UKC

That will date me as someone who grew up in the 90s. What of it?

Anyway, Lancaster Wall opened yesterday, I didn't see any promotional stuff on here, and Google isn't exactly all over them, so I thought I'd give them a bit of free advertising because I had a nice time there today.

If you didn't know, it's one of those big bouldering walls in an industrial estate. I've not been to a Depot in decades, but it's the same genre as that and BUK Preston. I reckon substantially better than BUK - the setting (the problems, not the industrial estate) is really awesome and the quantity and design of the wall space is the best I've seen so far. Big well done (props, big ups, etc.) to all involved.

As it stands, it's seriously no frills. But there is a decent coffee machine - a quirk of climbing culture that you can't open a wall without serving proper coffee. Didn't see any of the chunky tray bakes I would welcome (expect?) at a wall, but give'em time. Would be nice if something like the granola-hipster vibe of Eden Rock could be established there. I reckon in the North West, Eden has the best vibe, but the wall space and setting is a bit too "technical/fun" for my taste. Before Lancaster opened, BUK was my favourite climbing, with basic-but-not-boring setting, great for a tiring session of pulling hard on old skool overhanging panels. I reckon Lancaster is more creative and technical than BUK, but not as quite as "fun" oriented as Eden, which is a good thing.

As for constructive criticism, maybe the whole place could be moved over to somewhere nearer the M6? Let's be fair here, the location is dire for anyone other than those living in west Lancaster. Really have to avoid rush hour. Alright, that was not constructive. New DJ needed. I've already got a job, but they can train the spotify algorithm with the tunes below, then I'll have an even nicer time and won't slag off the terrible soundtrack. No doubt someone else will, of course (but they'd be wrong).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kpm1l0HfkV0&ab_channel=MaxCooper

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUvHKSd_mlU&ab_channel=ClubKaramel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ_5gE4m9DY&ab_channel=MichaelKuda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OfoY3kiejE&ab_channel=MonkeytownRecord...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbfHVDTZn0o&ab_channel=DoFunkk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgoM7veem8o&ab_channel=ToddTerje-Topic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIPKqhU_NVY&ab_channel=TheMatthewHerber...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM6lRdPO7So&ab_channel=R%26SRecords

I'm gutted to have moved away just as it opened. Hopefully it will be a cracking addition to Kendal, BUK and the little Uni wall.

By the by, the one way system isn't as bad as people make out: it's slow, but it does flow, even at rush hour.

I should mention too, shill that I am, that it's one membership for Kendal, Lancaster and a new lead wall in Preston. There have been some grumbles about price increases at Kendal - I reckon that with a top class bouldering wall it now represents good value.

Yeah. Well it got on my tits today, and it was Sunday. Sitting patiently in traffic with a smile on my face is not, admittedly, my strongest suit. To put it nicely.