« the ice factor
When you enter the Ice Factor you get the feeling that serious climbers use this place - very fit looking types with all kinds of buckles, clips and kit attached to themselves.
Having said that it is a very relaxed and welcoming place where I felt very comfortable as a spectator.
Gerry and Luc have climbing experience but they hadn't climbed for a while so they booked an hours brush up lesson with a gorgeous teacher called Kenny! ( I was almost tempted to have a go when I saw him!!)
They donned helmets and safety harnesses and a few minutes later they were off.
Luc was like a mini Spiderman, it seemed like seconds before he was almost a dot 15 meters above us, balancing on tiny little piece of plastic supposedly resembling a crag of rock.
Personally being a bit afraid of heights I felt dizzy just looking up at him. This didn't stop Gerry though, she soon followed him - I can't give Gerry's age away for fear of losing a great friend but I have to say I was very impressed (Go girl!)
The lesson lasted an hour and in that time they did 8 climbs each. They then stayed for another hour just climbing and practicing what they had learned. There is a lovely snack bar and sitting area where spectators can watch all the activity and soak up the atmosphere.
There is a shop were you can buy gear (of course) and maps, postcards, videos and anything and everything to do with climbing and the area.
Gerry and Luc returned Sunday night, leaving Tyndrum at 9 p.m. and waking up in London at 7.30 on Monday morning. This seems a very civilised way to travel to us.
For those less enamoured with the climbing there is also a visitors centre setting out the story of Kinlochleven and the aluminium smelting which is now, of course, defunct.
This centre is also worth a wee visit if you are going to go to Kinlochleven.
Steve spotted the micro brewery next door - to be investigated next time he says!