Setting changes in Glasgow

We are changing the way we set boulder problems in Glasgow.

By the end of April 2023 we should have migrated all problems to our new grading system, in the meantime there will be a mixture of old and new.

You will notice that instead of stripping entire circuits and resetting one or two colours at a time, we will be setting by area. This is something that the Glasgow setting team had been discussing for a while. It also ties in with requests we have had from climbers via our annual survey, so we are excited to try it out.

In addition we will be reducing the number of coloured circuits. Click the centre names to see maps of The Newsroom and The Prop Store.

The primary

benefits for climbers

• New problems every week for every level of customer 
• Climbs changed more frequently, which means less waiting time for new climbs and cleaner holds 
• We can move volumes more readily without it impacting climbs
• Clearer distinction between climbs 
• Although we are reducing the number of colours, there will be more climbs available within each of those colours

In addition, this will allow for easier maintenance of panels and upgrades to the centre and will bring great benefits to the setting team who will be able to collaborate more easily together when creating and testing problems.

Something for everyone

Our signage in centres will be simplified to indicate progression through difficulty. Suggested grades will continue to be available via the Griptonite app. The app has great functionality that allows you to sort and view climbs by grade. So if you fancy a session working on 6bs, the app will make finding them super easy. For those who prefer to climb based on coloured circuits and in particular for newcomers, progress will feel simple and more attainable.

What will you do with the retired colours?

We will be able to use these for endurance circuits, comp problems and roped routes at The Prop Store. If you are looking for the red ‘short reach circuit’, don’t worry, problems that suit short reaches will feature across all circuits in the centre. This is core to our inclusion values. You can feedback on setting and see schedules here.

Please bear with us while we make these changes. Some problems may be up for longer than usual but we'll have fresh new climbs for everyone at both centres each week.