Opportunities for bouldering in the slate quarries are hardly abundant; nonetheless there are a series of traverses, particularly in the tunnels, that provide intense entertainment for climbers sheltering from passing showers.

‘Mr Slate’ himself, Ian Lloyd-Jones has picked off such a line in Twll Mawr. Tunnel Vision V5/6C starts on the obvious flatties by the Combat Rock tunnel entrance (on the left hand side as you look in). The 8m long traverse has lots of frictionless pinch grips, and requires some working out/problem solving; finish at the end of the obvious hand traverse.

“I was sheltering in the tunnel a few weeks back dodging a shower before bolting The Rock Bottom Line and spotted what looked like a good traverse. Got it done today, it's noteworthy because it can be climbed in any weather, kept me entertained for a while trying to suss out the crux sequence. A much harder extension could be added which looks desperate but doable...”

Said Ian.

A trip to do Tunnel Vision could easily be combined with the nearby Suncharm Ledge which has several quality problems on dolerite rock. Click on the link below for more info or see page 321 of the new Llanberis Slate guide.

Relevant links:
      Suncharm Ledge news item