Ardverikie Wall

Route Facts

Location - Central Highlands of Scotland

Length - 620 feet , 186 Metres

Grade - Severe (French grade 4)

First ascent - 1967

Guide book - Rock Climbing in Scotland, by Kevin Howett

Approach - Park at West end of Loch Laggan and walk up tracks before traversing the hillside(1.5 Hours)

Access - Restrictions may apply during the shooting season (12th August - 20th October) as the Ardverikie estate is a deer foretst

Grid Reference O.S. sheet34 - 468826

Equipment - Good rack of nuts and friends. Some longer tapes are useful

This climb is truly a classic, hidden out of site behind the rounded hill of Binnean Shuas, overlooking the long Lochan na h-Earba, the size of the crag is not apparrent until you get close to its large slabs and jutting overhangs . Walking past the section known as the keep the intimidating nature of some of the climbs becomes apparent. Ardverikie wall is on the whole a gentle route, but perhaps lacking in protection for a climber at the limit of his grade.

Some of the large flake belays on the first pitch have recently fallen to the ground. A reminder that some of the holds on this micro-granite crag should be treated with caution. The second pitch is the steepest on the climb. Once the steep rib of rippled rock has been climbed the long upper slabs come into view.

The Third pitch tackles a superb crackline, 100 feet long and perhaps the best part of the climb.This takes you through the cenral part of the main slab and leads to the fourth pitch and the crux secton. Here delicate and bold moves which require concentration have to be tackled before you get back to easier ground and the scoop of the final pitch.