When the Wrexham Tourism & Events team asked us along to photograph them scaling the heights of Plas Power's climbing wall on a Friday afternoon - we couldn't say no, especially as there was a chance to get harnessed up ourselves!
Located in Southsea, just off Heritage Way leading up to Brymbo - Plas Power is run by the experienced local adventurer (and artist) Ian Walton with the help of talented young climber Leon Bowen. Plas Power is also a firm favourite of local schools, colleges and workplaces who still make time for team building activities! Ian has developed climbing walls to suit beginners through to experienced climbers along with a high ropes course and zipwire in the surrounding woodland.
From the outside, this former mining house looks pretty plain, but on stepping inside the climbing centre it becomes a lot more impressive with various climbing walls offering overhangs, crags and authentic rock face scenarios along with a well stocked cafe for the less adventurous and those who just want to watch!
Ian and Leon are currently working with Wrexham Council to develop their tourism offer. The 2016 Year of Adventure in Wales witnessed a surge in thrill seeking adventure tourism in North Wales and the team at Wrexham Council have a real passion for supporting businesses in Wrexham who offer brilliant experiences to different audiences. Plas Power have also signed up as Wrexham Tourism Ambassadors - a scheme set-up in 2014 by the Destination Wrexham Partnership to develop stronger cross promotion of businesses in the local tourism industry.
Although there was a serious element to the visit in terms of discussing Ian's current marketing strategy and ambitions for continuing to develop the centre - we couldn't head back to the This Is Wrexham HQ without getting a harness on and scaling a few walls ourselves!
Accompanied by Joe & Amanda from the Tourism & Events team (...we know from having worked with them over the last year that they are up for most things which involve a challenge!) we all stood nervously at the foot of each wall and dared someone to go first!
However, we needn't have worried - as it was great fun and soon we were challenging each other to try different walls and race to the top.
Plas Power is open to both beginners, families and groups - along with offering a perfect training base for more experienced climbers. Booking is essential (if you need instruction) and prices (with instruction) start at just £15.00 for children and £22.00 for adults. This also includes harness & shoe hire too.
For details of booking, opening times and pricing - check out www.plaspoweradventure.com
OPENING TIMES:
Monday - closed
Tuesday - Thursday; 5.00pm - 10.00pm
Friday; 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday; 10.00am - 6.00pm
Sunday (and Bank Holidays); 10.00am - 4.00pm
TO BOOK;
Please call 01978 754747
Plas Power Adventure, Plas Power Road, Southsea, Wrexham, LL11 5SZ (follow the yellow signs from the A525 Wrexham - Ruthin road).
Check out more images from our visit to Plas Power Adventure in the gallery below! Give it a try yourself, it's an amazing workout (honestly!!!) and a great activity for families, parties and workplaces!