Brushworks Climbing

Bouldering on Black Street

Brushworks is an independent bouldering centre on Black Street, a short walk from Glasgow city centre, set up by a group of friends who wanted to bring the best of the bouldering destinations they had climbed in to the city. Problems are graded on the V scale, from V0 up to V11 and beyond, and are reset regularly.

The walls

The centre is split into ten zones named after Scottish crags and islands:

• Dumbarton: the steepest overhang.
• Craigmaddie: a long stretch of slab and vertical wall for footwork.
• Torridon and Polldubh: grooves, overhangs and changing angles.
• Skye and Arran: two freestanding islands, Arran with a prominent prow.
• The Gallery: smaller, friendlier walls upstairs for warming up and for kids.

Training

The training zone has Scotland's first adjustable Kilter Board (0° to 70°) and two LED Beastmaker woodies, plus a fingerboard station. A separate gym has squat racks, a multigym, benches, cardio and strength machines, and there is a yoga studio.

Visiting

First-timers need an induction, either by video or a free staffed session. Shoes and chalk can be hired. Kids' sessions run from age 4, with NICAS blocks from age 7, and over-14s can be signed off to climb unsupervised. The upstairs café serves Dear Green coffee, bakes and hot and cold sandwiches, with booths for working and a view over the walls. Showers, lockers and accessible toilets are on site.