Conon DWS

We're not long back from a family holiday in Mallorca and despite the July heat I had a quick look at a couple of DWS crags, which reminded me that I've been meaning to put up some details of the fun little DWS crag on the River Conon. As far as I know it's the only thing like it in the Inverness area. It's roadside, steep, clean and above a deep pool.  Perfect for summer evenings when it's too hot and muggy for real climbing but you still fancy a fun session - with all the usual caveats about needing a midge-busting breeze. The routes are probably more like highball boulder problems than proper routes, so I've given them boulder grades. I'm pretty sure there are still a few things to do there, but they'll probably need a bit of cleaning.

Directions: From Inverness direction go through Contin on the A835 and turn left on the minor road to Loch Achilty.  Keep on this road all the way until the junction just after Luichart Power Station and go left over the metal bridge.  As you cross the bridge the crag is obvious on the right hand side, forming the left wall above the river when looking upstream.  Park considerately in the passing place on the left a little further on. Crag grid ref: NH 3927 5707.

Access: Rig up a rope using one of the many trees above the crag and drop it down the corner to the right of the climbs (when looking out).  Hand-over hand down the rope to the small ledge, then climb rightwards round the arete onto the wall.

Water exit: If/when you take the plunge, the best option is to swim across to the opposite bank and walk back round over the bridge.

Water levels: The amount of water in the river is regulated by the demand of the hydro power station so it does fluctuate.  All the times that I've been there I've always felt that falling would be safe, but just be aware that things can change.

Sunchyme beta video here:

Get it while it's hot! from Gareth Marshall on Vimeo.