Really enjoyed ice climbing at ice factor yesterday - a perfect escape from the west coast rain... read more
Really enjoyed ice climbing at ice factor yesterday - a perfect escape from the west coast rain... read more
The most amazing experience at this very special and unique place. Bobby, the very talented... read more
I pre-booked climbing wall and ice climbing sessions of an hour each with a break for lunch in between.
My instructor was Rachel who was very good at explaining and demonstrating use of the wall and facilities, tying in, safe belaying etc. (Thanks also to Rebecca-Louise for leader belaying practice)
On the ice wall, after some basic revision, Rachel gave me good advice on efficient ways of climbing steep ice and some useful info on reducing the number of placements needed when traversing.
A very enjoyable and helpful visit. Thanks again to Rachel and the other staff.
Hello Trevor
Thank your for taking the time to leave your kind review, it means a lot. We are so pleased to hear how much you enjoyed both your ice climbing and climbing wall sessions with Rachel during your recent visit to Ice Factor. We will pass on a thanks to Rachel on your behalf, she will be happy to hear she was able to offer you valuable tips and advice to help your progress your climbing technique. We hope to see you back in ice Factor soon.
Have a n'ICE day...
Best,
Kathleen
Whilst visiting Scotland to Climb Ben Nevis with my 11 year old son, I thought it would be a great surprise to take him for an Ice Climbing taster session, which I had kept a surprise until we walked into the reception at The Ice Factor.
His face lit up when he found out and saw what he was about to do.
Without delay he was kitted up and on the ice with instructor Mike.
The ice walls are very impressive being at different angles and arrangements in order to give differing levels of difficulty.
After a few initial shaky moments at the start and with great instruction from mike he was up and climbing, with crampons and ice picks in minutes.
By the end of the one hour session he had climbed the easy wall then a corner wall an almost vertical wall and an overhang. The walls go up to about 50 feet high and within the first 1/2 hour my son had been to the top for the first time and did three or more ascents as high as you can go, all the time safely belayed by Mike.
I don't know if we were just fortunate, but he had a full one to one for an hour.
Great value for money.
All we had to provide were warm clothes and gloves.
Hi Robin,
Thanks so much for your kind review - we really appreciate it. We are so pleased to hear how much your son enjoyed his Ice climbing session and how much he progressed during the hour - what a great surprise! Mike will also be glad to hear that he was able to help make the session a fun one. We will be sure to pass on your thanks to Mike.
We hope to see you and your son back soon.
Best,
Kathleen
Was up in the Highlands with my teenage lad on a Boys Own road trip - camping, biking, sailing, boozing, driving my M6, and while we were camping in Kinlochleven, I remembered a female friend of mine mentioning The Ice Factor. Tent pitched, we set off and booked ourselves a session. The Tailrace Inn beckoned but we thought it prudent to stick to Cokes until after the climb. Good job we did too. Boy it was tough. I used to free climb a very long time ago but this was something completely different. Tendon testing in the extreme, But extremely safe. Your climbing partner will be roughly the same weight as you, and you take turns belaying each other up the climb. If I remember correctly, there were three different climbs, each longer and tougher than the rest. The trick is to spike in with the scary ice boots and push up, rather than haul with the ice axe. God! I was knackered at the end, strapping teenage son likewise. But it was pure deid brilliant. And the pint in the Tailrace Inn afterwards hissed all the way down. Highly recommended if you're up in the northern part of God's Country and looking for something a wee bit different... And challenging.
HI mikedmeechan
Thanks for taking the time to leave your kind review, what a great read on a Tuesday morning! We are glad that Ice Factor was able to feature in the Boys Own Road Trip. We are very pleased to hear that both you and your son enjoyed your Ice climbing session, even if it knackered you both. A well deserved pint at the Tailrace Inn, I'm sure. We hope you and your son will visit us again in the future when you're in the area.
We hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip.
Best,
Kathleen
The kids had an afternoon on the climbing wall and in the bouldering room at this super attraction. The adults enjoyed the tea, coffee and food on offer in the cafe (also served with smile).. A great place to visit on a wet afternoon, and I am sure on a dry one as well...
Hi jhcfemington
Thanks for taking the time to review us, we really appreciate it. We are really glad to hearr we could help make a wet afternoon a fun one for you and your kids. We hope to see you all back in soon, where we will welcome you back with an even bigger smile!
Have a great day,
Kathleen
Hi would just like to say had an amazing time here. My son Ryan had an hour lesson with instructor Rachel and he thought it was great. Definitely recommend a visit here xx thanks again Hamilton family xx
Hello Margaret,
Thanks for getting in touch to leave your kind review - we really appreciate it. We are so lead to hear how much you and your family enjoyed Ice Factor, particularly your son on his climbing lesson with Rachel. We will be sure to pass on your thanks to Rachel.
Come back and visit us soon :)
Have a great day,
Kathleen
Great day, staff so helpful and delicious coffee while the kids climbed an ice wall!! Good choice in the shop too.
Hello Emma,
Thanks for taking the time to review us. We are so happy to hear that you had a great day a Ice Factor and you were able to relax with a coffee with the kids were on the ice wal.
Come back and visit us soon.
Have a great day, Emma.
Best,
Kathleen