The rock at Dumbarton is Basalt which provides very angular slopers and ledges giving a unique style of climbing.

 

The nature of basalt means that friction is at a premium and most likely to be found during the winter, late autumn and early spring.

 

This said, the climbing is still really good during the summer months when evenings are long and the climbing scene seems to expand beyond the dedicated few.

You'll notice that beside some of the problems there is a camera and/or a video camera symbol. These link to a video or photo of that specific problem which should provide you with some beta of some kind.

 

Just now it is just a handful of problems that have this but as time goes on I will hopefully get some photos or videos up for most of them.

Font grades are used for all the bouldering topos with a couple of exceptions that have a British route grade. The sport grades all use the french sport grading system.

 

Having spent the last few years climbing there the grades are a consensus from the people who climb there the most but as with all grades they are merely a guide so don't get too upset if you don't agree.

 

Just in case you thought I've just posted the weather for a random place, Bowling is the closest weather station to Dumbarton which is literally just across the Clyde.

 

Best to take these weather forecasts with a massive pinch of salt. Dumbarton seems to have its own micro-climate. I can't count the number of times its been dry at Dumbarton and raining in Glasgow.

 

Due to the rock type and the fact that a lot of the rock is overhanging or sheltered by the headwall there is nearly always some dry rock to be found and even the wet rock dries in the space of half an hour of the rain stopping especially if there is a breeze.