most famous of Arrochar’s caves. Using your newly acquired caving skills, you will scramble and squeeze your way into the main underground caving system, which has been used by generations of hill walkers and climbers. Here, the steady drips of water and the natural light reflecting off the minerals on the cave walls will make you forget about the fast moving pace of the world outside.
Adventures in the caves can be adapted to any level of fitness or competence and no experience is necessary. Our instructors will be happy to tailor any day to suit your needs.
