They say that the bouldering scene in North Wales rarely stands still for long, but the latest development in the Llanberis Pass is a radical departure one step beyond the norm. After discussions with the landowner and the council the Cromlech Roadside Face has been turned upside down in an effort to combat the problem of polished footholds.

Local activist Tommy Chamonix explained, “This is great news for the North Wales climbers. By inverting the whole boulder we now have a fresh selection of rough holds to pull on. The Ramp will become a brilliant undercut traverse. I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

But it’s not all good news, some climbers have expressed doubts about the boulder inversion. “I’ve been trying to do The Edge Problem V5/6c+ now for ten years, and with some recent weight loss, I’ve been getting very close. Now all that work is for nothing, it’s not fair.” Commented Jonny - fat fingers - Ratcliffe from his 'usual seat' in the Caernarfon Wetherspoons pub this morning.

A spokesman for the boulder shifting company countered fears by pointing out that the boulder would be flipped back to its original position in 2010, and would alternate positions on a year in year out basis thereafter.

There are plans to extend the scheme out to other prominent boulders in the Llanberis Pass, such as The Barrel and the Wavelength block during the summer months. A schedule of boulder inversions will be posted on NWB.com as the plans become more concrete.

Obviously there is now an entirely new crop of first ascents to go for - please send in all claims and photos to the usual contact address.

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