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Oban bouldering (Read 6749 times)

andy_e

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Oban bouldering
June 07, 2015, 01:08:51 pm
 Hi all,

I've got a couple of days free to go climbing around Oban in two weeks, after a field trip. I'm after some decent bouldering (up to 7Bish) which isn't too high or rocky (solo mission) and also some places to park the car for a night's kip, preferably somewhere by a beach with good views (like Camas Malag, if that's not too much to ask!) Now, I understand beautiful places in Scotland are hard to find, but if anyone has any info it would be appreciated! Know anything about this neck of the woods Chris?

Ta!
« Last Edit: June 07, 2015, 01:31:11 pm by andy_e »

Muesli

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#1 Re: Oban bouldering
June 07, 2015, 03:14:00 pm
North side of Ganavan Bay just north of Oban might keep you amused for a couple of hours but you would probably be better off heading over to Mull (Loch Buie or Erraid/Iona Sound).

andy_e

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#2 Re: Oban bouldering
June 07, 2015, 08:53:44 pm
Thanks, ferry is a bit steep for a day but I'm tempted! Is there a more up to date guide anywhere than the Stone Country guide?

SA Chris

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#3 Re: Oban bouldering
June 07, 2015, 10:40:26 pm
Outside my area of expertise I'm afraid. Only know what's in Stone Country.

You could stop over at Glen Croe? Not too far away.

andy_e

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#4 Re: Oban bouldering
June 08, 2015, 11:48:15 am
Yeah, I was wondering about Glen Croe, Narnain looks quite good! The problem is less the bouldering, more the doss spot! Anyone know of any?

SA Chris

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#5 Re: Oban bouldering
June 08, 2015, 12:21:09 pm
Look on Google Maps, looks like loads of options on A83. Can be midge hell though, but I don't know area that well.

Johnny Brown

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#6 Re: Oban bouldering
June 08, 2015, 03:50:37 pm
You've got a car? Go over to Fidden on Mull, unless the weather is awful.

andy_e

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#7 Re: Oban bouldering
June 08, 2015, 04:15:05 pm
That seems to be the emerging plan, either that or dossing around Loch Buie as apparently there's good spots. Does anyone know of any guides for Fionnphort/Kintra bouldering? the info on UKC and the SC wiki is limited.

SA Chris

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#8 Re: Oban bouldering
June 08, 2015, 10:20:14 pm
The recent SMC guide gives only a grid ref and grade range, and says "see UKC and SC". Not much good, especially as some give good bouldering info.

andy_e

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#9 Re: Oban bouldering
June 09, 2015, 08:33:16 am
Ah, is that the 2014 one? Thanks, I was wondering if there was any info in those! I've messaged John Watson so hopefully will be able to find something out!

SA Chris

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#10 Re: Oban bouldering
June 09, 2015, 08:58:10 am
Yup, given the newness of the guide it would have been nice to have some better coverage.

Fiend

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#11 Re: Oban bouldering
June 09, 2015, 01:24:31 pm
Loch Buie is good, really nice for the mid-grades, not so sure about 7Bish but it's worth a look. Fhionnphort area has endless granite hummocks and outcrops, more bouldering-suitable than either Erraid or Kintra from what I recall, I think any development has been of the "left unrecorded for others to wander at leisure" ilk. There's definitely potential for harder stuff if you have tough skin.

Glen Croe / Narnain / Loch Sloy / Arrochar in general has absolutely loads to go at, especially around 7Bish. Some landings might not be as friendly as Mull but you wouldn't need a spotter. There's more details of Glen Croe itself on the SC archive IIRC. Plentiful spots to park the car if you don't mind a bit of traffic noise, although if you park near Loch Lomond there's a chance the forthcoming anti-camping laws might be an issue.

Mull is obviously prettier, also more chance of better weather and anti-midge breeze. Arrochar would be better for hardcore cranking. You won't go wrong with either though. For that matter, Glen Nevis and Glen Coe are not that far away...

andy_e

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#12 Re: Oban bouldering
June 09, 2015, 02:12:30 pm
Thanks, ferry to Mull is booked! There's plenty to go at at the 7A/+ range to make it a good spot for some mileage. I doubt I'm up to climbing a 7B on an unfamiliar rock type in a session at the moment anyway!

tc

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#13 Re: Oban bouldering
June 09, 2015, 02:29:40 pm
Pink Monsters, Nipple Attack and Hook & Go are pretty good at around the 7A mark. It's a beautiful spot, enjoy!

andy_e

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#14 Re: Oban bouldering
July 06, 2015, 08:46:00 am
Thanks for all the help guys!


fatneck

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#15 Re: Oban bouldering
July 06, 2015, 09:28:19 am
Nice one Andy!

slackline

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#16 Re: Oban bouldering
July 06, 2015, 09:35:32 am
Nice, just booked a week in Mull and will be checking some of these spots out.  Cheers andy_e for starting the thread and to everyone else who's commented on venues there.

andy_e

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#17 Re: Oban bouldering
July 06, 2015, 09:39:21 am
I'd say "enjoy it" but I'm far too envious for it to be a sincere comment  ;)

slackline

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#18 Re: Oban bouldering
July 06, 2015, 09:51:41 am
I wouldn't be too jealous, you probably got more done than I will in a week as I'll only get two (or three if I'm lucky) half-days free to do any bouldering.  The Island looks lovely though, especially the sandy beaches.

 

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