MT. YORK
GENERAL RAVE
With just on 140 climbs. Mt. York can boast more than twice as many climbs as other three are in this website put together.
Mount York actually consists of two separate cliff lines. The cliff on the western side that runs parallel to the road is called "The Shads Side", while the more popular and well known cliff on the north east side is called "The Sunny Side", Monument Ridge Gully divides the two cliffs at the point.
Each side has an entirely different character. The Sunny Side is one of the warmest and most protected areas on the mountains to climb at in winter. While the Shady Side comes into it’s own during summer; it’s also quite climbable in winter except on very cold and windy days.
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Generally speaking, most of the climbs tend to be fairly shun I fin >inu arid nearly all are only one pitch. The rock is usually fairly gissI. thirugh uteri quite triitsss in places on The Sunny Side. Some routes have been wire brasbed living the nitaps and the Descent Gullies section you shouldn’t base tis.u niuch trituble tinding stint way around. The best way is to choo the climb you want iii dii. pick urun he tucarest descent gully and then head directly down from the tots. flnce situ becuunne nitric familar with the area this will save you lots of time and effutri
The landscape around the turning circle is covered bs a bewildering array itt monuments, plaques, signs, picnic tables and shelters. On some cekends he Nit York Natural History Museum may be open for busines.s It’s run by tuld Bill (itlruus tRedi who son Rex runs The Yowie Re. arch Centre ai Echin Point. Kattsntnba Whateser you do, don’t start talking to him about ‘Ciuwies sir anything else itt that maiterm unless you have a large bag of salt and pleniy utf time .~, meagre selectututi itt’ soft drinks and conf mionery is on sale but no icecreams The euuncrere tank neaths sometimes has water, if the tap isn’t broken Firewessi us in shun suppls.
HISTORY
The first real climbing activity seems to have en by Jiubs Wiurrall and ftuennds, perhaps in the late sixties. No r ‘ords of the routes they did exist bun it seems fairly certain they climbed what is now’ called Pepperceurner, ‘siparete. Yaitk ‘Ca l)sss.lle plus some others. Worrall and his mates lefi the area afier minting themselses due iii deck falls.
Following their departure nothing much was done at all, with the cliffs being used only’ for practice. In June’74 they were redi overed by Alan Nutles and company. In the following couple of months about 45 routes were done by various peruple, nuostls SRC members.
Nearly all the routes were put up on The Sunny Si . The t climbs dune during this peried were Aunty Jack, Peppercorner, Vi rete, The C)buiuars. The Dance [or a
IS
Sugar Plum Fairs. ‘tank ‘sa Doodle and Dragons Tooth Shortly afterwards an interim guide by The linuversury of New South Wales Mountaineering C lub appeared The descriptions and information were embarrassingly brief bun in dud let people know the cliff existed
lot the nest six sears the cliff lay fairly dormant with only about a dozen routes being done The most notable were Oblus ton and Exhibition Wall on The Sunny Side and Impotent Narcissus. The Howl and Laming Wall on The Shady Side. In mud I 9b0 Rod Young arrused on the scene from Victoria for the first of bus, now ritual, annual winter tours He teamed utn with Ant Prehn from Wollongong and together they climbed seseral routes on both sides of ‘Cork
from this point on there has been a sneads flow of traffic as the popularity of the cliff gradually increased The number of routes has since nearly doubled The people who dud them and the climbs nhemselses are too numerous no mention in detail During these last two years there has been a marked swung in actus try no The Shady Side where the malority of new route actusuty has taken place. Up to now. The Sunny Side has alwass been Nit ‘sork’s fasourune son As the deadline for route descriptions drew to a cleuse. there was a desperate new route stampede by the ‘Cork Regulars who crased to see their names go up in light
No lewer than ~l.t new routes were done in a tour week period in September and October. all on The Shads Side bar twit ‘toung and Prehn were the worst culprits. often churning out three or four routes a day One of the rounec done during this goldrush was Iron filings u25u by CitIes Bradhury and Cicoff Robertson which us the hardest route in the guide
The future deselopment of Nit ‘sork lies on The Shady Side. The section of cliff carrently climbed on here us about three tumes the length of The Sunny Sude New route potential us enormous and I can confidently predict that the day is not far off when the number of routes here will double At the moment the number of routes on either side us equal uguse or take a route or twol, a strange point un history that will neser be the same I’ll (mush off with a quote from the interim guide concernung The Shads Side. Tbere are only a few remaining climbs that could be done before tunes become contnuxecli fllnls 12 climbs existed at the tume
LOCATION AND ACCESS
The present clumbung area lies at the end of the plateau Skins north west of the pub. A good sealed road runs out to here where the road termunates abruptly at a turning circle Two seperare diffuses exist The short one facing north east is called ‘The Sunny Side’ The other, much longer cliff, known as ‘The Shady’ Side’ faces due west near the point and then south east as it stretches back towards Mn. Victoria. Both cliffs look our onto The Hartley Valles nelow
To get there from the pub, follow’ the highway west towards Ltthgow for 1km until the turnoff is reached on your right well signposnedl. If you’re walking from the ratlway station y’ou can take a short cut up Montgomery Sr. opposite the short road ounsude the station entrancet. At the end turn left into Burwood Rd. which soon meets the highway Turn right and follow’ highway half a kilometre to said turnoff II .2kms from stationi.
Follow the Mt York road 4.8kms out to the end. Barden’s Lookout is passed on your left 61X1m hefore reaching the turning circle. Park on the eastern side of the turning circle near the picnic area and the toilets. A track starts here at the earpark, just south ~uf the men’s toilet and runs 25m downhill to the famous Tin Tent. Directions on how to reach the cliffs are given in the Descent Gullies section on the following pages
lb
Sugar Plum Fairs. ‘tank ‘ta Doodle and Dragons Tooth Shortly afterwards an interim guide by The linuversuny of New South Wales Mountaineering C lub appeared The descriptions and information were embarrassingly brief bun in dud let people know the cliff existed
lot the next six sears the cliff lay fairly dormant with only about a dozen routes being done The most notable were Oblus ton and Exhibition Wall on The Sunny Side and Impotent Narcissus. The Howl and Laming Wall on The Shady Side. In mud I 9b0 Rod Young arrused on the scene from Victoria for the first of bus, now ritual, annual winter tours He reamed urn with ann Prehn from Wollongong and together they climbed seseral routes on both sides of York
from thus point on there has been a sneads flow of traffic as the popularity of the cliff gradually increased The number of routes has since nearly doubled The people who dud them and the climbs nhemselses are too numerous no mention in detail During these last two years there has been a marked swung in acnus try no The Shady Side where the malorury of new route acnusuny has taken place. Up no now. The Sunny Side has alwass been Nit ‘tork’s fasourune son As the deadline for route descriptions drew no a dense, there was a desperate new route stampede by the York Regulars who crased no see their names go up in light
No lewer than ~l.t new routes were done in a tour week period in September and October. all on The Shads Side bar twit ‘toung and Prehn were the worst culprits. often churning our three or four routes a day One of the rounec done during this goldrash was Iron filings u25u by CitIes Bradhury and Cicoff Robertson which us the hardest route in the guide
The future deselopmenn of Nit ‘tork lies on The Shady Side. The section of cliff carrently climbed on here us about three times the length of The Sunny Side New route potential us enormous and I can confidently predict than the day us non far off when the number of routes here will double Ar the moment the number of routes on either side us equal uguse or take a route or twol, a strange point in history that will neser be the same I’ll finish off with a quote from the interim guide concerning The Shads Side. Tbere are only a few remaining climbs that could be done before tunes become contnuxecli fllnls 12 climbs existed an the time
LOCATION AND ACCESS
The present climbing area lies an the end of the plateau Skins north west of the pub. A good sealed road runs our no here where the road terminates abruptly an a turning circle Two seperane diffuses exist The short one facing north east is called ‘The Sunny Side’ The other, much longer cliff, known as ‘The Shady’ Side’ faces due west near the point and then south east as in stretches back towards Mn. Victoria. Both cliffs look our onto The Hartley Valles nelow
To get there from the pub, follow’ the highway west towards Luthgow for 1km until the turnoff us reached on your right well sugnposnedl. If you’re walking from the railway station y’ou can take a short cut up Montgomery Sn. opposite the short road outside the station enneancet. An the end turn left into Burwood Rd. which soon meets the highway Turn right and follow’ highway half a kilometre no said turnoff II .2kms from stanuots.
Follow the Mn York road 4.8kms our no the end. Barden’s Lookout is passed on your left 61X1m hefore reaching the turning circle. Park on the eastern side of the turning circle near the picnic area and the toilets. A track starts here at the earpark, just south ~uf the men’s toilet and runs 25m downhill no the famous Tin Tent. Directions on how no reach the cliffs are given in the Descent Gullies section on the following pages
lb
DESCENT GULLIES
SUNNY SIDE
The seven gullies on the Sunny Side are described West no Fast beginning with
Monument Ridge Gully In reality, Monument Ridge Gully’ belongs no neither The
Shady nor The Sunny Side as in serves as the dividing line henween these two cliffs. For
the sake of simplicity I have included in in The Sunny Side.
MONIMENT RIDGE GULLY — Ott the northern sideof the nurningeirele opposite the Mn. York Natural History Mu sin is a stone wall with an archway in the centre of in. Walk through the archway’ remembering no drop a few coins into The Explorers Wishing Chair On your rightl. Follow the tourist path dow’n Monument Ridge passing an obelisk, a brass dial, signs etc. until you reach the end of a concrete path. There is a four w’ay innenion here. Continue straight ahead for 27m until you reach the base ofa short sen of stairs where the track divides. From the road no here is 1 SOmn. Take the right branch in track. After Sm the track divides again, take the right fork again. Follow’ track SOm down hilt and gully no base of cliff. To your right ufacing salleyt lies The Sunny Side
2. YOWIE GULLY — Follow the same dir nions as for Monument Ridge Gully until you reach the end of the concrete path. Turn right here onto w’ide flat tourist track. Along for 27m until a prominent rock step is reached. Ecave the track here and head diagonally lefiwards for I Sm no a bug log. From log, head straight downhill for SOm no top of gully. Down the gully and leaf strewn slope no base of cliff. The last din involves an easy downclimh.
3. OBSTACLE COURSE GULLY On the northeastern side of the turning circle next no The Three Heads monument us the start of Con’s Road, now a walking track. Stroll dow’n Con’s Road for 70m until a small track branches off left After 20m this track divides. Take the left branch and follow’ in lOin noa cairn of rocks on your right. This us 4m before a big gum root on track. Follow the minor track starting an the cairn down hull and gully. The top part of the gully proper is entered by a short down climb use caunioni on left side facing valleyt. After this keep no the right side ufacing valleyl all the way down especially an the bottom w’here a 4m high chimney has robe down climbed. All up it’s 6flm from the cairn no the base of gully.
4. ECHO GULLY — Follow the same directions for Obstacle Course Gully bun continue straight ahead down Coy’s Road for 28m past The Obstacle Gully’ turnoff till a track branches off left. Along this for 6m nowhere you reach a log. There isa faint track tunction here. Take the right fork and follow track a short distance around no top of gully. Head on down the gully which makes a sharp turn no the left about one third of the way down. The gully now becomes nnore of a steep earth ramp. The first climb reached is Hollow Echo which is 52m from the track lunction an the log. From here no base of gully is JOnn.
5. GILROY’S GULLY — Continue down Con’s Road for JOin past The Echo Gully turnoff no where in divides lsignpoatedl. Take the left branch and continue down path for 65m no where the track divides again. There should be a plaque on a rock on your left here. Take the left branch and after another 24m the track divides yen AGAIN! Take the left branch as usual and follow in for I Sm no where you finally reach the turnoff Ion your left of course). The gully is plainly visible. Down gully for 3dm to base.
6. GALACTIC GULLY — Follow the same directions as for Gllroy’s Gully no the top of the gully. Continue straight ahead past here for 22m until Galactic
Gully is reached on your left immediately after passing thru ‘the tunnel of lust. Down gully dOm no base. Intergalactic Gargle Blaster is ‘in the right facing salleyl about half way down.
7. PREHN’S PASS — An the top of Galactic Gully on the right side facing valleyp is a massive tree. Continue straight ahead behind tree down a pass between the cliffs. After 20m you reach the base of the cliff and the first climbs described in the text.
18
DESCENT GULLIES
SUNNY SIDE
The seven gullies on the Sunny Side are described West no East beginning with
Monument Ridge Gully In reality, Monument Ridge Gully’ belongs no neither The
Shady nor The Sunny Side as in serves as the dividing line between these two cliffs. For
the sake of simplicity I have included in in The Sunny Side.
MONIMENT RIDGE GULLY — On the northern sideof the nurningeirele opposite the Mn. York Natural History Mu sin is a stone wall with an archway in the centre of in. Walk through the archway’ remembering no drop a few coins into The Explorers Wishing Chair On your rightl. Follow the tourist path dow’n Monument Ridge passing an obelisk, a brass dial, signs etc. until you reach the end of a concrete path. There is a four w’ay iunction here. Continue straight ahead for 27m until you reach the base ofa short sen of stairs where the track divides. From the road no here is 1 SOrn. Take the right branch in track. After Sm the track divides again, take the right fork again. Follow’ track SOm down hill and gully no base of cliff. To your right facing salleyt lies The Sunny Side
2. YOWIE GULLY — Follow the same dir nions as for Monument Ridge Gully until you reach the end of the concrete path. Turn right here onto w’ide flat tourist track. Along for 27m until a prominent rock step is reached. Leave the track here and head diagonally lefiwards for I Sm no a bug log. From log, head straight downhill for dOm no top of gully. Down the gully and leaf strewn slope no base of cliff. The last din involves an easy downclimh.
3. OBSTACLE COURSE GULLY — On the northeastern side of the turning circle next no The Three Heads monument us the start of Con’s Road, now a walking track. Stroll dow’n Con’s Road for 70m until a small track branches off left After dOm this track divides. Take the left branch and follow’ in lOin noa cairn of rocks on your right. This us 4m before a big gum root on track. Follow the minor track starting an the cairn down hull and gully. The top part of the gully proper is entered by a short down climb use caunioni on left side facing valleyt. After this keep to the right side ifacing valley) all the way down especially at the bottom w’here a 4m high chimney has robe down climbed. All up it’s 60m from the cairn no the base of gully.
4. ECHO GULLY — Follow the same directions for Obstacle Course Gully bun continue straight ahead down Coy’s Road for 28m past The Obstacle Gully’ turnoff till a track branches off left. Along this for 6m nowhere you reach a log. There isa faint track lunction here. Take the right fork and follow track a short distance around to top of gully. Head on down the gully which makes a sharp turn no the left about one third of the way down. The gully now becomes nnore of a steep earth ramp. The first climb reached is Hollow Echo which is 52m from the track lunction an the log. From here no base of gully is dOin.
5. GILROY’S GULLY — Continue down Con’s Road for dOm past The Echo Gully turnoff to where in divides lsignpoatedl. Take the left branch and continue down path for 65m no where the track divides again. There should be a plaque on a rock on your left here. Take the left branch and after another 24m the track divides yet AGAIN! Take the left branch as usual and follow in for I Sm to where you finally reach the turnoff Ion your left of course). The gully is plainly visible. Down gully for 3dm no base.
6. GALACTIC GULLY — Follow the same directions as for Gllroy’s Gully to the top of the gully. Continue straight ahead past here for 22m until Galactic Gully is reached on your left immediately after passing thru ‘the tunnel of luvI. Down gully dOm no base. Intergalactic Gargle Blaster is ‘in the right ifacing salleyl about half way down.
7. PREHN’S PASS — An the top of Galactic Gully on the right side facing valleyi is a massive tree. Continue straight ahead behind tree down a pass between the cliffs. After 20m you reach the base of the cliff and the first climbs described in the text.
18
SHADY SIDE
If you think nherc are a Ion of gullies on the Sunny Side then you’ll be shocked to hear that there arc nine gullies on the Shady Side though only sesen are currently used tot descent The gullies are described from North no South starting with Eddy Rock Cmlix The last two gullies are non described
I, DD~ RO( K GULLY — 1011cm the came directions av for NIu’iniintent Ridge Cualls a few pages backi annul son reach the four way unction an the end of the concrete path Turn left and stroll our toward.s The Eddy Rock and Ituokout The I’ ddy Rock was where E NI C Eddy. The C hue) C omniussuoner of Railways was addressed bs the residents of Nit Victoria on 11th danuary. 1895 Well I’ll be. the thung.s you don’t know Anyway back no reality, drop down into gully on left about 4m before The Iddy Rocki Down the gulls ddm no base
2. G 4RB4G~ GU I (H — Dtrectly opposite the concrete water tank on the western side of the turning circe usa three pronged tree Head dow nhull lot I Ont vvrung slightly rughnwards no a large cairn of rcs2ks din diagonally rugbr us another cairn The track starts lust below here Follow in ‘75m down bill and gulls no base of cliff
3. P1 AXEANDS (,UL[.~ — From the three pronged tree opposite the concrete water rank. walk 90m along ruxad towards Nit N ucroria Directly opposite ycuu on the other side of road ivan old picnic shelter dust off the road Sm lies a walking track Follow in for Sm towards Mn. N ucrorta until a track branches cuff right an a cairn ot rocks Follow track down hillside for 5dm no where the top of the main gully us reached Cio left facing salley t along ledge bm no the left branch of gully Down the gully dbm no base
4, W NT’s~ORTHS GULLY — C onnunue along track next no road nor SOm past the Blasland’s Crulls turnoff A cairn of rocks us reached where a track branches cuff right Another way no locate this spot us no count four white guide posts starring from opposite the old nun picnic shelneri towards Nit Victoria The track starts directly opposite the fourth post Follow the track lOSm down bull and gully no base of cliff
5, L ~ SON’S GULLX — C onnunue along track next no road for SOm past the W ennwornh’s Ciully turnoff until a track branches off right an a cairn of rocks in a large clearing Also note that the start of the track us about lOin before the tutth white guide post from the old nun picnic shelter Follow the track for 17m no the back of the clearing where in forks Take the left fork and 7m further on a large cairn us reached Follow track down hull and gully for 85m no base of cliff The last Ym unsolses an easy downclumb treacherous in the weni.
6, COLLITS CRENASSE — Continue along track next no road for about dldClm past the I awson’s Cully turnoff. A cairn of rocks and a track branching off right us reached This us din before a tree with a red and whine walking track symbol on in Follow track down hillside for 75m until in leads you no the edge or the cliff Collins C resasse starts no your left facing the valley I. Deop down bole behind large chocksnone then follow gully down for lOin Scramble down right lacing valley i 3m onto ledge. Along ledge din then carefully down climb bin hugh juggy wall no base of cliff
B4RDENS GULLY — Continue along track next no road for about dOOm past C ollur’s Crevasse turnoff no where you reach Barden’s Lookout and parking area About I Om before reaching the parking area an Burden’s there is a small cairn of rocks Head down the hillside here and unto the gully. You soon reach a track which leads you down through the ferns no the base of gully Of 5ourse. if sou intend going down Barden’s Ciully then the most sensible thing ci do us to drive here rather than walk the bOOm from the turning circle The same gocs tor C ollun’s C resas.se If you intend going down there. drive no harden s lookout and walk back
SHADY SIDE
If you think there are a Ion of gullies on the Sunny Sude then you’ll be shocked to hear that there are nine gullies on the Shady Side though only seven are currently used tot descent The gullies are described from North no South starting with Eddy Rock Ciulls The last two gullies are nor described
I, DD~ RO( K GI. ELY — Follow the came durecnuonv as for Niumnuintent Ridge Cualls a few pages backi until von reach the four way unction an the end of the concrete path Turn left and stroll our toward.s The Eddy Rock and liucikout The I’ ddy Rock was where E NI C Eddy. The C bud C omnuussuoner of Railways was addressed bs the residents of Nit Victoria on 11th danuary. 1895 Well I’ll be. the nhungu you don’t know .Anyway back no reality, drop down into gully on left about 4m before The Iddy Rocki Down the gulls d5m to base
2, G 4RB4G~ GI. [ (H — Dtrectls opposite the concrete water tank on the western side of the turning circe usa three pronged tree Head dow nhull lot I Ont ocring slightly rughnwards no a large cairn of rocks din diagonally rugbr us another cairn The track starts lust below here Follow in ‘75m down bill and gully to base of cliff
3, P1 AXEANDS GLLI.~ — From the three pronged tree opposite the concrete water rank. walk 90m along rurad towards Nit N ucroria Directly opposite ycuu on the other side of road us an old picnic shelter dust off the road Sm lies a walking track Follow in for Sm towards Mn. N ucrorta until a track branches cuff right an a cairn ot rocks Follow track down hillside for 5dm no where the top of the main gully us reached Cio left facing valley I along ledge bm no the left branch of gully Down the gully d9m no base
4, W NT~4ORTHS GI. LEY — C onnunue along track next no road nor scm past the Blasland’s Ciulls turnoff A cairn of rocks us reached where a track branches cuff right Another way no locate this spot us no count four white guide posts starring from opposite the old nun picnic shelneri towards Nit Victoria The track starts directly opposite the fourth post Follow the track lOSm down bull and gully no base of cliff
5, L 4N~ SON’S GULEX — C onnunue along track next no road for SOm past the W ennwornh’s Ciully turnoff until a track branches off right an a cairn of rocks in a large clearing Also note that the start of the track us about lOin before the tutth white guide post from the old nun picnic shelter Follow the track for 17m to the back of the clearing where in forks Take the left fork and 7m further on a large cairn us reached Follow track down hull and gully for 85m no base of cliff The last ‘lm unsolses an easy downclumb treacherous in the weni.
6, COLLIT’S CREVASSE — Continue along track next no road for about dldClm past the I awyon’s Cully turnoff. A cairn of rocks and a track branching off right us reached This us din before a tree with a red and whine walking track symbol on in Follow track down hillside for 75m until in leads you no the edge or the cliff C ollun’s C revasse starts no your left facing the valley I. Deop down bole behind large chocksnone then follow gully down for lOin Scramble down right lacing valley i 3m onto ledge. Along ledge din then carefully down climb bm hugh juggy wall no base of cliff
B4RDEN’S GULLY — Continue along track next no road for about dOOm past C ollur’s Crevasse turnoff no where you reach Barden’s Lookout and parking area About I Om before reaching the parking area an Burden’s there is a small caurn of rocks Head down the hillside here and unto the gully. You soon reach a track which leads you down through the ferns no the base of gully Of ourse. if sou intend going down Barden’s Ciully then the most sensible thing to do us to drive here rather than walk the bOOm from the turning circle The same gocs tor C ollun’s C resas.se If you intend going down there, drive no harden s Lookout and walk back
THE CLIMBS
THE SUNNY SIDE
Climbs are described left to right facing the cliff.
Farguid 21 20m
A popular little test piece with awell protected crux.
Starr The wall Sm left of Prehn’s Pass.
dom Climb the wall past uwus bolts no a horicontal break. Traser. right and up iii ityp
Ant Prebn. dtuhn Sm(mothy. Winter 19811
‘This Years Model 24 2Onn
C scepruusnally burr wall climbing. W’as the hardest remune an York in in’s time and still cearded am desperate in thus enlightened age.
Starr Che wall Pm right tif largoud
duim C p wall past wilt crust no ledge. C’ontinue up wall no another bolt, move slightly tight and up. ‘An unprotected finish on roundish suspect rock.
Ant Ptebn. Rod Yuuung db 80
PRE UN’S PASS
Tbc narrow gully 3m right of This Year’s Niodel. .An ideal descent route no reach the previous two routes and the next twit. Refer no the Descent Ciullies cnion for durecrutuns in hots to reach the gully from the top.
Gihhnsrksh 18 40m
A lung traverse
Starr At the base of Prehn’s Pass on right side facing cliffi.
I 4t.lni Easily up the arere roan obvious tracer, line. Tracer’ horiLonnally’ right serums wall to a cave on the arere, Cdun of this and up the wall right of the arene lvi tip Ycuu’re now on top of a large block. To get off dow’nclimb the large gum tree on the south west corner.
Rind A viung. Ann Prehn IS 8.8(1
tnt Jargon 22 3thn
A brilliant climb aertuss a very aesthetic wall.
Start (In the pretty wall din right of Cub rish.
I Stunt Hard moves lead diagonally right up flakes small w’ires for pronecniont to a Stilt at Sm Nlove up no horiconnal break then tinner right tin to a cop. Up scutmup to be large rotten case tin Clibberish. Traser. right and up the sandy’ wail as Stir Ciubbenush. Descend tree as for Cub rish.
Ant Prebn. RixI Young IS b.80
THE CLIMBS
THE SUNNY SIDE
Climbs are described left to right facing the cliff.
Farguid 21 20m
A popular little test piece with awell protected crux.
Starr The wall Sm left of Prehn’s Pass.
Plum Climb the wall past uwus bolts no a horuconnal break. Traser. right and up
iii ityp
Ant Prebn. dtuhn Smtmothy. Winter 188ff
tThis Year’s Model 24 2Onn
I scepruisnally hurt wall climbing. W’as the hardest remune an Yvirk in in’s time and still recardetl am desperate in thus enlightened age.
Starr Che wall Pm right tuf Eargoud
Pium C p wall past wilt cmxi no ledge. C’ontinue up wall no another bolt, move slightly tight and up. .‘An unprotected finish on roundish suspect rock.
Ant Prebn. Rod Yuuung Pb 88
PRE UN’S PASS
The narrow gully 3m right of Thus Year’s NiexIel. .An ideal descent route no reach the previous two routes and the next twit. Refer no the Descent Ciullies cnion for durecrituns in huts to reach the gully from the top.
Gihherksh 18 40m
A hung traverse
Starr At the base of Prehn’s Pass on right side ifacing cliffi.
I 4t.fni Easily up the arere roan obvious traver. line. Traver’ horiLonnally’ right acniuss wall to a cave on the arere. Cdun of this and up the wall right of the arene lvi tip Ycuu’re now on top of a large block. To get off dow’nclimb the large gum tree on the south west corner.
Rind A viung. Ann Prehn 15 8.8(1
tnt Jargun 22 3thn
A brilliant climb aertuss a very aesthetic wall.
Starr (Sn the pretty wall din right of Cub rish.
I Stunt Hard nuoves lead diagonally right up flakes small w’ires for pronecnion to a Stilt at Sm Nlove up no horiconnal break then tinner right tin to a cop. Up sciuvup to the large rotten case tin Clibberush. Traser. right and up the sandy’ wail as Stir Ciubbenush. Descend tree as for Cub rish.
Ant Prehn. RixI Young IS b.80
GAI.A(’TIC GULLY
The large walk down gully Phin right of Jargon Refer no the Descent Ciullies section on bow to reach in from the top The gully boasts one climb.
Intergalactic Gargk Blaster 23 25m
.A strenuous overhung crux.
Starr On the overhanging wall 1Pm up the gully on the left hand side facing cliffi. I PSm Hard moves up short wall past bolt no boriionnal break complete w’ith
hurls nesti C p 3m to another bolt thence carefully up the sandy, rounded wall to top Descend tree as ftrr Ciubberush.
Nial Cirey and friends 1881
Flap 12 25m
Starr The arene on the right side facing cluffi vuf Galactic Ciully unit’s base. Also 40m right of Jargon
I PSin Ramble up the pleasant arene surmounting an overhang an the top. Bill Blunt. Joe Lurrunee Winner 1874
Snap 12 30m
Starr Au a bottomles.s corner I in right of Flap.
I P8m Pull up into corner than trend diagonally lefnwards no arene. Onwards up urine to top.
Bill Blunt. Ross Vining Winner 1974
Crackk 16 30m
Looks 4uite interesting.
Starr. As for Snap
I 30m Lp corner no ritof then follow’ the steep lefnw’ard leading groove until in rers our. Continue up the mossy wall no top.
Ross A unung. Bill Blunt. Warwick Williams, Lyn Thom n Winner ‘74
Pop 13 3Ovn
Starr: As for Snap and Crackle.
I. JOin Pull up into corner as for Snap and Crackle then trend diagonally
rugbnwards no small ledge. Up the mossy, juggy wall no top.
Joe Corenez. Nir Thornton Winner ‘74
GIEROY’S GULLY
The walkdow’n gully I Om right of Pop. Refer no the De cnn Gullies enion on how’ no reach in from the top. The gully contains the following climb.
Orphan Annie 12 1 2m
Non much of a climb. In fact I wouldn’t bother doing in if I w’as you. Reputably has a
tricky ohang move.
Starr. 14m up the gully on the right side an a small corner.
I. 1Pm Up small corner no overhang. Pall awkwardly around and up a short corner no top.
Harry Lusford, W’arw’ick Williams August ‘78
UncleTout 15 35m
.A g cond punch.
Starr 31 in right of Gulroys Gully an a short left facing corner which is undercut an the
base. None that the starr us marked AC
1 3m L’p the bin long overhung crack C’vunuunuuc up the earth autul garbage fulleul gully no tree anchor.
P. PPm Traver right nonoseand uparerervutiup Nluchexl’susuuteatid sruuuecuuuuuu Warwick Williams. Harry Lusford Juls ‘n15
SensibleShoes 21 25m
Quite good.
Starr: On the wall Pm right of Lucle Tom.
I. PSin Up 3m onto ledge then swung over rvsuf built runner tutu lupi Flarul ututuves bolt then more easily up the nondescript wall abuive
Warwick Baird, Ciiles ‘Rufus’ Bradbury 1 8811
Red Robin 16 JOin
By no means a popular route bun in does look good
Starr: On a block an an overhang lOin right uth Sensible Shoes
I. JOin Heave up onto the cram d little slab. Quickly sv’atutper acriuss cit ii ledge. Step up and traverse acros.s left nut arene p ccc arene ii Ross Vinung i cond unable no follunts i Winner "‘4
n9uiAun~Jack 19 5Pm
.A classic of the cliff and very popular. f)ffers beautiful sustained wall cluiruhurug with good protection.
Starr: As for Red Robin.
1. PSin Pull up and shuffle acros.s no ledge as fur Red Ruibun I a hut lake itt start then continue fairly well straight up the wall ii nip
Ross Nining second too pumped no funllow i W inter "'4
Disjointed 20 25m
A very hard looking start. Appears no harder barn P11
Start: On wall 4m right of Aunny Jack.
I. PSin Up no bolt an 4m then hard moves nun another built lxi higher Directly tutu wall bin no another bolt then continue up wall trending slightly lefuwunuls at top.’
Ralph Weigand. Steve Knight Early ‘bP
# Peppercorner 15 JOin
.A fine climb. Take a no pron ‘n the lower parr of climb.
Start: The corner 3m right of Disloinned
I. PSin Layback or grovel up the off width cornet vi chununey abutun I (hunt uu~u I w’ide chimney no roof. Niove oar around block and up ii top Warwick Williams, Lyn Thompson. Bull Blunt. Ros.s Vunung Wittner "'4
Bunnerfh 16 4Onn
A traverse across Aunny Jack wall.
Start: As for Peppercorner.
I. 40m Up Peppercorner no traser. linear aSian tune third height 1 raverse I Pitt across wall no arene. Finish up the arene as for Red Rvubun
Ross Vining, Bill Blunt Winner ‘74
#Viparete 17 3Dm
A pleasant and popular climb with a tricky unprotected start
Start: The blunt arene 4m right of Pepercorner
1. JOin Hard moves no starr then easier no ledge about bin up. C’unnunue tip arene
Pu)
finihing on either left or ngh~ side. On to ledge belov bJock, raver righi and up.
Ross \‘ining. V~ar~ick WilIiam~. Joe Lorinei Winter ‘74
Pork.pine 17 3Ovn
~ bu mossy
Starr. The moss\ ~aI1 4m right of \iparete.
SOm lip a ries of little flakes then tra~er~e left to join Vi rete~ Corninue up \iparete but keeping on the right side all the way
Ant Prehn. (iraham Hill. John Muir \~ inter 80
[a~ and Disorder 21 25m
A good route ~ ith an n1ere~ting exit. Some parts of the upper crion ap ar 10 cross some W ~Iank looking rock.
Starr. 4m right of Pork\plne on mo~~ ~aI1
25m Wander up he green Io~ angle ~aJI just left of some flakes to a boJi. Now hard mo~e~ up the imposible kxking vail to a ~rnaIi roof. Pull over, clip a bolt and up
Stexe Knight. Ralph Weig2nd. John Smoothx 6.382
#Lishenbak 10 30m
A pleasant climb indeed.
Starr V~ ide and eas\ angled corner 2rn ight of Law and Disorder.
3Gm Ea~I1\ to roof. ~ing out and around ii and up the steep corner above. Joe Lorine,. Warwick Williams. Bill Blunt. Winter ‘74
Radios Appear 21 30m
An excellent, sustained and ~1renuous wall.
Sian The flake 3m righi of Lishenhak.
I 30m Up Om to horiiontal break. N1o~e left and up the wall (friend runners in horizonial hreak~ to boW lip to another bolt ~m h’gher A very difficult move follows then continue ~~raight up ~a~1 past another bolt to top.
Ralph Weigand. John SrnoothN. Ste~e Knight. Early 82
# Birdsnest 15 30m
Another realk g climb
Starr As for Radio~ Ap ar
I 30m Up the bcauriful flaKe and the ~aII above to top.
Ross \irnng. Warwick Williams, Joe Lorinez, Winter ‘74
Sparroi~ 18 30m
The bolt is often u d for aid b~ some shorter folks.
Starr. On the wall 4m right of Birdsnest.
1. 30m lip wall to bolt. Onto ledge above and continue up mossy wall to top. Ross Vining. Bill BIurn. Warwick Williams. Winter ‘74
Ichabodichabod II or 14 52m
Something of a chimney s~ruggk. Grade II if you keep to the outside of the chimne’ and grade 14 if ~ou go up the guts. if you do decide to go subterranean it provides a novel finish like a worn F.
Sarr. The chimnex 3m right of Sparrow.
1. 30m lip a cheminee. Lorinez. Bill BIurn. Wirner 74
30
finihing on either left or ngh~ side. On to ledge belov bJock, raver righi and up.
Ross \‘ining. V~ar~ick WilIiam~. Joe Lorinei Winter ‘74
Pork.pine 17 3Ovn
~ bu mossy
Starr. The moss\ ~aI1 4m right of \iparete.
SOm lip a ries of little flakes then tra~er~e left to join Vi rete~ Corninue up \iparete but keeping on the right side all the way
Ant Prehn. (iraham Hill. John Muir \~ inter 80
[a~ and Disorder 21 25m
A good route ~ ith an n1ere~ting exit. Some parts of the upper crion ap ar 10 cross some W ~Iank looking rock.
Starr. 4m right of Pork\plne on mo~~ ~aI1
25m Wander up he green Io~ angle ~aJI just left of some flakes to a boJi. Now hard mo~e~ up the imposible kxking vail to a ~rnaIi roof. Pull over, clip a bolt and up
Stexe Knight. Ralph Weig2nd. John Smoothx 6.382
#Lishenbak 10 30m
A pleasant climb indeed.
Starr V~ ide and eas\ angled corner 2rn ight of Law and Disorder.
3Gm Ea~I1\ to roof. ~ing out and around ii and up the steep corner above. Joe Lorine,. Warwick Williams. Bill Blunt. Winter ‘74
Radios Appear 21 30m
An excellent, sustained and ~1renuous wall.
Sian The flake 3m righi of Lishenhak.
I 30m Up Om to horiiontal break. N1o~e left and up the wall (friend runners in horizonial hreak~ to boW lip to another bolt ~m h’gher A very difficult move
follows then continue ~~raight up ~a~1 past another bolt to top. Ralph Weigand. John SmoothN. Ste~e Knight. Early 82
# Birdsnest 15 30m
Another realk g climb
Starr As for Radio~ Ap ar
I 30m Up the bcauriful flaKe and the ~aII above to top.
Ross \irnng. Warwick Williams, Joe Lorinez, Winter ‘74
Sparroi~ 18 30m
The bolt is often u d for aid b~ some shorter folks.
Starr. On the wall 4m right of Birdsnest.
1. 30m lip wall to bolt. Onto ledge above and continue up mossy wall to top. Ross Vining. Bill BIurn. Warwick Williams. Winter ‘74
Ichabodichabod II or 14 52m
Something of a chimney s~ruggk. Grade II if you keep to the outside of the chimne’ and grade 14 if ~ou go up the guts. if you do decide to go subterranean it provides a novel finish like a worn F.
Sarr. The chimnex 3m right of Sparrow.
1. 30m lip a cheminee.
Lorinez. Bill BIurn. Wirner 74
30
(ron 20 30m
A hard bouldery start that looks exceptionally thin
Start The wall Pm right of Ichabod Ichabod.
I (din Boulder up no bolt an 4m. The first ascensionusts fined a half inch nape loop on the bolt so that in could be clipped from a lower position. The nape is now’ faded and unsafe Best no take a cigarette lighter or pen knife no remove in. Hard misses past bolt no horvuonnal break. Connunue up the wall above until rotten sandy rock us reached lust below the top Traverse off left.
W ill Nloon. Bruce C ameron, 1980 sometime
Paragon 19 23m
Start On the wall 3 fin right of C row
I P3m C p right no the flake and onto in C’onnnnue up the wall no a big ledge. Now move up and right onto the arene of the overhang. On up the arene no top.
Rod A oung. Ann Prehn, Cirahame Hill, 8 8 80
Huh CatfIsh 15 20m
Starr On wall 9m right 01 Paragon.
I POm Pretty much up the middle of wall
Ann Prehn. Rod Young. Kevin Brown, lb 8 80
Staircase 5 40m
Abuolunels worthless Actually the whole concept oh a route up here verges on the ridiculous I really don’t know w’hy I’m even bothering no include it. O.K. enough ray tug
Starr POin right of the scramble up track no Ichabod Ichabod, Crow etc. Start lOin above the track on a black slab.
I 4Gm Blunder up as you will nakung the easiest line of resistance (not that you meet machi Try and avoid ledges and terraces where possible.
Allan Nunley. Joe lorinee, Winner’ 74
ECHO GULLS
Starts our as a gully of sorts an the top, bun halfway down, where in turns sharply back on itself. in becomes more of a steep earth ramp. Echo Gully lies above the small scrappy walls rnghn of Staurcase and slopes down from left no right (facing cliffi. Refer no the Descent Ciullues section on how no reach in from the top. The gully contains five routes. starring w uth Hollow Echo near the top of the ramp and sloping downhill. The base of the gully comes out an Obituary
Hollon Echo 9 15m
Nonhung no rave about.
Starr P7m diagonally up right from Holy C anfish Start below a groove near the top of the earth ramp. This climb is the lurtherest one up Echo Gully.
I Sm Lp groove ramp past an interesting little cave no ledge. Across right to tree anchor
Bull Blunt, Joc Lornnez, Winner ‘74
Second Echo 12 iSm
Getting bugger all the time.
Starr The thin corner bin right of Hollow’ Echo. I lhmLpcornerionop.
Bill Blunt, Joe Lorinez, Winner ‘74
3P
Echo Point 15 20m
Somewhat arnictal bun still qatne pleasant
Start’ A very rhun groove Pm right of Second Echun
I. POm Up no ledge then continue up arene past built runner ii tip Andrew Penney, John Smooths, PP 10 8P
# Resonance 18 20m
One hard well protected move followed by a pleasant groove
Starr’ On the wall 4m right of Echo Point Start on top of block
I. POm Up wall past bolt no groove Onward.s up grexuve nun niup ihe inst lea moves requnre some thought. thereafter it’s easy
John Smoonhy Back rope soloi. 8 1179
# Ahlutions 19 25m
Another climb wuth a short well protected crux followed by easier clunubung
Extensively wure brushed before climbing
Starr: bin right of and below the block an the base of Resonance
I. PSin Across rught no groove. Some thin moves lead up past a bunli then cuuntunuuuc up wall and crack above no top
John Smoonhy. Andrew Penney, PP 10 79
###TheOhituary 14 JOin
A classic route up a fine steep corner. Sustained and well protected
Start: The obvious corner 1Pm right of Ablutions an the base of Fehun Culls ‘Alsut in 35m right of Staircase if walking along the base from that durecnutun
I JOin Bridge, lamb and layback up the fine corner
Bill Blunt, Joe Lornnez, Winter ‘74
Ohllsuon 20 JOin
Quite an interesting climb which is a bin run our in places
Starr: On the orange scooped wall 4m right of Oninuary
I JOin Up scooped wail no roof, step left and up onto small ledge Traverse back right no arene thence up unto top. keeping mainly on the right side
Mike Law, Andrew Penney, John Smoonhy, 15 P 78
Ohilsion Varient Start 22 1 Out
Scare: 4m right of Oblivion. Scramble bin up onto ledge and belay (tree anchorn I. lOin Across left and up no bolt take a hero loop un sticks our quite a waysh
Hard moves up lefnwards no loin Oblivion on arene C onnunue up f)blusuon nun top.
‘Big’ Mal Grey and friends, Early ‘OP
#Refusal 14 25m
Quite a nice climb.
Start: 8m right of the serainhle up route no Ohlnvuon Varuent Starr Scramble up nunno ledge and start in the obvious corner.
1. PSin Up corner no top
Bill Blunt, Joe Lonnez, Winter ‘74
Blackfellars Barkoo 14 25m
Needs some ‘ape’ type movements around the tree
Stare: 8m right of Refusal. Scramble 8m up no corner
I. 25m Up coiner, swing past trees, into rubbish filled gully and up Bill Blunt, Joe Lorinee, Winter ‘74
33
Ilorror Shon 20 25m
Apn.u named ht (to,’ whit really tunics nut bus tuwn tin this type ill rock Possibly still
.‘‘t. pealed
3,’ A’ lil l3lacklellars flurkivi
Thn. 1, p cras,k tin right wall nut ledge I tulluiw the loose crack flake rugbnwards artist nbc wall past uwut large livuse hliuckv The second one us monsierous and siC’, in putoible iii avutud ((nnuu ledge then up wall on right or rhegulls nun left. Tree an Thur
liv I mend Keith Bell Pb ~4 tube leader used one rest bun the second c in crated
Machun Man 23 30m
icb harder than in appears mimi the gnuntund
r’ ii" inc w a I (in right itT nbc scranuble up track ii Humor Sheuw
tin I it a huirietununal scusup estrenre incuvet past two buults then easier siraichi up nbc wall pust anuunber built
A’ I Irehe Rv.l ‘nutting 71 5811
~ shihininun W all 21 30m
Inc i ro Jr y ii git utti this line sbttwlriece wall Nuts regarded as somenhungofa later
Jan Jassic the It toe has beet amen pied arid clunubedi bs all and sundry, especially by
ci , c I gers a 8 teething pruiblenus ‘Au abstultune niust fuir any ‘our of town’ susunor
Air, The wal, ½ rughi iii Nlachet Niarn
tin 1. se ,u cairn ii start tither’ diii bern tuillow the line If son get lost then tuna deserve w haicuer late betalls seuti An mud height there us an excellent small edec uncle tutu ant cuer sit duiwn ‘The hardest invites are near the 3rd bolt ard ar the tent lut1i where sum cant either traverse left and up or go straight up There are Ii butlis alnuigenber all with lived bangers bar one
Andrew lid net Jutbun Snuuvunbu (Kiunber. ‘Pb
ruin in the Soul 21 30m
I tcct cill thin wall climbing
Anti As lit I shubunutun Wall
ill’ p 1 shubunutunn Wall nun the ninth built I cave the comfort cif this bolt ladder cC I sinnninnuue straight up wall past a huiruetunnual break and a bolt no top
lie e’ Rttbvrnsntti. Steve Knight. 1’ n
C ardbuuard Wilderness 21 30m
Anther title it nbc stiuntles’s rituutes hal nuvuw intest I shubunuon Wall
A 5r’ As lilt I shibition Wall
stun C p 1 shubunutyn nut the ninth built then up the obvious brushed groove no nip There is a bolt runner tni belcuw the top
Rauph Sin engand tunsectundedi. 31 bP
‘1 he Rage This Season 23 30m
A Ctuv5l c unrb with time thin innuves
Aunt (In wall 4 1Pm right of f’shibttintn Wall
I Pun 1.. p nbc tricky little wall no a slight horizontal weakness The Age of Reasoun traverses right beret C onnunue up a few more moves no a bolt, your tilsi runner C cunnunue up wall past another bolt and a couple of poor friend piacennerns lit t~un I shubunuon Wall attn’s half height resting ledge
Ralph Sin cigaind lucre (ureenwell, P4 ‘ 87
The Age of Reason 24 30m
A most unsociable companion no the others on the wall Required extensive brushing. scoping and half as much again in trauma. For a long rime in held a reputation finn extreme moves and poor protection Niuch of the aura vanished alter Cieoff Robertson made the 2nd ascent and others were brave enough no make attempts Still quite a serious lead, especially above the crux where very little or no pruunecnuuun exists The route was originally done with two rests which were eliminated by the inst ascensionist a week later. Friends are essential for protection
Starr As for the Rage This Season
I. 30m Lp the thin little wall no a slight horizontal weakness ‘A desperate traverse right leads no a better break on the edge of the wall amnd the first protection possible. Ltp no another break, friend runners Beuuilder the blank wall ucruxi then a move or two left no another break friend placennenni [‘aster climbing about grade 191 now leads straight up no top This last section us poorly protected bun a dubious slung runner iv postible apparently
Warwick Baird seconds unable no followi. April ‘80
Software Freak 23 3Ont
Somewhat different to the others.
Starr’ The left side of a cave bin right of The Age of Reason
I. JOin Lp the left side of the case no the horizontal break urn 1 he ‘Age tnT Reasunn
Lp the Age of Reason no the next break then traverse right nun twin builts
Continue above these no next break wire placemennsu therm on nun anruunher built
Now up and left no flake Lp again passing another bunln nun cup
Ralph Wengand unsecondedi. 31 8P
Ferns Groove 15 JOin
Ah in’s good no be hack in the teens again after all those hard routes Harder than in
looks
Start’ The corner 3m right of Software Freak
1. JOin Lp the case and groove
Bill Blunt, Joe Lonunee, Winter ‘74
# # Crystal Palace 22 6(Im
A great traverse in the best of British tradition Sustained
Starr: As for Ferny Groove.
I. Ibm Lp Ferny Groove to belay 3m above the root
P. 30m Traverse left along the line of holds no the horizontal break abunve the crux of The Age Of Reason Continue left cmxi no another slot, nitwit Iruend runners Up a move or two then keeping going left ucnmissung [shubinunmn Walli and down a little no the arete Belay off bolt anchor duiwn a little on the elm side of arene
3. Ibm Easily no top
Pete Greenwell, Ralph Weigand, July. ‘8P
OBSTACLE COURSE GLLL~
The steep debris strewn gully PJm right of Ferny Curoove Refer nun the I)escenn Gullies section on how no reach in from the top.
# The Dance For A Sugar Plum Fairy 17 25m
An interesting crux no say the least Non particularly well protected thus unnily tine runneri.
3b
ii a .u 4 ‘r right nut lenny Ciroove and dOm right of Obstacle Course Ciully.
ii is starts nun a ledge 2dm above track level The next 4 climbs start up
A itt cli wards traverse leads no a ledge and a poor bolt runner. Soft s’ u. rurr7c mcii acnuuss slab to arene udesperanen Carefully up the rounded at’ wa is ‘tutu rtv.k trending across rughnwards to finish
flu’, A mu tue Hull Blunt. Winner ‘74
A ilium Purul 13 20m
‘ii
1: ii istlciw cuunmier.2m rtghtofTDf’ASP[
,uiisi ills up the yellow overhanging corner no top Better than in looks. it It ,~ut A ,urw uck Williams. Winner ‘74
A ulcani 16 lOin
‘‘‘"‘is right nil A ellow Peril
pinner a little dirts
I .‘ Air Sic lackent. Ros.s A unung. Winner ‘74
18 12m
ii hack up a nasty little off width
V c P a chin Pu right nut A ulgane
I Ac’ crack, built an ‘in
H us’ S rut yr (uctunec liarriscun. Winner ‘74
Pussi luuuitin’ 15 30m
‘ t riurusar ‘ r,,rttble
in’ wa. ii right on ‘tank ‘ta [)oodle
A ‘ us~ ‘ight and up nun bolt runner. Hard move then continue the rising ‘,uu"rsc riglriw,urd.s nut easy ground Blunder up jug ridden wall to top. ~ ut’w t ‘A ulluanus. Russ A unung. Nit Wilson. Winner ‘74
Ruvin Backrt 9 2Orn
,hininev cuinnaunung I chocksnones and a large rusty bucker 27m right of P .~, I stir
is A p tue chimney
la , Mart Hill Blunt. W inner ‘74
Nutmie 10 20m
is chmnunes 4m right of Rusty Bucket.
iris ‘strutli up gully unto chimney Up you go.
H Hiurt Mr Thornton, Mr Thompson, Winter ‘74
lhrMuinsterOffwidth 21 20m
yr rut ‘. auclet isv (uuenn Robbuns alias Spastic Zerol in the dark ages bun never Repuiscd duizens of attempts by various people over a five year period
Si’ Huird sulved the puz,zle.
A itt is chimney I 7m right of Nutmeg.
it"’ Thrash up the tight st.~ueeze chimney’ no ledge on left. Double bolt
ruts Step up no offwudnh roof. Lean our, clip a bolt and muscle our ~Y icixti C onrunue up wide crack no top.
Ant ck Baird. Dave Wagland, 1981
mu a .u 4 ‘r right mit Feints (moose and dOm right of Obstacle Course Ciully.
ii is starts nun a ledge 2dm above track level The next 4 climbs start up
A ‘u’ut yr cli wards traverse leads no a ledge and a poor bolt runner. Soft s’ u. uurr7c menu acntuss slab to arene udesperanen Carefully up the rounded at’ ta ii ‘tilt rtv.k trending across rughnwards no finish
B r~ A mu mug Hill Blunt. Winner ‘74
A nliminm Purul 13 20m
A
It’ ~mu eml~mw c"nmier.2m rtghtofTDl’ASPF’
aruri mdv up the yellow overhanging corner no top Better than in looks. it It rut Vu aiw ick Williams. Winner ‘74
A ulcan 16 lOin
‘‘"‘it’ rught nil A ellow Peril
tinnier a little dirts
I .‘ r Sir Sic lackent. Ros.s S inung. Winner ‘74
‘AankAa1yu~Iu~ 18 12m
- "‘ a~ hack up a nasty little off width a m4tlu Pu right nut S ulgane
I tue crack, built an ‘in
H us’ S mu yr (uctunec Ilarriscun. Winner ‘74
Pussn luuuitin’ 15 30m
‘measat ‘ rumble
in’ wa. ii ruglin at ‘tank Au [)oodle
A ‘ us’ ‘ught and up nun bolt runner. Hard move then continue the rising ‘anise rmglutward.s mum easy ground Blunder up jug ridden wall no top.
usa ..u. ‘A ulluanus. Russ S unung. Nit Wilson. Winner ‘74
Ruvin Bucket 9 2Oni
,huuuuev cuinnaunung I chocksnones and a large rusty bucker 27m right of I ,vmtmr
up ( p tue chimney
la , Slara Bull Blunt. W inner ‘74
Nurmie 10 20m
it’ c is chmnunes 4m right of Rusty Bucket.
7 is’ ‘strIm up gully unto chimney Lp you go.
H Blunt Sir Thornton. Mr Thompson, Winter ‘74
lhrMuinsterOffmidth 21 20m
yr rut ‘. aclu’4 isv (uteun Robbuns alias Spastic Zerot in the dark ages bun never Repoused duuzens of attempts by various people over a five year period
Si’ Humid sulved the puzzle.
A rru P chimney I 7m right of Nutmeg.
mu"’ Thrash up the tight stineeze chimney’ no ledge on left. Double bolt
,ruuy Step up no offwudnh roof. Lean our, clip a bolt and muscle our
yr5 icuxti C onrunue up wide crack no top.
A .tu’t ck Baird. Dave Wagland, 1981
PaperTiger 15 ISm
Start .A crack Sin right nuf Nothing.
I Sm C p sneepls for 7m then stroll up the green low’ angled corner.
Warwick Williams. Bill Blunt. Joe Lorunee, Allan Nunles, Winner ‘74
Iron Filings 25 40m
The hardest route in thus guide and one tuf the hardest in The Niounnains. .A wandering route.
.Sturt:29nn right of Pa r Tiger on wall 2. Sm left of a rounded arene.
I 4dm C’p the wall past a bunln no a cave. This enuon is about 19. Walk left no
edge of cave then up a few metres no horizontal break. Traver left 5m
then up wall past two bolts no top. The crux us passing the top bolt.
CitIes Bradbury. Cicoff Robertson. 3. 10.92
Russell’s Wander 14 25m
Smart: I fin right of Iron Filings below a short overhanging buttress.
l.25in Lefnw’ards across slab past tree branch no ledge. Now’ up the little crack in the steep green wall behind.
First recorded ascent. Russell Taylor usolom, Lane 70’s
Master Plan 22 23m
Pealls good. Much harder and more overhanging than in looks.
Start. As for Russell’s W’ander. You could easily mis.s the modest marking an the base. eb Rod’
l.23m Lastly up the left wall no a horizontal break. Move right onto the
urine and strenuously up past three bolts no top.
Rod Young, Ann Prehn, 21 .9.80
Marooned 20 20i,n
A good companion no Master Plan.
Seurr:The arene 7m right of Master Plan.
l.2lIltn Up the arene n a friend runner in a horizontal break and a bolt. Ann Prehn, Red Young, 21.9.80
MONUMENT RIDGE GULLY
The walk dow’n gully in w’hich Marooned is located Ian the base of gullyl. This gully is the dividing line between The Sunny Side and The Shady Side. In other words any climb lying no the right of this gully is considered no be on the Shady Side. Refer no the Descent Gullies section on how no reach in from the top. The gully contains one climb.
DropOut 12 7m
Ridiculously short bun then again in’s a crack, isn’t in?
Snurn:ln Monument Ridge Gully’ 7m right of Marooned
I .7m lip crack no summit
Joe Lornnee, Alan Nunley, Winter 74
THE SHADY SIDE
Climbs are described left to right facing the cliff.
Easy Corner 11 20m
Nothing no rave about.
Smart: An a left facing corner with a wide crack in in 80m right of Monument Ridge Gully. The climb lies on the first real compact section of cliff after a long stretch of broken scrappy cliffs.
I. 20m lip corner no top. The top part of the pitch is rather mossy. First recorded ascent, Andrew Penney isolol, 9.10.82
40
PaperTiger 15 ISm
Start .A crack Sm right of Nothing.
I Sm C p sneepls for 7m then stroll up the green low’ angled corner. Warwick Williams. Bill Blunt. Joe Lorunee, Allan Nunles, Winner ‘74
Iron Filings 25 40m
The hardest route in thus guide and one uinf the hardest in The Niounnains. .A wandering route.
.S’turt:29nn right of Pa r Tiger on wall 2. Sm left of a rounded arene.
I 4dm lip the wall past a bunln no a cave. This enuon is about 19. Walk left no
edge of cave then up a few metres no horizontal break. Traver left 5m
then up wall past two bolts no top. The crux us passing the top bolt.
CitIes Bradbury. Cicoff Robertson. 3. 10.92
Russell’s Wander 14 25m
Smart: I 8m right of Iron Filings below a short overhanging buttress. l.25m Lefnw’ards across slab past tree branch no ledge. Now’ up the little crack in the steep green wall behind.
First recorded ascent. Russell Taylor usolom, Lane 70’s
Master Plan 22 23m
Pealls good. Much harder and more overhanging than in looks.
Start. As for Russell’s W’ander. You could easily mis.s the modest marking an the base. eb Rod’
l.23m Lastly up the left wall no a horizontal break. Move right onto the
urine and strenuously up past three bolts no top.
Rod Young, Ann Prehn, 21 .9.80
Marooned 20 20i,n
A good companion no Master Plan.
Seurr:The arene 7m right of Master Plan.
l.20m Up the arene n a friend runner in a horizontal break and a bolt. Ann Prehn, Red Young, 21.9.80
MONUMENT RIDGE GULLY
The walk dow’n gully in w’hich Marooned is located at the base of gullyl. This gully is the dividing line between The Sunny Side and The Shady Side. In other words any climb lying no the right of this gully is considered no be on the Shady Side. Refer no the
Descent Gullies section on how no reach in from the top. The gully contains one climb.
DropOut 12 7m
Ridiculously short bun then again in’s a crack, isn’t in?
Snurn:ln Monument Ridge Gully’ 7m right of Marooned
I .7m lip crack no summit
Joe Lornnee, Alan Nunley, Winter 74
THE SHADY SIDE
Climbs are described left to right facing the cliff.
Easy Corner 11 20m
Nothing no rave about.
Smart: An a left facing corner with a wide crack in in 80m right of Monument Ridge Gully. The climb lies on the first real compact section of cliff after a long stretch of broken scrappy cliffs.
I. 2dm lip corner no top. The top part of the pitch is rather mossy. First recorded ascent, Andrew Penney solon, 9.10.82
40
Short’n’Sn’eet 12 iSm
Smart: .A short rnghnward leading corner with orange rock an the base 24m right of Fasy Corner.
I. I Sm Lasily up corner no sudden steepening. Swing on up then easily’ no top trending left.
Russell Taylor. 16.1174
EDDY ROCK GULLY
The gully I 3m right of Short ‘n’ Sweet. The gully can be identified by a large ‘Rusty Bucker’ lying an the base. Refer no the Descent Gullies non for derails on how’ no reach in from top
SillsChimnes It ISm
Non particularly good.
Starr: 38m right of Short ‘n’ Sweet and 25m right of Lddy Rock Gully’. Starr an wide
easy chimney narrowing an a roof 8m up.
I. I Sm lip chimney with a dirty exit an top. Take large tubes for protection.
First recorded ascent, Andrew Penney Solop, 6.8.82
Rotating Toothbrush 24 15m
Steep and Strenuous.
Start: 72m right of Silly Chimney below a dominating orange and grey head wall high up. The climb starts 25m directly above you in the middle of this headwall. Scramble up through broken rock and easy chimneys no reach the start.
I I Sm lip the overhung groove past two bolts. A friend in break is possible after the 2nd bolt.
Ralph Wengand, Mal Grey, Geoff Robertson, June ‘82
OnlheLoose 20 20m
As the name implies.
Start’ 20m right of the scramble up route no Rotating Toothbrush. The climb starts an a rightinard leading thin crack on a grey and orange wall lOin uphill from the track.
I. 20m lip the crack then reach left no a good horizontal. Move left Jin then up the overhanging dubious rock t a peg and bolt near top.
Rod Young, Ann Prehn, Mark Burton, 11.10.79
Igneous 16 20nn
.A clean aesthetic little corner.
Starr: tin right of On The Loose.
I. 2Gm lip the fine curving corner.
Rod Young, Ann Prehn, Mark Burton, 23.10.80
Magpie Innocence 20 20m
Start. On wall I in right of Igneous.
I. 20m Climb the right wall of the arene over two bulges past a bolt. Continue up arete no top..
Red Young. Ann Prehn, Mark Burton, 23.10.80
GARBAGE GULCH
The gully 14m right of Magpie Innocence. Refer no the dir nions in the Descent Gullies section on how no reach in from the top.
# # #Cracked Emerald 20 15m
A superb little gem on beautiful rock.
Start: On a pretty orangelgrey wall 24m right of Magpie Innocence and 8m right of Garbage Gulch.
42
Shorn’n’Sn’eet 12 iSm
Smart: .A short rnghnward leading corner with orange rock an the base 24m right of Fasy Corner.
I. I Sm Fasily up corner no sudden steepening. Swing on up then easily’ no top trending left.
Russell Taylor. 16.1174
EDDY ROCK GULLY
The gully I 3m right of Short ‘n’ Sweet. The gully can be identified by a large ‘Rusty Bucker’ lying an the base. Refer no the Descent Gullies non for details on how’ no reach in from top
SillsChimnes It ISm
Non particularly good.
Start: J8m right of Short ‘n’ Sweet and 25m right of Lddy Rock Gully’. Starr an wide easy chimney narrowing an a roof 8m up.
I. I Sm lip chimney with a dirty exit an top. Take large tubes for protection. First recorded ascent, Andrew Penney Solop, 6.8.82
Rotating Toothbrush 24 15m
Steep and Strenuous.
Start: 72m right of Silly Chimney below a dominating orange and grey head wall high up. The climb starts 25m directly above you in the middle of this headwall. Scramble up through broken rock and easy chimneys no reach the start.
I I Sm lip the overhung groove past two bolts. A friend in break is possible after the 2nd bolt.
Ralph Wengand, Mal Grey, Geoff Robertson, June ‘82
OnlheLoose 20 20m
As the name implies.
Start’ 20m right of the scramble up route no Rotating Toothbrush. The climb starts an a rightinard leading thin crack on a grey and orange wall lOin uphill from the track.
I. 20m lip the crack then reach left no a good horizontal. Move left Jin then up the overhanging dubious rock t a peg and bolt near top.
Rod Young, Ann Prehn, Mark Burton, 11.10.79
Igneous 16 2Onn
.A clean aesthetic little corner.
Starr: tin right of On The Loose.
I. 2Gm lip the fine curving corner.
Rod Young, Ann Prehn, Mark Burton, 23.10.80
Magpie Innocence 20 20m
Start. On wall I in right of Igneous.
I. 20m Climb the right wall of the arene over two bulges past a bolt. Continue up arete no top..
Red Young. Ann Prehn, Mark Burton, 23.10.80
GARBAGE GULCH
The gully 14m right of Magpie Innocence. Refer no the dir nions in the Descent Gullies section on how no reach in from the top.
#Cracked Emerald 20 15m
A superb little gem on beautiful rock.
Start: On a pretty orangelgrey wall 24m right of Magpie Innocence and 8m right of Garbage Gulch.
42
I Sm Bridge up tree and wall then mose left and up the centre of the wall past a
bolt Niose left and up past a second bolt no the top
Ann Prehn. Rod Young, Mark Burton, 2510 82
CriminalConnectiorb 9 2Otn
Smart A chimney corner SSm right of Cracked Linerald
I 20m C p chtmney:corner then seer rnghnwards up shallow corner to tree anchor below large tunnel Walk up nhru ‘tunnel of lux’ no mop.
John Smoonhy. 12982
~onngDudes 16 20m
Start The flake 7m right of Criminal C onnecnions
I 20m C p the flake and finish over right
Ann Prehn, Rod Young. 210 82
# FirstXearl.ni t9 t5nn
Steep lambing
Smart A shorn corner crack bin right of Young Oxides
I Sm L p cuirner no left, move left and up crack no top
John Smoonhy. Terry Bernumt, Scpnember ‘77
Modern Girt 18 23m
Smart Shin right of First Year lint an a block below a small overhang and a short rotten wall The good rock starts about lOin up
I 23m lip the wall via a thin crack and face climbing.
Mark Burton. Rod ‘noung, Scary Cirorn alias Ciarry Sconnn, 24 1080
BLAXLAND’S GULLY
The narrow ‘canyon like’ gully 17m right of Modern Girl Refer no the Descent Cualluec section on how no reach in from the top.
#Xenturi 8 4Oni
Start 23m right of Blaxland’s Ciully an a giant low angled corner leading no massive roofs
I 40m lip corner no cave below roof. Traverse right across slab around roof and up to top
John Bishop. Jan Aalders, Shenun Nan der Slays, Winner "‘4
Peeceez~ 4 40ttn
Holds the dubious honour of being the easiest climb in the guide
Start On wall Sm right of Venturi
I 40m lip 4m onto ledge and starr of crack Follow lefnw’ard leading crack up no roof or leave the crack half way and doodle up slab. Continue easily no top as for Nennurn
Brian Ratter, Chris Peisker, Winter ‘74
#‘1’hnnderfart 14 35m
.An interesting climb up a mighty looking corner.
Smart’ Below a short grey corner 48m right of Peeceezy Scramble up onto ledge an base of corner
I lOin lip short corner no top of block
25m lip the main corner above.
Johnny Croker, Brian Ranter, 14.7.74
# Charlene 20 40m
Start’ On wall 2m right of Thunderfarn.
I. 40m lip wall no horizontal, move right and up the overhung orange wall passing 4 bolts.
Ann Prehn, Red Young. 3.10.82
44
I Sm Bridge up tree and wall then move left and up the centre of the wall past a
bolt Niove left and up past a second bolt no the top
Ann Prehn. Rod Young, Mark Burton, 2510 82
CriminalConnectiorb 9 2Otn
Smart A chimney corner SSm right of Cracked Finerald
I 20m C p chumney:corner then veer rnghnwards up shallow corner to tree anchor below large tunnel Walk up bra ‘tunnel of lax’ no mop.
John Smoonhy. 12982
~onngDudes 16 20m
Start The flake 7m right of Criminal C onnecnions
I 20m C p the flake and finish over right
Ann Prehn, Rod Young. 210 82
# FirsnXearl.ni t9 t5nn
Steep lambung
Start A short corner crack bin right of Young Oxides
I Sm C p cuirner no left, move left and up crack no top
John Smoonhy. Terry Bernumn, Scpnember ‘77
Modern Girt 18 23m
Smart Shin right of First Year lint an a block below a small overhang and a short rotten wall The good rock starts about lOin up
I 23m lip the wall via a thin crack and face climbing.
Mark Burton. Rod ‘noung, Scary Cirorn alias Ciarry Sconnn, 24 1080
BLAXLAND’S GULLY
The narrow ‘canyon like’ gully 17m right of Modern Girl Refer no the Descent Cuallues section on how no reach in from the top.
#Xenturi 8 4Oni
Smart 23m right of Blaxland’s Ciully an a giant low angled corner leading no massive roofs
I 40m lip corner no cave below roof. Traverse right across slab around roof and up to top
John Bishop. Jan Aalders, Shenun Nan der Slays, Winner "‘4
Peeceez~ 4 40ttn
Holds the dubious honour of being the easiest climb in the guide
Start On wall Sm right of Venturi
I 40m lip 4m onto ledge and starr of crack Follow lefnw’ard leading crack up no roof or leave the crack half way and doodle up slab. Continue easily no top as for Nennurn
Brian Ratter, Chris Peisker, Winter ‘74
#‘1’hnnderfart 14 35m
.An interesting climb up a mighty looking corner.
Start’ Below a short grey corner 48m right of Peeceezy Scramble up onto ledge an base of corner
I lOin lip short corner no top of block
25m lip the main corner above.
Johnny Croker, Brian Ranter, 14.7.74
# Charlene 20 40m
Start’ On wall 2m right of Thunderfarn.
I. 40m lip wall no horizontal, move right and up the overhung orange wall passing 4 bolts.
Ann Prehn, Red Young. 3.10.82
44
Puhlic Pressure 1~ 28m
tar I Sr wall 4n muSt ii I hunlciuc
p past twuul’xultseumuiigsltglitlv cmi abunvc Ird overlap man about 12mm then "miamcht up l~usun Stilt unnubuir iii imp
Murk ( u umamt la IC uuluuani 2 lii s2
High vuocirts 18 25m
iii’ via mm r glut ml PuShy litessuic
I tim ilium mm In unit ihicit nip rightwards a little past a friend pocket C mit r mm.’ up cuing lsavk slightS lent past twin bolt runnets Bolt anchor on top. \l,utk ( a mat ha ml mmli mann Ci ralnanmme [lull. 2111 82
‘uhabbi t)uull 15 20m
Star’ iii’ via ‘is r chin it (mcli Sisucim
mm’ Sutaugrum tiuctud tuittiucts itt punukets amid breaks
NIak C mum mart Ii talratiuc lInt ‘ lii h2
triulic 9 t3m
5,1 utim ;uu..ismnm .ttu.l’imuiili.’i
star’ 5 ii .s tan. t cram mm 1 4mm right nut Shabby Dull
I p
I ist mu. it tm.’,l ,usvv’itt Rid ‘t ummnig uSuilmmn. 2 III 12
‘mu. a 5t’ r glut nut I tuilum. lu tu.’avh mm mmii the mop see the Descent Gullies
(rand I arveni 13 30m
rucnvt ni,,tvutC
Star.’ St a ‘teSt m nilmunie nig 5uiitici dSni right ol [‘rolti.. and 20m right of 5k u.ttti.i. u unit s ii mum
S ,uc ‘~ mmmc stan t Semi mmmvi aids up the vintner u.n top
I rut flu4u m~ lit Salulers Nit A mlsmuni. 3 als ‘~4
Inter C it’ Blue’ 18 25m
Start ii sl it rum tutu ‘ss vuuitict 4mii tight iii C umand larceny
— n C p ti c sliumit vuittinit aniul Sent mmmii minimum nbc wall lip no a small ledge near
inc atem.’ net mmemn~l slmexitlm tmebn tilt the wall past a bolt and a ‘one friend’
p avurit i.t
Rut..’ i ummmne Sm i lurehti 2 lii 52
o ‘*cond Thunughts It 25m
Start 4uutm rueht ut net C mm [(times an a sbmurn vuirnet Scramble up this onto a large ledge amid amumunher slumuri vinritem vi SivS laces right
C p d’~i’t vui"’iei ui’iin levlge C mmnnmnmue up the main corner no top.
urn (I shut Jam Salder" Shcrinm N an dci Slmmys Juls ‘74
I ast C all (or Fame and (.lunr~ 18 25m
Start As hit Sevinnid ‘I hmmuighmns N~iIii mimi the irvin short vorner of Sceond Thoughts no evIct.’ and betas Start miii wall 2 5nu elm nut u.u.irnet
‘n C I wall trasm twit ‘silts making in uggy muverhang no finish
Nlamk C mum mann Juuhn Snmnsunhi. RatluS W eugand. Paul C oly san, 3.10.82
PopularOpimon 19 20m
Colyvan was under intense peer pressure no do thus route in defiance ol Ralph’s ulaum no the upper half of in via his proposed ‘direct starr’ All kinds of serious threats were levelled by ‘his friends’, including being struck off The Regulars List for life Smart: As for Second Thoughts. Solo up the first short corner of Second Thoughts cm
ledge and belay Start in right of the corner
I 20m lip through bulge past bolt runner then straight up the wall abunve past a second bolt Continue on no top
Niark Colysan, Grahame Hull. Paul Coly van. 4 hO 82
Serious Leather 22 25m
Start. On wall 4m right of Sccond Thoughts
1. 25m lip wall, flake and small corner no roof 2 bolts en round Over small roof and onto wall above 2 more boinsm Continue straight up no top Ralph Wengand, Steve Knight, June ‘82
Deep Freeze 20 4Onn
Smart On wall I Sm right of Serious Leather
I. 40m lip the wall past 3 bolts no a small roof Hard move over ru.o.ul inn final built then easily no top
Rod Young, Ann Preha, 22 8 80
Vn eigand’s Effort 22 3Orn
Start. A short corner leading no a roof 4m right of Deep Freeze Ignore the misleading graffiti marked must left of climb.
1 JOin lip corner no roof bolt on lefnt Pull over roof and up wall Sni nun built Continue up the thin wall above then more easily no top
Ralph Wengand, Grahame Hull. 310 82
Impotent Narcissus 18 3Oni
A fine roof crack problem on good rock
Start. The roof crack in right of Wengand’s Effort.
I JOin Swing across roof then follow the righiward diagonal u.orner no top Harry Luxford, Chris Piesker, Mid ‘70s
LAWSON’S GULLY
The gully 5Jm right of Impotent Narcissus. Involves 7m of easy climbing nun gain the gully proper. To reach in from the top refer no the Descent fiullies section The gully also boasts one climb.
Pressure Drop 19 1 7m
Different rock no the rest of the climbs an York Was wire brushed extensively before
climbing and could return no ins original mossy state if non climbed regularly
Start’ Make your way up Lawson’s Gully for 25m or so until you can scramble across no a steep wall on your left facing up gully I Start on a small ledge in the centre of the wall double bolt anchorsi
I 17m lip wall past 4 bolt runners no a double bolt anchor on top Mark Colyv’an, Giles Bradhury, Greg Moore, 231082
JoetheLion 17 40m
Originally done by Russell Tay lot several years ago who claimed the route no grade I S
Start’ A short groove below a roof with a crack in in 3m right of Lawson’s fiully I 40m lip through the small roof then follow crackline up wall no top
Ann Prehn, Rod Young, 2.10 82
47
Lodger 20 t5m
Smart Sm right of Joe the f inn am another short grouse leading no a tool
I 5m C p and over root passing a friendli bolt an the lip C p no ledge above and belas Walk off front here
Rod ‘toung. Ann Prehn. 211182
Heros 28 2Dm
Strenuous groping
Start On yellow rock below tool II in right oh I uvIger
I 20m C p no he blocks promecmuumn. nun right and up nbc wall no a ledge Two bolts are passed en route
Ann Prehn. Rod ‘t omung. 22 8 bIt
Dragons Tooth 12 3Dm
.A classun. corner dumb
Sta~t I 20m right on Heros an a giant right angled cunruer I SOm C p nbc corner nil imiurse
John Bishop. Jan Aalders. Nit Wulsmmn. July "4
Technical Stuff 17 40m
Some interesting moves
Smart On wall I 2m tight cut Dragons Tmsith I Thus us must no the right oh nbc arene
2. 40m Lp the arere no bulge passing win built thinners Swing over bulge and easily up urine and wall no top
John Smooths. Andrew Penney. 24.111’)
# 9 Samnisel 22 35m
A really excellent wall climb Quite thin in places
Start The wall 3 Sm right of Technical Stuff
I JOin C p the initial wall no small ledge and a bvult C ununmnue up a little higher passing two more bolts Niove up no the arene and belay nun ledge Nut anchors
2 Sm Fasils up arene no mop
John Smooths. Steve knight. Ralph Wengand. 3 02
Mistral 12 3Dm
Smart. An crack weakness 5m tight oh Samnuvel.
I JOin lip I Sm onto mop of blocks C mmnnunue straight up corner no top John Bishop. Jan Aulders. July ‘74
Mafs Mega Route 22 45m
A really superb climb
Smart. On wall 4m tight of Ninstral
I 45m lip rughnwards no rampand thin corner lip these no ledge lip wall 4m no a bolt below a sadden steepening of the headwall above Now make your way up the steep and often overhanging headwall past four bolts upossubls fusem. ‘Big’ Nial Curey. John Smooths. NIud 1982
Cosmetic 17 25m
SnarnOn wall 25m right of Nial’s Niega Route.
I 25m lipluggs wall no bolt then continue up wall trending our lefrward no top
Dave Humphrmes. John Sminoths. Ian Anger, 22 4 80
N KreII 20 30m
Starn.’On wall 5m right 0f Cosmetic.
JOin Up wall trending slightly righiwards no bolt an 12m. Another bolt is reached 8m higher on the lip of an overhang. Continue up wall past another bolt to top.
John Smoothy, Dave Humphries. Ian Anger, 23.4.80
#NTheH’owl 19 30m
A popular climb up a fine line,
Start:A short chimney 8m right of Krell.
I JOin Upehimney and corner no roof at I 5m. Traverse left cr051 under Sm
roof then up corner no top.
Matthew Dunstan late ‘74
I Ferret’s Route 21 35m
Fairly strenuous and sustained.
Starr As for The Howl.
l,35m Up The Howl noaclump of ferns at tOm. Traverse left past bolt no arene, Another bolt then up steeply through bulges until the angle eases slightly, Continue up wall and left side of arene no top.
Ian ‘Ferret’ Anger, Dave Humphries. John Smoonhy, April ‘80
N Stretch Marks 21 35m
His en wife died of stretch marks
Sracn:The wall 2m right 0f Howl.
I .25m Easily up slab no ledge. Use a cairn no stretch up and clip a bolt Ia long stretch even with cairnl then up wall past another bolt to top. John Smoothy. Terry Bernuti. 9.2.82.
N N Laming WaIl 21 25m
The ‘original and the hest’ route on the wall.
Start,’On wall 4,5m right of Stretch Marks.
l,25m Easily to ledge. A desperate mantle Ibolil leads up onto a small footledge. Pleasant climbing up wall past another bolt to top John Smoonhy. Dave Humphries. Ian Anger, 23,4.80.
Tais Free 20 25m
Start.’On wall 2m right of Laming Wall.
l,25m Easily no ledge. Up no tricky mantle IbolnI then up wall no top. Ralph Weigand, John Smoothy. February ‘82.
AreTurkeys Electric? 21 25m
Strenuous
Start:Easy juggy wall 6m right of Tais Free.
l,25m Up 6m onto ledge. Pull over bulge to bolt, trend leftwards and up Ant Prehn, John Muir. Winter 80
Cheat Notes 23 22m
Start: On wall 4m right of Are Turkeys Electric?
I. 22m Up the easy stuff to ledge. Pull around overhang no bolt then thin moves left and up to another bolt, Up thin wall and jugs to finish.
Ralph Weigard, John Smoonhy, 14.2,82.
COLLIT’S CREVASSE
Collins Crevasse is the gully a few metres right of the ledge on Cheat Notes. This is the ledge than runs across the previous five climbs no Howl, Refer to the Descent gullies section on bow to reach it from the top.
51
‘~ .2 Sehuelder 211
Start At an arete on he right side of a small gLIlL I 2Gm Tbe eass arene past a bolt to a ledge
small bolds ibree bolts on roniet
Rod ‘toang. Ant Prebn. 4 111.82
Plug 13
Start 35m rigbn of V 2 Scbneider at a sbort chint I 2Gm 1, pto roof. swing over and up wide era
for protection
Jobn (roker. Brian Ratter. 13 ‘4
RockuRoll Suicide 20
A varied climb
Start On wall Ibm rngbn 01 PIng
I. 4dm Hard moves ap tbe sbort arete thett above. Tbere are 4 bolts as well as natural Rod ‘i oung, Ant Prebn. 3. 111 82
Teenage Wildlife 21
Start On wall 2m rigbt of Rock’n’Roll Suicide
I 40m Hard fingers moves past the lirsi in passing two more bolts
Ant Prebn, Rod ‘t oung, 311182
~eti In
Some trieG moves, bun a bin broken
Start. 2m rigbt of Teenage Wildlife at a short see I 30m lip steepl~ for 8m tben wander up the
Jobn (roker with A Porter. 2"
Yeti X arient Finish 111
"W here no man has vet trod"
Starr. .As for ‘tent lip Yeti I Sm to thin crack ott I 1 2Gm Hard moves past the bolt then ap to at
Ant Prehn, Rod Young. 4 III 82
Hunger City 20
.A bard start and an exciting tinish
Start On the wall 3m right of ‘n ni
1 3Gm Hard moves up he first wall past twit above on the left passing a bolt runner
Rod ‘noang. .Ant Prehn, 4 1082
Busting Loose 18
Another exciting roof finish
Start Below overhang 3m right of Hanger (its
1. 3Gm The overhang start and wall above pay the top of a block at the overhang Pall siren Ann Prehn, Rod Young, 4 10 82
Teeny Bopper 17
Start. The obvious offwndnh root hIm right of Bay 1. 3Gm Swing across roof and ap the oftwidib
Rod Yoang solon 25182
21)m
2 nt right tnt f heat ‘Nones then straight nip nIne ~neen" a ill tint
20m
xcv beltiw a nisit tint tint k corner in top I ike ,n I
4l~nn
up the steep tnhiniigln easier will "mmcc tint
41)m
in bvilts Its er bulge atid an wall
30m
chiunnes
1mw anglesl ciii tier in tints
20m
lent will
rene mid tint ii imp
30m
smuts mm lange ledge I Iver the nisit
30m
nw is ‘silts ‘Now units e up let notasls over ibmilim then on mm
30m
ning [isose
crack ibmive
53
Talking Heads 20 25m
Quite a good route.
Start: 2m right of Teeny Bopper.
I 25m Swing across roof past bolt runner then up the wall past two bolts no top. Ann Prehn. Red Young 24.10.82
Making Movies 21 25m
Start: 6m right of Teeny Bopper helow roof
I. 25m Over the roof and up no a balancy move past the first bolt. Lasier climbing up the steep wall above past three more bolts, each just a bit left of the previous one the last one is on a small ledgel.
Red Young. Ant Prehn. Stuart Hickson. 5. 10.82
Pank in Detroit 20 25m
Start: 8m right of Making Movies an a blocky wall
I 25m Up no the roof over and up the thin crack above. Continue up the wall past two bolts.
Ann Prehn. Red Young Stuart Hickson. 5. 10.82
BARDEN’S GULLY
The wide ferny gully 6m right of Panic in Detroit. The gully is 30m wide at it’s base on track level. To reach the gully from the top refer no the Descent Gullies section.
#Zowie 19 4Oni
A good steep corner which should improve with more ascents. Start. The obvious corner 20m right of Barden’s gully.
I. 40m Layback and bridge the thin corner past two fixed pegs. Ant Prehn. Red Young. 19.9.82
# Careless Memories 22 40.
Hard well protected climbing.
Start: Wall Sm right of Zowie.
I. 40m Up wall and over roof. Continue up wall no top. There are six bolts in all. Ant Prehn. Red Young 24.9.82
# Little Triggers 19 30.
An excellent climb up a slightly overhung wall. Sustained and strenuous. Start: On wall 64m right of Careless Memories.
I. 30m Up shorn wall past a bolt harder than in looks) then continue up wall through several small bolges past two more bolts. Towards the top continue directly up the wall with friend and nut runners. Take a good selection of friends and medium hexentries
Red Young. Ann Prehn. 24.10.82
#GoLotto 19 37.
‘When your number comes up?" Scary in places.
Start: On wall 3m right of Little Triggers.
I 37m A short flake no the first bolt then continue up the wall past three more bolts A bin run out hetween the last two bolts.
Red Young. Ant Prehn. 25.9.82
Talking Heads 20 25m
Quite a good route.
Start: 2m right of Teeny Bopper.
I 25m Swing across roof past bolt runner then up the wall past two bolts no top. Ann Prehn, Red Young, 24.10.82
Making Movies 21 25m
Start: 6m right of Teeny Bopper helow roof
I. 25m Over the roof and up no a balancy move past the first bolt. Lasier climbing up the steep wall above past three more bolts, each just a bin left of the previous one the last one is on a small ledge).
Red Young. Ann Prehn, Stuart Hickson, 5. 10.82
Pank in Detroit 20 25mn
Start: 8m right of Making Movies an a blocky wall
I 25m Up no the roof, over and up the thin crack above. Continue up the wall past two bolts.
Ann Prehn, Red Young, Stuart Hickson, 5. 10.82
BARDEN’S GULLY
The wide ferny gully 6m right of Panic in Detroit. The gully is 30m wide an it’s base on track level. To reach the gully from the top refer no the Descent Gullies section.
#Zowie 19 40wn
A good steep corner which should improve with more ascents. Start. The obvious corner 20m right of Barden’s gully.
I. 40m Layback and bridge the thin corner past two fixed pegs. Ant Prehn, Red Young, 19.9.82
# Careless Memories 22 40.
Hard well protected climbing.
Start: Wall Sm right of Zowie.
I. 40m Up wall and over roof. Continue up wall no top. There are six bolts in all. Ann Prehn, Red Young, 24.9.82
# Little Triggers 19 30.
An excellent climb up a slightly overhung wall. Sustained and strenuous. Start: On wall 64m right of Careless Memories.
I. 30m Up shorn wall past a bolt harder than in looks) then continue up wall through several small bolges past two more bolts. Towards the top continue directly up the wall with friend and nun runners. Take a good selection of friends and medium hexentries
Red Young, Ann Prehn, 24.10.82
#GoLotto 19 37.
"When your number comes up?" Scary in places.
Start: On wall 3m right of Little Triggers.
I 37m A short flake no the first bolt then continue up the wall past three more bolts A bin run out henween the last two bolts.
Red Young, Ann Prehn, 25.9.82
54
Lads Grinning Soul 20 35m
Start. On ssall 8m right of Go Lotto.
I 35m lip the wall to first bolt then up strenuously past two more bolts. Veer left onto the arete and continue winb easier climbing past final bolt no top.
5
nt Prehn, Rod Young 24. 10.82LOCKYLR’S GULLY
The gully I Om right of Lady Grinning Soul. The top of the gully is blocked by cliffs and has not xci been used for descent. There’s no point in describing access from top as no track exists and no abseil point has been sen up Hopefully this will happen in the near future
Hunks Dors 22 20m
StartOn wall beloss thin crack 8m right of Lockyer’s Gully and 27m right of Lady Grinning Soul..
l.20m t..p wall and thin crack then left to a bolt and up no a ledge. Final
moses past another bolt
Rod Young. Ant Prehn. Mark Burton. 26.10.80
Kooks 16 35m
SnurtA short right facing corner with ferns below an obvious crack line 28m right of Hanky Dory.
I 35m Climb no ledge and follow crack. Grin an the bolt on the way past. Rod Young, Ann Prehn. 24.9.82
Haystack Madness 20 32m
An excellent steep crack
Sturt:Below an impressive looking roof crack 69m right of Kooks.
1 32m Lasily up left no roof. Swing across the frightening looking roof on good horizontal holds then fire up the steep crack above.
Rod ‘i oung, John Smoothy, Jeff Lamb, 9.6.80
ROD’S RAVINE
The gully I Om or so right of Haystack Madness. The gully starts out as a steep see shaped rock groove which is always slick and treacherous, especially after rain. It’s pretty dnsperane soloing material, though the rest of the gully above is easy scrambling. As with Lockyer’s Gully no track exists and an abseil point or chains) would need no be sen up. Hopefully these things will be rectified soon.
The Fnendls Jackal 16 20m
Quite an aesthetic line with inneresn’ng rock architecture.
Sturt33m right of Haystack Madness an an overhang below roofs 6m up. The climb is marked on a rock on the ground to make location easier.
1 .33m lip short wall and corner above no top.
Jeff Lamb, John Smoonhy. Rod Young, 9.6.80
Mind Over Matter 20 40m
Start. 60m right of The Friendly Jackal at a hard looking roof crack leading to a right band corner about 8m up.
1 1Pm crux) Muscle through overhang from the left hand crack no join rnghnhand crack a Sm. Lasily no big ledge.
2.2Gm Out left on ledge, up wall gracefully thence diagonally right no eave and main overhang which only looks chunderous but is a classic apehang roof.
3.1Gm Fasy dribble no top.
Joe Friend, Ben Ewald (second avoided crux), 10.3.76
Lady Grinning Soul 20 35m
Start. On wall 8m right of Go Lotto.
I 35m lip the wall no first bolt then up strenuously past two more bolts. Veer left onto the arene and continue with easier climbing past final bolt no top.
ant Prehn, Rod Young 24. IG.82
LOCKYLR’S GULLY
The gully 1Gm right of Lady Grinning Soul. The top of the gully is blocked by cliffs and has not yen been used for descent. There’s no point in describing access from top as no track exists and no abseil point has been sen up Hopefully this will happen in the near future
# Hunks Dors 22 20m
StartOn wall below thin crack 8m right of Lockyer’s Gully and 27m right of Lady Grinning Soul..
1.2Gm lip wall and thin crack then left no a bolt and up no a ledge. Final
moses past another bolt
Rod Young. Ant Prehn. Mark Burton, 26.IG.8G
Kooks 16 J5m
SnurrA short right facing corner with ferns below an obvious crack line 28m rtghn of Hanky Dory.
I 35m Climb no ledge and follow crack. Grin an the bolt on the way past. Rod Young, Ann Prehn. 24.9.82
Haystack Madness 20 32m
An excellent steep crack
Start:Below an impressive looking roof crack 69m right of Kooks.
1 32m Lasily up left no roof. Swing across the frightening looking roof on good horizontal holds then fire up the steep crack above.
Rod ‘n oung, John Smoonhy, Jeff Lamb, 9.6.80
ROD’S RAVINE
The gully 1Gm or so right of Haystack Madness. The gully starts out as a steep see shaped rock groove which is always slick and treacherous, especially after rain. It’s pretty desperate soloing material, though the rest of the gully above is easy scrambling. As with Lockyers Gully no track exists and an abseil point (or chains) would need no be sen up. Hopefully these things will be rectified soon.
The Fnendls Jackal 16 20m
Quite an aesthetic line with inneresn’ng rock architecture.
Start33m right of Haystack Madness an an overhang below roofs 6m up. The climb is marked on a rock on the ground to make location easier.
1 .33m lip short wall and corner above no top.
Jeff Lamb, John Smoonhy, Rod Young, 9.6.8G
Mind Over Matter 20 40m
Start. 6Gm right of The Friendly Jackal an a hard looking roof crack leading no a right band corner about 8m up.
1 1Gm (crux) Muscle through overhang from the left hand crack no join rnghnhand crack a 5m. Lasily no big ledge.
2.2Gm Out left on ledge, up wall gracefully thence diagonally right no eave and main overhang which only looks chunderous but is a classic apehang roof.
3.1Gm Fasy dribble no top.
Joe Friend, Ben Fwald (second avoided crux), 10.3.76
ADDENDUM
Engineering Feats of the 80’s 22 25m
Makes Ralph nersoas
Start On the wall approximately 4m right of the scramble up no Horror Show.
I 25m lip past 2 fixed pegs in bolt holes no flake. Up the ironstone wall above past 3 bolts Watch out for loose rock
Ralph W cigand. Grant (lark. 24 1.83
Head Jam 15 20m
The first rest is off a lammed helmun Although short, this isa nice varied climb, much
better than appears from casual inspection.
Start Behind a clump of bushes lust left of rotten yellow corner with roof an 6m.
This is approximately SSm right of Silly Chimney. I have non checked the start. 1 2Gm Surmount the oserhanging chimney crack then straight up the corner
and crack above.
Russell Taylor. Charlie (anhbernson. Tony Nemec. 17.IG 74
P 5 attempted no add a second pitch up easy juggy wall no right of gully an top ban was abandoned because of rotten yellow rock an top which couldnn be protected
Let’s Dance 20 ISm
Start 2m right of On the Loose
I Sm lip the wall and over the bulging overhang. Two bolts en route Take
Nos 2 and 4 friends.
Rod ‘toung. Ann Prehn, 16483
ChinaGirl 22 17m
Start 2m right of Magpie Innocence.
1 Cm lip wall no horizontal then hard moves no roof, passing 3 bolts Bombap ibm roof passing another bolt
Ant Prehn. Rod S oung. 16 4 83
Malignant Polymer 22 30m
A fine route
Start approximately Sm right of Mals Mega Route.
I 3Gm lip the easy stuff nowhere things steepen. Some classy moves lead up past four bolts no top
Ralph Weigand. Grant Clark, 24.1.83
Duty Calls 18 2Ovn
Someone had no do in’’
Start approximately 1Gm right of Panic in Detroit.
1 2Gm lip no the offw ndnh roof. Find an incun jug running along the inside of the crack then lay hack around roof Continue up corner no top.
Rod Young. Ann Preha, IG.l.83
###JeanGenie 2J 40m
A superb and varied climb.
Start Approximately I Sm right of Bardens Gully.
1 4Gm lip the wall past a red bolt hanger and over the first roof. Reach right and clip a bolt just over the next roof Hard moves follow no the next bolt, swing wildly left and mantle the final roof past another bolt. Continue up wall passing another bolt or two.
Ann Preho. Rod Young, 10.1.83
ADDENDUM
Engineering Feats of the 80’s 22 25m
Makes Ralph nervous
Start On the wall approximately 4m right of the scramble up no Horror Show.
I 25m lip past 2 fixed pegs in bolt holes no flake. lip the ironstone wall above past 3 bolts Watch out for loose rock
Ralph W engand. Cirant (lark. 24 1.83
Head Jam 15 20m
The first rest is off a lammed helmun Although shorn, this nsa nice varied climb, much
better than appears from casual inspection.
Start Behind a clump of bushes lust left of rotten yellow corner with roof an 6m.
This is approximately SSm right of Silly Chimney. I have non checked the start. 1 2Gm Surmount the overhanging chimney crack then straight up the corner
and crack above.
Russell Taylor. Charlie Canhbernson. Tony Nemec. 17.IG 74
P 5 Attempted no add a second pitch up easy juggy wall no right of gully an top ban was abandoned because of rotten yellow rock an top which couldnn be protected
Let’s Dance 20 ISm
Start 2m right of On the Loose
I Sm lip the wall and over the bulging overhang. Two bolts en route Take
Nos 2 and 4 friends.
Rod ‘toung. Ann Prehn, 16483
ChinaGirl 22 17m
Start 2m right of Magpie Innocence.
1 Cm lip wall no horizontal then hard moves no roof, passing 3 bolts Bombap thin roof passing another bolt
Ant Prehn. Rod ‘toung. 16 4 83
Malignant Polymer 22 30m
A fine route
Start Approximately Sm right of Mals Mega Route.
I 3Gm lip the easy staff nowhere things steepen. Some classy moves lead up past four bolts no top
Ralph Wengand. Grant Clark, 24.1.83
Duty Calls 18 2Ovn
Someone had no do in’
Start Approximately 1Gm right of Panic in Detroit.
1 2Gm lip no the offw ndnh roof. Find an neat jug running along the inside of the crack then lay hack around roof Continue up corner no top.
Rod Young. Ann Preha, IG.l.83
###JeanGenie 2J 40m
A superb and varied climb.
Start Approximately I Sm right of Bardens Gully.
1 4Gm lip the wall past a red bolt hanger and over the first roof. Reach right and clip a bolt just over the next roof Hard moves follow no the next bolt, swing wildly left and mantle the final roof past another bolt. Continue up wall passing another bolt or two.
Ann Preho. Rod Young. 10.1.83
Scheme of Things 20 35m
An improbable looking route until in was bolted.
Start: Approximately 6m right of Careless Memories.
35m lip just no the right of the line and reach left no a peg. lip past the steep overhang passing two bolts. Continue up the easier wall above with friend and bolt runners.
Rod Young. Ant Prehn, IG.l.83
Sound and Vision 20 J5m
Take a selection of friends.
Start: Approximately SSm right of Scheme of Things.
35m lip the wall, over a bulge on good holds and up past two bolts. Continue up wall t another bolt no top.
Rod Young. Ant Prehn. 11.1.83
Since the original mana ript was written. Rod Young and Ann Prehn have can a cliffnop track from Burden’s Lookout no the top of Kooks. The track provides a quick and easy way of reaching the top of Lockyrins Gully. This is a much better way of getting no the climbs near L kyers Gully and further no the right. The track starts on the left side of Bardens Lookout facing valleyi. Follow track past caves below the lookout and along the cliff top. The turnoff for Lockyers Gully ivan a cairn just left of a four stemmed whine gum facing valleyn. The descent involves downelimbing a short awkward chimney.
# Lads Stardust 21 25m
Starr: The wall approximately 3m right of Lady Grinning Soul.
25m lip the flaky wall si 4 bolts and a bulge. Pull left soon after the 4th bolt then continue on big steep jugs tO top.
Rod Young. Ann Prehn. Mark Moorhead. 18.1.83
#Changes 20 2Oin
A fine short wall.
Start approximately 3m right of Hanky Dory.
2Gm Easily up wall past bolt no ledge. Mantle and reach next bolt then climb the wall above passing two more bolts.
Rod Young. Ant Prehn. II . 1 .83
linder Pressure 21 40,n
Another fine wall route.
Start: approximately 22m right of Hanky Dory.
2Gm lip no the flake and clip a bolt. Hard moves no second bolt then continue up wall past another 6 bolts and a 2 friend. Finish just right of the line on a ledge.
Ann Prehn. Red Young, 12.1.83
## Electric BIne 19 35m
Highly r ommended. Should become a cia ic.
Start: Approximately 4m right of linder Pressure.
35m lip easily for 1Gm no a flake, fixed peg. Lip wall past 3 bolts, make a couple of moves right then continue up no a short flake past 2 more bolts. Onwards no top.
Ann Preho. Rod Young, II . 1.83
Desire 20 35m
Starr: I :m right of Kooks.
I .35m Hard moves up diagonally right past a bolt, lip the closed corner abuse and the final easy wall above.
Ann Preho. Rod Young. Mark Moorhead. 18. 63
# Quick Silver 23 3Dm
A real nips tearer.
Start: Approximately 2OOm right of Mind Over Manner on the next set of buttresses just n an ampinheanre.
I. 3Gm lip the short corner a couple of moves then climb the steep jaggy wall ott the right no a ledge. lip the overhang orange wall above inn small holds past two bolts. As in eases climb the last couple of moves an the arcic. Red Young, Ann Preho. 17.1.83
Odie Odour 15 31)m
Starr: Approximately 1Gm right of Quick Silver an a corner.
1. 3Gm The short corner crack no the urine then the crack above no the top. Ann Prehn, Rod Young 17183
SECOND ADDENDUM
Over, Under, Upside Down 22 30m
Non bad for a lane addition.
Start: lindercun arene on the right end of the wall right of Impotent Narcissus 1. 3Gm Scramble up left on no the block. Follow the bolts 3 of themi inn the ruxuf
There is also a cosmetic No. 2 K friend placement en route. Swing right no a nag an the arene on the lip of roof, bolt runner. A reachy minve no hnnrniinnnal hreak then motor up the urine passing another bolt near the nip. Binli and tree anchor.
Giles Bradhury. March 83.
61
MITCHELLS RIDGE
GENERAL RA VE
Hardly one of the more inspiring cliffs in the mountains. Mitchells Ridge is undoubtably the black sheep of this guide. Very few’ ople have ever heard of this place let alone have actually climbed there. Scrubby. uninspiring and a definite lack of lines are the first impressions one gains about the area. linfortunately’ the climbs tend no confirm this opinion.
Generally, the existing climbs are nairly worthless. There are a few exceptions. namely Phalanx and Pirouette which do look quite good. Future potential for new’ routes appears no be rather limited bun no doubt there are some excellent climbs no
done by those with enthasi sm and a certain amount of climbing ability. Remaining
cracks and corners need extensive gardening and would have no en ned regularly
no be kept in a clean condition. The steep and blank looking walls hold the greatest
promise especially on the tall buttress between Wanderlings and A tIe of Ahimss.
The climbs here would need a lot of effort and dedication ban would be well worth in. The character of the clif changes noticeably as one walks from west no east along
the base. The section below’ the Mitchell Ridge lookouts from Victoria Pass no Tow’n Tip Ciully is pretty awful except for the first en near the pass in If. Progress along the base is des rate especially directly low’ the lookouts themselves where huge piles of rubbish have no be negotiated.
From Town Tip Gully no apostle of .Ahimsa is probably the best part of the cliff being high and fairly clean except for the lines themselves and where the angle relaxes. Surprisingly little has en done here. The track along the base is a bin overgrown bun seems like a road after negotiating the first section.
The final section of cliff from apostle of Ahnmsa no Random flaIls is non particularly brilliant. All the climbs here are scattered around an ampinheanre which tends to fairly small and rather broken. Things improve just before reaching Random Gully where a good section of wall is found
HIS TOR Y
As nothing much was ever recorded, the early history of the area remains clouded in mystery and rumour, more of the later I suspect. The first recorded climb was Tarantula by Keith Roy’ce and Rohan Reynolds in August 68. Obviously a reflection of the style of climbing in vogue an the time, in aid climbs a g line ban on yellow’ Dogface type rock. When the New Rockclimbs in the Blue Mountains guide appeared in 1972 this was the only climb in the Mn Victoria Pass’ section.
Three other routes were done in 1968, One Dow’n and Tom Thumb by Harry Lusford and Wanderlings by Don Fletcher. In the ensuing years up no 1975 another six routes up red an Spasmodic intervals by Harry and his various partners. Pirouette was the hardest and probably the best of the bunch. One of the climbs he did is called Whnchw’ay no the right of Piroacte somewberen and is non included in this guide as no description exists.
Since 1975 there has n no activity here an all. In early 1982 Harry produced his interim guide no Zig Zag and Minchells Ridge. Similar in format, style and briefness no the Mn. ‘nork interim guide in contained ultra brief descriptions no the nine existing climbs and some useful access information. Ho fully the inclusion of Minchells Ridge in this guide may lure a few ople no the area no give in some badly needed attention.
62
MITCHELLS RIDGE
GENERAL RA VE
Hardly one of the more inspiring cliffs in the mountains. Mitchells Ridge is undoubtably the black sheep of this guide. Very few’ ople have ever heard of this place len alone have actually climbed there. Scrubby. uninspiring and a definite lack of lines are the first impressions one gains about the area. linfornunanely’ the climbs tend no confirm this opinion.
Generally, the existing climbs are fairly worthless. There are a few’ exceptions, namely Phalanx and Pirouette which do look quite good. Future potential for new’ routes appears no be rather limited bun no doubt there are some excellent climbs no
done by those with enthasi sm and a certain amount of climbing ability. Remaining
cracks and corners need extensive gardening and would have no re ned regularly
to be kept in a clean condition. The steep and blank looking walls hold the greatest
promise especially on the tall buttress between Wanderlings and A tIe of Ahimss.
The climbs here would need a lot of effort and dedication ban would be well worth in. The character of the clif changes noticeably as one walks from west no east along
the base. The section below’ the Mitchell Ridge lookouts from Victoria Pass no Tow’n Tip Ciully is pretty awful except for the first en near the pass in If. Progress along the have is des rate especially directly low’ the lookouts themselves where huge piles of rubbish have no be negotiated.
From Town Tip Gully no Apostle of .Ahimsa is probably the best part of the cliff being high and fairly clean except for the lines themselves and where the angle relaxes. Surprisingly little has en done here. The track along the base is a bin overgrown bun seems like a road after negotiating the first section.
The final section of cliff from Apostle of .Ahnmsa no Random flaIls is non particularly brilliant. All the climbs here are scattered around an ampinheanre which tends to fairly small and rather broken. Things improve just before reaching Random Gully where a good section of wall is found
HIS TOR Y
As nothing much was ever recorded, the early history of the area remains clouded in mystery and rumour, more of the later I suspect. The first recorded climb w’as Tarantula by Keith Roy’ce and Rohan Reynolds in August 68. Obviously a reflection of the style of climbing in vogue an the time, in aid climbs a g line ban on yellow’ Dogface type rock. When the New Rockclimbs in the Blue Mountains guide appeared in 1972 this was the only climb in the Mn Victoria Pass’ section.
Three other routes were done in 1968, One Dow’n and Tom Thumb by Harry Lusford and Wanderlings by Don Fletcher. In the ensuing years up no 1975 another six routes up red an Spasmodic intervals by Harry and his various partners. Pirouette was the hardest and probably the best of the bunch. One of the climbs he did is called Whnchw’ay no the right of Piroacte somewberen and is non included in this guide as no description exists.
Since 1975 there has a no activity here an all. In early 1982 Harry produced his interim guide no Zig Zag and Minchells Ridge. Similar in format, style and briefness no the Mn. ‘nork interim guide in contained ultra brief descriptions no the nine existing climbs and some useful access information. Ho fully the inclusion of Minchells Ridge in this guide may lure a few ople no the area no give in some badly needed attention.
62
L OCA TION A ND A CCESS
The Nitichells Ridge Picnic Nica is located I SCans north west west of the pub. just ~niuib or the Cirean Western Highway The clittinne lies directly below the various bookois here and rus for about a kilinmenre back inwards the pub The cliff has a south westerly aspect and aces out inner the beautiful Kanimbla N alley below’
Along the top 01 the cliii and tanning antIs pararell no in are The Cirean Western Highway and N titoria Sn Access vs the base nit the cltif is gained an four different pinints and i sccivered in mitre detail inn the tinliviw ing sectivin As fall details of these decceni ninnies arc given iront the pith ci the base cii the cliff in seems unnecessary to repeat them here. thinugh a briet descripinniti on how to reach The Slinchells Ridge Picnic Area o etien belniw
Front the pub drive west alning Ihe (reat Aesierti Highway for l.3kms no the top or S ictoria Pass N ciorna Si is inn sitar lent beret Down the pass for 200m where an on ions unsealec ninad veers ott left Tns isa mop road that takes you aiong the top of the clint past varirnus lovikinuts. nnnnnunnnenns. toilets, picnic shelters. swings etc no return iou no the highuns I he map inn the centre on this guide should help nov a Ion
DESCENT ROUTES AND
A CCESS POINTS
There are four train ways of getting to the base on the cliff. Two of them follow gullies, one downclnnnbs an easy chimney and the other involves walking in honneonnalls from Mn N nenorna Pass The titan ways are described from West no Last left no right facing the cliffi
I. MT. N IC"I’ORIA PASS — Frinni Fhe Imperial Hinnel drive west along The Great Western Highway Alter I 3 kms you reach the top if Mn. Victoria Pass Victoria street is on sour lent heret Down Nit S nencirna Pass fur 900m passing The Minchells Ridge Picnic Area cnn sour left alien 218.Imn Park on sour left an an obvious saddle There is a small monument here a rough block nil saudvionen with ‘Minchells Pass 1832’ inscribed on in The cliff is snarnrg you in the ace, just across the other side of gulli Tarantula is clearly visible, being the inhi nous big yellow corner capped by roofs on the right end 01 the snewable cliffimne .A short walk across the top of the gully brings you no the start of the cliii
2. TOWN TIP (4 LIX — Follow the above directions until you reach the turnoff no The Mitchells Ridge Ptcnnc Area on sour left Park on your left in front of steel railing about 2dm before sand turnoff Walk through gap in railing and amble down wide path about I Sm or so towards cliffiop Drop down into the gully on your left facing sallesi and wander down into base of clnfl
3. LOFT CHIMNF~ — This is the mann descent route Ion the majority of existing climbs Follow the directions for Nit N nenonna Puss until you reach Victoria Street unsealed’ on your left Along N nenorna Street about 2OOm or so until you reach the third house on your right number 2 hi The house is called "The Loft’. Leave the car and snalk down the western side of the house then head diagonally lefnwards south easni towards two small bun obvious rock peaks an the edge of the cliff From the road no here is only a few hundred metres Carefully downclnmb the Sm high chimney between the two rock peaks Ins non hard ban would be a bin ofa bastard with a pack on ‘nou are now on a small halfway ledge. Slingshot and Hidden C’rack start here. Continue down dirty rock and 3m high mossy chimney no ground
64
L OCA TION A ND A CCESS
The Ninichells Ridge Picnic Nica islcivaned I SCans north west west of the pub. just sinuth or the Cirean Western Highway The clittinne lies directly below the various bookois here and tins fur absiun a kilnimenre back inwards the pub The cliff has a south westerly aspect and races out inset the beautiful Kanimbla S alley below’
Along the top 01 the cliii and running antIs pararell no in are The (mean Western Highway and S iciorna St Access vi the base nit the clnif is gained an four different pinints and i scinscred in mime detail inn the innllciw ing sectivin As full details of these descent routes arc given trout the pith tin the base cii the cliff in seems unnecessary no repeat them here. ihinugh a bind descripininni on how no reach The Slinchells Ridge Picnic Area is given belniw
Fnisni he pub drive west alning Ihe (rean Aesierti Highway for l.3kms no the top on S iciorna Pass S icinnina Sits inn ycnur lent beret Diuwn the pass for 200m where an onvicius unsealec rinad veers ott left Tns nsa Inop rmnad that takes you aiong the top of the clint past varinnus linvikininis. nnnnnunnnenns. toilets, picnic shelters. swings etc no renuin von no the highway I he map inn the centre on this guide should help you a Ion
DESCENT ROUTES AND
A CCESS POINTS
There are four train ways of getting to the base on the cliff. Two of them follow gullies, one dowuclinibs an easy chimney and the other involves walking in horizontally from Mn S nenorna Pass The titan ways are described from West no Last left no right facing the cliffi
I. MT. N IC"I’ORIA PASS — Frinni Fhe Imperial Hinnel drive west along The Great Western Highway Amer I 3 kms son reach the top if Mn. Victoria Pass Victoria street iv on sour lent beret Down Nit S nencirna Pass fur 900m passing The Minchells Ridge Picnic Area cnn sour left alter 218.Imn Park on sour left an an obvious saddle There is a small monument here ma rough block nil sandynonen with ‘Minchells Pass 1832’ inscribed on in The cliff is snarnr.g you in the ace, just across the other side of gulli Tarantula is clearly visible, being the nihi nous big yellow corner capped by roofs on the right end 01 the inewable cliffinne .A short walk across the top of the gully brings von no the start of the cliii
2. TOW N TIP (4 LIX — Follow the above directions until you reach the turnoff no The Mitchells Ridge Ptcnnc Area on sour left Park on your left in front of steel railing about 2dm before sand turnoff A alk through gap in railing and amble down wide path about I Sm or so towards cliffiop Drop down into the gully on your left facing valleyt and wauder down into base of clnfl
3. LOFT CHIMNF~ — This is the mann descent route Ion the majority of existing climbs Follow the directions for Nit S nenorna Puss until you reach Victoria Street unsealedi on your left Along S nenorna Street about 2OOm or so until you reach the third house on your right number 2 hi The house is called "The Loft". Leave the car and ivalk down the western side of the house then head diagonally lefnwards south east towards two small bun obvious rock peaks an the edge of the cliff From the road no here is only a few hundred metres Carefully downclnmb the Sm high chimney between the two rock peaks Ins non hard ban would be a bin ofa bastard with a pack on ‘nou are now on a small halfway ledge. Slingshot and Hidden C’rack start here. Continue down dirty rock and 3m high mossy chimney no ground
64
4. RANDOM (A, 1.L~ — Follow the directions as for Loin C himney no 216 nenorna Street bun continue down S ictorna Street another SOOm or so until the nest
house on sour right The house is called ‘Randorit’ and is sen about lOfhn off the road Park the car and walk dcmwn the northern boundary 01 the property no the back of in From here a rough track heads diagonally lefnwards down the bill into Random Gully. The cliii starts a shinirn distance down the gully on your right facing the valley. There are no evisning climbs in the immediate vicinity bun if you walk left facing the cliff about 20(lm or sin you reach the last climb described in the text. Pirouette
THE CLIMBS
Climby are deycri bed left to right lacing the c/if
Tarantula 14M3 52m
An obscure and route on ‘Dogface’ type rock that probably has never been repeated
Start Directly below the lookout an the western end of Minchells Ridge Picnic Area. Follow the directions no the saddle in Mn. Victoria Pass in the Descent Routes and Access Points section The climb is clearly visible from here, being a big sellow corner capped by roofs on the right end of the viewable cliff. Walk right along the base of the cliff about 2Gffm 30Gm no start of climb
1 2Gm Free for ~m then peg crack on angles and leepers Right across wall on bolts then free onto ledge Bolt anchor.
,,m cmvi Traverse slightly right on pegs, up crack past dummy flake no roof then traverse right iv ledge Lp wall to tree anchor
3 Gm Left along ledge and up corner no top
Keith Roy cc~. Rohan Reynolds~ August ‘66
TOW N TIP GULLX
This is the wide scrubby gulls approximately 40Gm SlIOm right of Tarantula. Town
Tip Gully provides the best access for reaching the following two climbs Refer no the
Descent Routes and Access Points section on how no reach the gully from the top.
One Donn 15M0 15m
Small, scrubby and eminently torgennable. The climb is totally overgrown and looks
like in vas never cleaned
Starr A short scrubby crack on grey wall about 4Gm right (facing cliffi of Town Tip Gully
I Sm L p the short scrubby crack no small ledge You cant actually tell ins a crack bun ferns dont grow out of blank walls C onninue up scrubby corner no roof Traverse left a little and up no top One point of and was used somewhere. presumerably near the start
Harry Lauford. Dave Darmanin, December ‘66
WanderIin~ 13 60m
One of the longer climbs in the area bun on mossy, dirty and scrubby rock. Needs a
good solid dose of Agent Orange or a day long session with a flame thrower.
Start Below a 6Gm high scrubby corner which is mostly low angled ban which sneepens near the top. This corner is on the left side of the great black slab visible from the lookouts an Slinchells Ridge. Roughly about I 5Gm right of One Down.
1.2 6Gm Follow the line In does look harder than grade 13 higher up bun then again who knows
Dave Flencher~. ‘A Davenporn~. alt leadvi 1Q68
66
ApostleofAhimsa 19 52m
.A fine natural line ban absolutely filthy I don’t know whether in was isriginalls cleaned prior no climbing ban a good hard wire brushing wouldn’t go astray
Starr. Miles no the right of Wanderlings, probably 40Gm 50Gm in fact Start in the right hard corner of a 4m wide square gully which has a proninneni undercut protruding nose on left.
I 25m I ‘p the mossy, dirty corner no ledge
2 2Gm The crack overhangs no start then relents. C onninue up in thrinugh sc nib inn top
C hens Peisker~. Harry Luvford~ alt leadvi 197S
LOFT CHIMNF~
Loft Chimney lies 6Gm right of Apostle of Ahnmsa It’s the mann descent mmmc lint this part of the cliff and provides access no the previous climb and all the evisining nines inn the right facing cliffi Refer no the Descent Routes and .Access Pcnnnnns secinnin tint directions on how no reach the chimney from the top
The following two climbs start from the halfway ledge which runs acrnnss I Chimney
Slingvhot 14M1 25m
A very fine looking and climb. Would be an excellent free problem which unas nine day
go free
Starr. On the halfway ledge 3m left ot Loin C himney.
I 25m Peg out over 4m roof Continue pegging up thin crack inn wall abuse lint hm then free a short distance up little corner ci ledge Traverse nill right aIming ledge Take a good selection of kunfeblades, bugabivis and inst arrnnws
T Tierney, Harry Lusford, January ‘69
HiddenCrack 10 15m
Non particularly good A bin mossy and too short
Start. On short wall below corner 2Gm right of I oft C himnes
I Sm Pall up onto dirty ledge Now move up the short cinriner crack abuse mm top.
Harry Lunford. Dave Darmanin, I 97(1
Back down no ground level again
TomThumb 17 15m
Reputed no be only grade 17 though in looks no be more like 19 originally dnnne using
some aid.
Starr: About lOOm or so right of Loft Chimney ‘A alk right though thick scrub then cross creek below’ small waterfall an the back of an open gully The climb starts below an obvious thin corner on black rock about 3Gm right nil the waterfall I Sm neraul Iipeasily for 6m no base of hard looking corner C nininnue up corner with more difficulty no bush anchors
Harry Lunford. T Tierney, 1966
Phalanx 14M2 35m
A fine looking climb on good rock.
Starr: About 4Gm right of Tom Thumb below a large roof with thin crack inn in
1. 1Gm Aid across Sm roof then a few free moves up short corner iou ledge
2. 25m Mixed free and aid up orange corner no roof Traverse left under romni tin ledge on nose Continue up wall to top Take a good selection of knifeblades and lost arrow’s.
Harry Lunford, Chris Peisker, 1974
67
Pirnuerte 19 35m
Two good though short pinches. The top pinch looks like a mild horror show
Starr The corner about 25m right of Phalanx Scramble up no grassy ledge below coiner
I 2Gm C p shorn corner onto ledge C onnmnue up the steep square corner above no small ledge
2 1 Sm L p no roof Swing around and up the wide overhanging corner no top In appearv no be offwndnh tom the ground
C hens Peisker~, Harry Laxford~ malt leadvI 1975
ZIG ZAG
GENERAL RA VE
Zig Zag usa typical middle of the road crag. lacking the brilliance of C osmic C ounny or Nit Piddingion bun nevertheless able no offer a variety of enjoyable climbs in pleasant sarroandingnn Though never swamped by the weekend hoards that plague in’s neighbour no the south. Zig Zag has had a steady stream of visits by various disparate groups and individuals over the past ten sears.
Easy access, sound rock and a good selection of climbs an all grades have been the mann draweards of the area The fact that the area was covered in a guidebook for a fuse no six year period (before going out ol prinni was also a contributing factor Zig Zag us the easiest cliff in this guide no reach by foot from the railway station bun unfortunately has now here decent no camp or any close water. Some people without a car stay in the caves an Nit Pnddnngnon and walk over each day nun’s non furl
Like nearly all climbing areas in the mountains. the cliff faces west. Cienerally speaking. the southern end of the cliff provides the best area for beginners and low grade climbers being quite broken and low angled in places. Though some intermediate and harder grade climbs exist on the steeper sections of cliff in this area. the best concentration of climbs an this standard are found on the central and northern parts of the cliff
The climbs vary in lengh from 25m no about 7Gm bun most average oat about 3Gm no 4Gm Multi pitch routes are the rule rather than the exception and are often split by fairly large ledges. There are no easy descent routes so either abseil off or follow a good cliff top track back no just past Brass Nionkey where one can scramble down a small gully The waterfall just past Fandoogile an the northern end of the cliff nearly always has running water so if it’s hon
HIS TOR Y
Though ramoured no have been climbed on as long ago as the early I 96G’s the real glory mast go no George Owens who discovered the cliff in 1968 George made a beeline straight for the gullies and easy chimneys. Between April and September than year he climbed ten routes with various partners. None, of what are now considered no be the best and most enjoyable climbs, were touched.
When the New Rock Climbs in the Blue Mountains guide (written by’ George hnmselfn appeared in 1972 the only routes contained in the Zig Zag section were the ten mentioned above plus another that George managed in 1971. A route that was done in March ‘71 called Hey Jude was non included for some strange reason.
The next ‘big wave’ occured when Harry Lunford arrived on the scene in lane I 972. Between November of that y’ear and April ‘74 he climbed a dozen routes. The best were probably Demeresque (led by Keith BelIl, Honey Dnp and the Rip, Van, Winkle too
68
Pirnuerte 19 35m
Two good though short pinches. The top pinch looks like a mild horror show
Start The corner about 25m right of Phalanx Scramble up no grassy ledge below coiner
I 2Gm C p short corner onto ledge C onnmnue up the steep square corner above no small ledge
2 1 Sm L p no roof Swing around and up the wide overhanging corner no top In appearv no be offwndnh tom the ground
C hens Peisker~, Harry Laxford~ malt leadvI 1975
ZIG ZAG
GENERAL RA VE
Zig Zag usa typical middle of the road crag. lacking the brilliance of C osmic C ounny or Nit Piddingion bun nevertheless able no offer a variety of enjoyable climbs in pleasant sarroandingnn Though never swamped by the weekend hoards that plague in’s neighbour no the south. Zig Zag has had a steady stream of visits by various disparate groups and individuals over the past ten sears.
Easy access. sound rock and a good selection of climbs an all grades have been the mann draweards of the area The fact that the area was covered in a guidebook for a fuse no six year period (before going out ol prinni was also a contributing factor Zig Zag us the easiest cliff in this guide no reach by foot from the railway station bun unfortunately has now here decent no camp or any close water. Some people without a car stay in the caves an Nit Pnddnngnon and walk over each day nun’s non furl
Like nearly all climbing areas in the mountains. the cliff faces west. Cienerally speaking. the southern end of the cliff provides the best area for beginners and low grade climbers being quite broken and low angled in places. Though some intermediate and harder grade climbs exist on the steeper sections of cliff in this area. the best concentration of climbs an this standard are found on the central and northern parts of the cliff
The climbs vary in lengh from 25m no about 7Gm bun most average oat about 3Gm no 4Gm Multi pitch routes are the rule rather than the exception and are often split by fairly large ledges. There are no easy descent routes so either abseil off or follow a good cliff top track back no just past Brass Nionkey where one can scramble down a small gully The waterfall just past Fandoogile an the northern end of the cliff nearly always has running water so if ins hon
HIS TOR Y
Though ramoured no have been climbed on as long ago as the early I 96G’s the real glory mast go no George Owens who discovered the cliff in 1968 George made a beeline straight for the gullies and easy chimneys. Between April and September than year he climbed ten routes with various partners. None, of what are now considered no be the best and most enjoyable climbs, were touched.
When the New Rock Climbs in the Blue Mountains guide (written by’ George hnmselff appeared in 1972 the only routes contained in the Zig Zag section were the ten mentioned above plus another that George managed in 1971. A route that was done in March ‘71 called Hey Jude was non included for some strange reason.
The next ‘big wave’ occured when Harry Lunford arrived on the scene in lane I 972. Between November of that y’ear and April ‘74 he climbed a dozen routes. The best were probably Demeresque led by Keith Belli. Honey Dnp and the Rip. Van, Winkle too
68
C limbs have continued no appear an odd intervals over the years as various characters poked around looking for a new route or iwo When Keith Bell did the now classic Tanpan i 19n mx February ‘7S he marked the start of a new era in which hard climbing predominated
First came C anch the Wind n2fl in September ‘76 bs Chris Peisker. an excellent two pinch dumb up a soaring line In the middle of the following year, Nianhew Dunstan freed Cicorge Owens’ and horror show. Trancendennal Nledinanion (221 A bin of a lull tollowed before Kim C arrigan and Andrew Penney yes thans me climbed the obvious wall right of Tanpan in July ‘78 no produce Toads 23i with it’s thin bouldery start
The last mentioned route was the first of the hard wall climbs, all done in 1979. Law eliminated the and peg on Pacemaker i22n and then pun up two superb climbs, Shakes and Flakes 2 Ii and C heap Dive 2 In Non no be outdone. Penney climbed the blunt nose left of The Mixture no give the now famous nnnfamoustm Dress Rehearsal Rag I’, This was a one pinch route that finished on the ledge below the roof. Giles Bradhury completed the climb in February this year by climbing this strenuous roof. which he graded 21
Finalls in Denober ‘6G. Rod Young climbed the most outstanding line on the cliff, Bad Moon Rising ‘23n 5s a warm up a few months earlier, he did Focal Point n22i, a less than inspiring climb which is also the most lefnhand route on the cliff. Before finishing. in should be mentioned that Harry Lasford bought out an interim guide no Zig Zag ‘also covering Niunchells Ridgen earlier in the sear As I mentioned in the history section of the Slunchells Ridge chapter. in was very brief, though welcome after such a long absence without any type of coverage Fortunately in didni promote a new boom which has made my job a helluva Ion easier
LOCA TION AND A CCESS
Zig Zag is located only 1km south west of the pub The cliff takes ins name from the Little Zig Zag Bridle Track an ins southern end which winds down the steep hillside with numerous hairpin bends The crag faces west over the Kanimbla Valley and extends in a northerly direction for about a kilometre or so The continuation of the cliff past the last climb, Focal Point, is unclimbed and extends for half a kilometre in a north westerly direction no Random Cially where in becomes part of the Minchells Ridge climbing area
From the pub. go up Hooper sn. directly opposite on the southern side of hnghway’l no ‘T’ junction an top Turn right into ‘u ictorna Sn. then immediately left into Innes Rd which soon becomes Kanimbla Valley Rd. After 4GGm or so a rough unsealed road seers off diagonally right along a line of power posts. Turn off here and follow this road in looks bad banns o k if you drive slowly for another 4GGm or so no a junction. Tarn right and after lOOm you arrive an a parking area
Walk down the Zig Zag track for 25Gm until you reach the sixth bend. Rather than follow this bend around, go straight ahead through a gap in some boulders and follow track a short distance down no base of cliff The first climb, Brass Monkey is soon reached, being only hfm from where you leave the Zig Zag track.
THE CLIMBS
Climbs are described right to left facing the cliff
Brass Monke~ 7 25m
Worthless Was pun up on a freezing cold day through sheer boredom.
Starr’ A slab below an obvious righnward facing corner. This is 65m left of where you leave the Little Zig Zag track an the two blocks.
I 25m Romp up easy slab no ledge below’ corner. Straight up rotten and mossy looking corner no top
7G George Owens, Kevin Daly, Robert J. Smith, May 68
Deceptor 18 4t)m
Quite pleasant though non as easi as in Icx.iks Nut wcII isriniccied cinlier
Start’ An the base of the obvious slab Sm left nit Brass Mnmttkcy
I 4Gm Wander aimlessly up slab to a ledgc whcrc nbc bnnnnrcss stccpenns C onninue up wall no top Tree anchunt Thrce bums cnn mmmc
Brian Niannuck, George f)wens. April ‘66
RickapoodleArete 13M2 44m
The crux pitch is supposed no be harder than in appears and the crack is tinted imi~l
crumbly From below in looks like in winuld gin tree an a nitnyderaic fraile
Start On wall next no a small bontlebrash Gun lent nit I)eccpmnmr
I 22m cruxi Lp small overhanging wall inn ledge Mimic lent mmmi ancic bent ni~n and right no base of small crack Three nuts cnn ansI bent easils inn tree diii, (tint inn Rickapoodle
2 22m Lp arene on right no tree anchunt
John Lamb. Cicorge f)wens 17
Rickapoodle 8 30m
The lower section is o k bun the rest
Starr Square can corner 4m left 01 Rui,kapnnodleArene I 3Gm Up corner and chimney gully abuse
John F W lyon. Cicorge f)wens, April ‘blI
# Toads 23 43m
.u\ good quality wall which boasts a thin Isouldery start Starr’ On wall 2.fm left of Rickapoodle
I 4Jm Claw your way up no the break (Kim did it wmnhimun a rope bunt there sun any protection anyway’i. Slove right until you can pull up and stand mini sinnall ledge. Now back left slightly and continue straight up wall and slight weakness no ledge. Move left and loin the last part of Tanpan
Kim Carrigan. Andrew Penney, 22.7.78
###Taipan 19 IBm
One of the best routes on the cliff up a steep blank looking wall Sustained Starr: The short easy chimney with a chocksnone in in 7m left ol Tmnads
1. 1Gm Up short chimney then up right no small ledge and belay belniw nine orange corner (Fer de Lancen
2. 3Gm Icruxl Swing around right no thin crack in grey wall Fuilluiw it inn ledge (take small wires for proneennom. Tricky moves up short overhung huger crack into groove. Continue up this and easy gulls to top This pitch cant be brunkenn by belaying on ledge.
Keith Bell. Ian Thomas, February ‘75
#Taipan Varient Finish 16 2t)m
‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot". Quite a spectacular little excursiumni Much easier than in looks,
Start: As for Tanpan.
1,2 3Gm As for Tanpan no ledge on Pitch 2. Belay
Thu Move left no the end of the ledge and up nbc steep short corner no roof Pull over roof on gisod holds, move left again and up the obvious weakness through roof no top
Joe Friend. Rourk Mublen, Tony Nemec, February ‘76
Fer Dr Lance 18 30m
Interesting jambing up a sandy corner
Start As for Tanpan
1 1Gm As for Tanpan
2 2Gm ucruts Follow the corner up and out left under roof no ledge. Keith Bell. Peter CitIes, January ‘75
Groouie 12 30m
Two good pinches
Starr .A short crack leading no a ferny see groove 8m left of Fer de lance.
I Sm cmvi Up into groove. Fight up past ferns no ledge. Chock anchor.
2 I Sm Up chimney cam layback, bush or rock anchor. Easy finish up slab 1Gm back on ledge, both soloed grade SI’
John F Wilson, George Owens, April ‘68
8 Possession 21 35m
Three short interesting pitches bring this piece of obscurity into focus.
Starr On wall 14m left of Groovie.
I 8m ucrusm Thin moves no bolt and even more so getting past it. Easier moves up thin flake no cave and a good solid bolt atichor.
2 I 2m (grade 171 Move left and crank up on some rather mean looking jugs. C onninue warily till you reach a large ledge. Slingx are useful on this pinch.
3 1 Sm ugrade I 7u Start an the obvious weakness in the centre of final wall. Up over bulge then veer across rnghnwards up wall no top. Both the seconds climbed directly up wall no top bun a bolt would be in order if you wanted no lead in this way
John Smoonhy ~, Terry Bernunn~. (alt. leadvi and Andrew Penney. April ‘79
Solo Chimney 6 45m
Totally pointless Technical scrambling.
Starr The corner chimney 2m left of Possession.
1.2
etc 4fm Up and into the righiward leading chimneys of SemiSolo. Wander left an the obvious bash ramp and up easy slab as for Groovie
George Owens (Solol, April ‘68
Semi-Solo 8 35m
Non too good either
Starr Chimney Sm left of Solo Chimney.
1. 2Gm Up easy chimneys no bush anchor. Now scramble I 2m up ramp behind you
2 Sm Up wide chimney which narrows higher up. Onwards no top and tree anchor
Phillip Julnan. George Owens, September ‘68
Rumdoodle 7 45m
Better than the previous two efforts bun still non brilliant. A good beginners climb.
easily protected
Starr. The wide crack a metre left of SemiSolo.
72
1 1Gm (cruxl Straight up no tree using both cracks
2. 1Gm crux also Move into crack behind tree Pull up on poor looking rock then follow’ crack no tree anchor.
3 25m Up very easy crack in wall.
Dave Darmaninu. Harry C. Laxford. (alt leads April ‘73
Walkahout 11 35m
A fair sort of climb though the football field in the middle tends no detract
Starr. 9m left of Rumdoodle an a 3m high crack
1. 1Gm Icruxl Up short crack then follow your nose up wall Protection poor bun climbing technically easy.
2. 25m Fight your way across paddock into rnghnhand corner crack Straight up crack.
Harry Lunford, Dave Darmanin, April ‘73
Spaghetti Bolognaise 13 43111
A bin contrived bun worth the effort
Start: The crack with small trees in in 7m left of Walkabout
I 3m (cruxl Straight up jamb crack, past trees (beware of possumyl no wide ledge and tree anchor,
2. 8m Up the short and rotten crack on the right and over no gully.
3. 22m Up wall crack, poor protection bun climbing fairly easy Harry’ C. Lusford, Dave Darmanin. Jan ‘73
The next five climbs start on a rising ledge above track level.
Slunt 16 2Onu
Two short and pleasant pitches.
Stare: A series of thin flakes on wall 12m left of Spaghetti Bolognaise. 1. 1Gm (cruxl Up flakes trending right no gum tree anchor on ledge.
2. 1Gm Up the sharp arene on the left. Mr Smoonhy nones that the tree may he used for runners bun is otherwise off limits. Keep no the right side John Smoothy~. Peter ‘Mute’ Mainland’ (alt leadvl, 25 78
Indecision 9
A nice enough first pitch for a chimney that vi
Starr: An a righnward leading chimneylgecove 3m left of Slant I. 22m Up the chimney no tree anchor.
2. 1Gm Up short wall behind.
Philip Julian’. George Owens’, alt. leads September ‘68
Winkle 12 41m
The easiest of the three cracks bun the wall above is a bin intimidating
Starr: On wall 14m left of Indecision.
1. 21 m Up onto ledge then across right no crack. Straight up crack no tree anchor
The rock feels poor an first but is quite sound.
2. 2Gm Up groove behind tree then trend left no small crack and nose. [)on’t follow the groove. A bolt on this pitch would be nice.
Harry Luxford, Dave Darmanin, 3. Newton, December ‘72
#Van 16 44m
One of the better climbs in the area with two good pinches. The first pitch was originally done with several aid moves but was freed by Chris Peisker.
Starr: The middle crack 3m left of Winkle.
1. 22m (cruxl Easily no ledge at Sm. Pull over small bulge and follow crack as nn gradually thins towards the top. Anchor off trees and nun on ledge.
2. 22m Up crack behind belay, move left then up and around overhang quite
easy once up no the roof). Into crack and straight up no top. Please do non
disturb possums in herbage above roof. Harry Lusford, Dave Darmanin, November ‘72
73
Rip 14 4Am
A fine, delicate. wall and crack climb. Looks much harder than in really is. Some folks
pegged in after the first ascent.
Start: On wall 3m left of Van.
I. 20m (cruxi A few moves up short wall no ledge. Move right no very thin crack then straight up into ledge. Wide nuts 171 helpful in lower sectioti. Anchor off trees and a nun no right of crack..
2. 24m Move left no ease in overhang. Up wall and into groove, technically quite easy bun poor protection.
Harry Lunford. Dave Darmanin. December ‘72
‘Back down no track leveE
The Mixtnre 11 47m
Quite enjoyable bun unfortunately broken by a large ledge. The last pinch is poorly
protected.
Start: 38m left of Spaghetti Bolognaise an an easy angled right facing corner.
I. I 2m Romp up easy’ corner no tree anchor. If you like you can do the varient up the easy slab on the right as an alternative first pinch. I dont suppose in makes a great deal of difference.
2. 2Gm Up cornerlehimney no tree anchor.
3. I Sm (crux( Up slight arene no right. Tree anchor. Brian Mannick’. George Owens’. April ‘68
# Dress Rehearsal Rag 21 40m
"That’s a hard one no remember
Yes in makes you clench your fist
And then the veins stand out like highways
All along your wrist"
A superb climb espdsally the first pitch which offers delightful well protected wall climbing. The first pinch is well worth doing in ins own right and is one of the most popular pitches an Zig Zag. Do mI
Start: The wall 7m left of The Mixture.
I. 20m (grade I 7 A rising traverse righnwards no the blunt nose, Up into a large ledge and a bolt anchor. There are four bolt runners.
2. 2Gm (cruxl Crank up on some jugs an lip of roof and clip a bolt. Move left no a jutting ledge and a friend runner. Make another move left and up no another bolt. Once around the lip of the roof the pinch goes straight up the overhanging wall above no an easy juggy’ finish.
Pinch I: Andrew Penney. Greg Mainland 1979
Pinch 2: Giles Bradhury’, Greg Moore. Warren Lee, Mr K. MeClusky, February ‘82
Point of interest. There is an FT marked on the wall 3m left of Dress Rehearsal Rag. Ignore in as no records about a climb up here exist.
GEORGE’S GULCH
This is the large gully 9m left of Dress Rehearsal Rag. In contains two easy climbs and a harder one.
Sidewinder 18 30m
An interesting looking crux.
Start: Wander up for 23m no the top right side of gully. Here is found an easy lefnward leading crack.
I. lOin Up crack and chimney corner no tree anchor.
2. 20m (crax( Up the overhanging crack just no the left of the cave then as you will no top.
Pinch I: S. Searle, R. Bignold. 2S.7.76 Pitch 2: 5. Searle. L. ‘Jock’ Smith, July ‘76
74
Result 9 40m
Start’ ln nbc broken chimney cnirner Sm eli of Sndcnsindcr
1 2cn icruvi L’p chimney corner then left at the nip inn right inn a tree auchnir
2. 28m Walk up no a crack behind a block. Up crack
S. Searle~, L. Smith~, alt, leads), 3 7 7y
The Carpenter 10 25m
An aw’kward eras
Start: An easy scrubby corner 8m left cif Revinli .‘5Iso I 3ni uphill frunni track inn left side of gully halfway up..
I. I Sm Up easy small corner to tree anchor. Walk back inn nibs innus see cinruer.
2. 3m icruvi L’p the obvious crack on the left wall nif cinruer George Owens, Peter Walton, 36.73
The Walrus 6 30m
Nice and easy
Start: 1 8m Left of The Carpenter at a narrow gully with large chockstones wedged in it at the base.
I. 25m crusi walk up gully then up easy chimney and cinruer abuse inn tree anchor. Stroll ck to obvious cornet capped by roof
2. 1Gm Up easily and out through hole in roof. Peter Walton, George Owens. 3.6.~3
Upheasal 16 33m
A good first pitch.
Start: An the entrance no the narrow’ gully as for Vs alrus. The climb takes the obvious diagonal crack ox left wall..
I. 8m icruxi Strenuously up crack. quite sustained and rather fingery. Belay point non the t bun lengthening the pitch creates fricinnin problems
2. 1 3m Move left no crack then up no obvious ledge and bush anchor.
3. 12m Straight up crack and slab. Walk off no right and down gully Harry C. Lusford. Dave Darmanin. January ‘73
Perfidinus Rex 7 28m
Possibly an old S.R.C. Sydney Rockclimbing liubi route done in the pine ‘hI era.
Start: The steep gully 7m left of Upheaval. Scramble I ((in up no tree anchor an base of chimney.
I. 25m Up chimney.
George Owens, Ken Joyce, 2G.2.71
Pacemaker 22 40m
A desperate little maser is followed by unprotected climbing abuiut grade 171 above
Originally done with a peg for and but freed by Mike Law in 1979.
Start: Short orange corner leading no roofs Sm left of Perfidious Rex.
1. 4Gm Up corner no roof. Traverse left crasi past fixed peg no good hold.s on arene. Continue up no flake then easier ground no top.
Keith Bell, Harry Luxford, November ‘75
#Sluffed 16 66m
A long interesting climb up a strong natural line. The first pitch originally had quite a binofand M4 inn in bun has been since freedofeourse. The last pitch wasalsuninniginally done with some aid. Some of you might be interested no knuiw that a number IS (kIm Cracker w’as one of the aids used on the first pitch. Wow’!
Starr: The lefnw’ard leading chimneycorner below roofs 9m left of Pacennaker Start off block.
75
I. 22m (crux( Move up no crack then follow in diagonally left no small cave. Pull up into chimney and up no bollard anchor.
2. 22m Up rest of chimney and corner above. Traverse right no arene and ap no ledge. Nut anchor,
3. 22m Up wall for Sm then hard moves (originally aid( up no traverse line 3m higher. Traverse rnghn and up easy corner. Tree anchor.
Bruce Price, George Owens~, alt. leads( 9.9.72
N Honey Dip 13 65m
An enjoyable and popular climb up a fine line. Looks like an easy version of Solomon. Starr’ The nnspmring corner 14m left of Stuffed.
1. 4Gm (crux( Snranghn up no roof bolt runner). Swing over into corner then up wnnh yarned climbing no roof. Traverse left no tree anchor.
2. 1 Sm Up over slight overhang and bulge then either into corner serubby( or wander up slab.
Harry Lusford, Dave Darmantn. June ‘73
###ShakesandFlakes 21 3Gm
One of the best climbs on the cliff.
Start: On wall 6m left of Honey Dip.
I. JOin Easily up no the first bolt an I 3m then steeply up the lefnward curving line past two more bolts no an interesting exit.
Mike Law, Mal Johnson. 1979
Rainy Day Saturday 14 60m
Doesn’t look great though it’s supposed no be one of the better climbs in the area.
Start: A right facing blocky corner 7m left of Shakes and Flakes.
I. I Sm Up corner no below serub then left onto nose and up no chock anchor on large ledge.
2. 8m Straight up corner no a rather poor nun anchor. Probably best no continue up pinch 3.
3. 1 5m (crux( Out onto nose then up wall on small footholds no ledge then easily up no large ledge.
4. 22m Move right on ledge. Over the slight overhang then up easy slab no top. Harry C. Lusford. Dave Darmanin, Fehruary ‘73
N Turkish Delight 18 6Gm
A steep and inspiring orange corner. The rock is better than in looks except foe a very
loose 3m flake in the middle. Care is still required though.
Start: The ohvious easy corner 6m left of Rainy Day Saturday.
I Om Up easy angled corner no belay below the sudden steepening of the corner.
2. 25m (crux) Up the main corner.
3. 25m Up the chimney.
Greg Mortimer, Dick Ham, May ‘74
#nPCheapDive 21 4Gm
A great climh with an airy exposed finish.
Start: As for Turkish Delight.
I. lOin As for Turkish Delight.
2. JOin (crux) Up the scooped wall left of corner no a bolt. Hard moves up the shorn groove on the right no hand ledge. Swing left along ledge no arene. Continue up arene no another bolt (resting place on left). Final moves no top. A glorious finish.
Mike Law, Andrew Penney, John Smoonhy, April ‘79
76
# Demeresque 17 74m
One of the best climbs in the area. Some thought needs no go into protection on the crux pinch. Friends could possibly help.
Starr: Jin left of Turkish Delnghn on the right side of steep square gully
I. 22m Up yellowish rock no roof then traverse right no nose. Up crack no ledge
2. 22m (crux( Up crack no cave, then left on no wall, protection somewhat sporting, delicately up no ledge.
J. JOin Easily up wall no top.
Keith Bell, Harry Lutford, March ‘74
NoPants 14 76m
Quite nice with good protection.
Start: The corner 2m left of Demeresque
1. J8m (crux) Up corner and right into chimney. Continue up no small roof then chnmney along underneath in and up corner above (hocksnone anchor
2. I Jm Up chimney no wide ledge. Tree anchor..
J. 25m Continue up chimney/corner no top.
Bruce Prtce, George Owens (alt leads) R J Smith 27.8.72
Meanderthal 13 43m
An enjoyable and varied climb. The first traverse is delicate
Starr: As for No Pants.
I. JOin (crux) Up left corner crack (as for No Panns for Sm no obvious traverse line no overhanging blank section. Traverse left around nose then either straight up )no protection) or across to tree
2. 1 Jm Straight up.
Harry Lutford, Paul Edwards. April ‘74
Baldaquin 18 35m
A technical and strenuous overhang followed by a scrubby crack The crack would
prohahly be quite pleasant if cleaned out
Start: Below small roof with crack in in II in left of No Pants
I. J5m Up no and over roof then up scrubby crack Harry Luxford, Keith Bell, February ‘74
HeyJude 15 30m
An inneresnnng start that was originally done on two points of and
Start: The shorn overhangnng chimney I 2m left of Baldaqumn.
I 8m (crux) Up short chimney and overhang above Easier climbing leads up
the corner above no a nun anchor.
2. 12m Up rest of corner and chimney above.
Howard Bevan~. George Owens~. (alt. leada. 14.J.71
Point of interest. There is a ‘B’ marked below the thin peg crack crossing roof 7m left of Hey Jude. Peg scars indicate that in has probably been done though no records exist
# Transeendental Meditation 22 JOin
Originally an awkward and strenuous aid route (16M4(, now an awkward and strenuous free route. Freed hy Manhew Dunstan in mid ‘77.
Start: The roof crack an the very back of huge cave 27m left of Hey Jude. If you want no see how much the whole line overhangs, stand an the start and look up and out )facing valley).
I Sm crux) Jamh, grope and grovel across roofs onto a small ledge. Now up bottomless chimney no nun anchor in roof. You must allow me no briefly quote
77
from the original description. "vsith 2 inch bonf at hack of Imp for couragc. out of enriers and into knee jamb"
2 Ibm Easily our no lace then imp small bottomless chimney and corxer above. One nun vsas originally used or aid
Bruce Price~. George Ossens~. 22 4 72
Birdsnesn Soup 17 30m
A bin scrubby unfortunately Would probably be o.k if cleaned up a little
Starr an obvious crack 23m left of Transcendental Niedmtation
I. JOin Up steep scrubby crack for hm Fight through ferns and up onto ledge Continue up the see corner chimney to mop.
Joe Friend. Peter BlackwooiJ. 23 9 73
Bad Moon Rising 23 SOni
3
n incredible climb forcing it’s way our through the only weakness in the massise yellow roofs. 5 trueR modern classic offering strenuous and sustained climbing in exposed positions. Look an the cover again if you don’t believe me Without further ravingStart. Below the ‘best line on the cliff This is 85m left of Bmrdsnesn Soup. Scramble up 8m to small bush anchor with an old pair of shorts hanging from them
I 40m cruvi Lp the corner no roof Squash any fickle thoughts of retreat and traverse right to glory At the arene reach around for a jug on the Imp of roof Swing out (fixed w’mre( and hopefully non off Up the shorn thin crack no good jugs and so up no a ledge
2 lOin Lastly up the final corner
Rod Young. ant Prehn. 810.80
Fandoogilie 9 45m
"Both pinches rather frightening" George Owens
Starr. A short black chimney 23m left of Bad Moon Rising.
I I 3m (crux) L p and out of short chimney no tree anchor. 2 22m Up chimney no top Tree anchor
John F Wilson~. George Owens~. (alt leadvi April’88
# # # Catch The Wind 21 45m
Tw’o excellent pitches up a soaring line Definitely worth the walk Both pitches are of equal difficulty
Start’ 27m left of Fandoogmlme is a waterfall (Engineers C’ascade. The climb starts 2JOtn left of here an an overhung lefnw’ard leaning corner leading no a roof. I Sm Bridge up a little way then a fiery’ layback takes you no the roof. Traverse left (awkward) tO ledge. Nun anchors
2 30m Jamb the long overhung corner exiting our right onto the wall an the very top Onto large ledge The best way’ no get dow’n is no walk left along ledge no tree A 45m free abseil takes you no the deck.
C bins Peisker. Coral Bowman, September ‘76
Focal Point 22 40m
Another steep corner overhung actually) bun lacking a Ion of the aesthetic appeal of
the previous climb
Start. The corner I 40m left of Catch The Wind. In’s a bin of a jungle bash bun a rough track is developing. The line can only be seen once you arrive. Climb up through small trees no starting ledge
I. 40m Up the crack on the right no a small ledge. then another crack no the overhang. Climb the overhung corner (crux) no a jamb crack. Up and out over a final bulge then move right onto bushy ledge. Double bolt anchors. To get down abseil off from here.
Red Young. Ann Prehn. 12.7.80
78
ADDENDUM
Urako 21 12m
A fine short route
Starr: Scramble up onto the ledge where Rip starts To the left of Rip is an easy cornerlchnmney.Thns is the 2nd pitch of The Minture Start on the wall just left of here.
l.12m Up the wall past two bolts and a friend runner Mal Grey. Ralph Wengand. December. 82
Destruction of Army Group Centre 23 2llnn
A wee bin pumpy A good varnent finish no Dress Rehearsal Rag
Starr. An anchor I of Dress Rehearsal Rag.
l.20m (‘lip the bolt then out through the roof via a small flake. On the break above, go a little right no another bolt Now straight up past two more bolts a little left after the last one This route is no the right of the original finish Mal Grey. Ralph Wengand, December, 82
79
IKARA
GENERAL RA VE
In many ways Ikara is noticeably different no the other three cliffs in this guide In doesn’t lie on the fringes of civilization nor can in boast the easy aceess than the other three have. From the belays on it’s climbs one gazes non an pleasant farmlands bun an wild, rugged country and miles of high towering cliffline.
The cliff ns uniformly steep and high, varying from 60m no lOOm. There are only eight climbs bun six of these are of excellent quality. Most of the climbs take big powerful lines, usually a soaring crack or corner surrounded by vast stretches of blank rock. There are still quite a few good lines no go bun all require varying amounts of cleaning. Potential for hard wall routes also exists.
Only two days prior no nhns writing the entire area surrounding Ikara was devesnated by a bushl’ire that burned half the length of The Grose Valley. Even the area on the top of the cliff was burnt out. The landscape now looks something similar no that after the Battle of the Somme. Be prepared for this! Also, I can’t garannee that some of the bush anchors still exist.
Finally a few lines about deseent. There are two ways down One involves absenling
down the gully between Water Closet and Pin Ups. I’m non sure of the length nor the anchors hun take two SOm ropes. From the top of the cliff walk along the ridge towards Mn. Victoria for a short distance until the gully can be seen on your right. The other way down brtngs you back no the spot where you crossed the creek on the walk in and involves no absetling. Walk along the ridge towards Mn Victoria Isouthi, keeping no highest point, for about 300m until a cairn of rocks is reached Turn left here and head straight down the bill veering slightly no the right until the top of the gully is reached. Follow in down no base of cliff and creek just below.
HIS TOR Y
As no records exist of the early history of the cliff, there’s non a Ion I can tell you.
Much of ntis surrounded by myth and rumour so some of in could easily be incorrect. If you do know anything about the early visits no the cliff and the routes that were done then please send the information no the clirtibs recorder and myself so that future guides covernng Ikara can be more accurate.
Bryden Allen is believed no have first visited the cliff when he did Jezebel sometime in the 1960’s, the exact year I don’t know. He used some and on the climb which was later eimnnaned by Joe Friend Keith Bell took an interest in the cliff in 1975 when he climbed Kaladan and Teistar, both outright classics. In 1979 Keith returned no do Blast Off, an incredible looking line. In the same year Warwick Baird did Water Closet.
The follownng year Red Young made a sortie and dnd Aladinsane, an amazing fine finger crack. Red returned in 1982 no do Pin Ups. A few weeks prior no this Andrew Penney and Mark Colyvan dnd Power Vacuum on a wet day. It’s non a very exciting history bun I’m sure the future will be.
LOCA TION AND ACCESS
Ikara offtcnally known as Ikara Headf Ines on the upper part of the Grose Valley nearly 6kms north north east of the pub. Ikara, a promontory surrounded by cliffs on three sides faces north over the spectacular Grose Valley towards the Grose Valley Colliery, a little over a kilometre away. The present climhing area is located on the point of this promontory with most of the climbs being on the north west side. Running far below the cliff no the west and the north is the Grove River itself.
IKARA
GENERAL RA VE
In many ways Ikara is noticeably different no the other three cliffs in this guide In doesn’t lie on the fringes of civilization nor can in boast the easy access than the other three have. From the belays on it’s climbs one gazes non an pleasant farmlands bun an wild, rugged country and miles of high towering cliffline.
The cliff ns uniformly steep and high, varying from 60m no lOOm. There are only eight climbs bun six of these are of excellent quality. Most of the climbs take big powerful lines, usually a soaring crack or corner surrounded by vast stretches of blank rock. There are still quite a few good lines no go bun all require varying amounts of cleaning. Potential for hard wall routes also exists.
Only two days prior no nhns writing the entire area surrounding Ikara was devesnaned by a bushl’nre that burned half the length of The Grove Valley. Even the area on the top of the cliff was burnt out. The landscape now looks something similar no that after the Battle of the Somme. Be prepared for this! Also, I can’t garannee that some of the bush anchors still exist.
Finally a few lines about deseent. There are two ways down One involves absenling down the gully between Water Closet and Pin Ups. I’m non sure of the length nor the anchors hun take two 5Gm ropes. From the top of the cliff walk along the ridge towards Mn. Victoria for a short distance until the gully can be seen on your right. The other way down brtngs you back no the spot where you crossed the creek on the walk in and involves no absetling. Walk along the ridge towards Mn Victoria Isouthi, keeping no highest point, for about 30Gm until a cairn of rocks is reached Turn left here and head straight down the bill veering slightly no the right until the top of the gully is reached.
Follow in down no base of cliff and creek just below.
HIS TOR Y
As no records exist of the early history of the cliff, there’s non a Ion I can tell you. Much of ntis surrounded by myth and rumour so some of in could easily be incorrect. If you do know anything about the early visits no the cliff and the routes that were done then please send the information no the clirtibs recorder and myself so than future guides covernng Ikara can be more accurate.
Bryden Allen is believed no have first visited the cliff when he did Jezebel sometime in the 1960’s, the exact year I don’t know. He used some and on the climb which was later eimnnaned by Joe Friend Keith Bell took an interest in the cliff in 1975 when he climbed Kaladan and Telstar, both outright classics. In 1979 Keith returned no do Blast Off, an incredible looking line. In the same year Warwick Baird did Water Closet.
The follownng year Red Young made a sortie and dnd Aladinsane, an amazing fine finger crack. Red returned in 1982 no do Pin Ups. A few weeks prior no this Andrew Penney and Mark Colyvan dnd Power Vacuum on a wet day. It’s non a very exciting history bun I’m sure the future will be.
LOCA TION AND ACCESS
Ikara (offncnally known as Ikara Head) Ines on the upper part of the Grove Valley nearly 6kms north north east of the pub. Ikara, a promontory surrounded by cliffs on three sides faces north over the spectacular Grove Valley towards the Grove Valley Colliery, a little over a kilometre away. The present climhing area is located on the point of this promontory with most of the climbs being on the north west side.
Running far below the cliff no the west and the north is the Grove River itself.
80
To get there from the pub. drive east along the (irean Western Highway towards Katoomba After crossing the bridge over the railway take the second road on your left esacrly 1km from pub and about 2GGm past bridgel which is signposted Victoria Falls Road follow the road lunsealedi for exactly 4kms until a minor vehicle track branches off left. Park here in front of the green posts
From this point on yciur mode of transport is up to you. If you’re driving Dad’s new Kingswood or any vehicle of some quality then it’s probably best to walk from here. Then again, if you base a fourbee or an old paddock basher with an eighty sear old paint job then driving is the dog’s knob
If driving, the posts are easily skirted no the left Follow the road for about 3km until you reach a large cairn of rocks on the right side of the road. There w’as also once a barricade of logs here bun all than remains after the recent bushfire isa metre wide strip of ash If driving, park here; don’t go any further
The road continues steeply downhill for lOOm or so and rapidly deteriorates into a walking track Follow track down ridge, marked by cairns no top of small cliff. Skirt around it to the right then continue another IGGm or so no the top of a small cliff overlooking a creek All up it’s 26Gm from the carpark no here.
Dow nclimb the tree on your left, pretty desperate bun worse coming up True legend has in that Keith Hell’s dog managed in Look for claw marks! Dow’n no and across the creek usually flow’ing all year round). In should be mentioned here that the gully abovc you leads directly up no the top of the ridge that runs along the top of the cliff This is the first and ONL’n break in the cliff.
Anyway, from here head up no the base of the small clifflmne, about Sm no 2Gm high Follow the have ol the cliff righiwards facing cliffi. After about 4OOm no 5GGm the cliff changes direction and swings away from the creek An this stage in also gets much larger Continue past great blank walls and roofs and after about 3GGm one reahes a 6Gm high scrubby corner unelimbed This is the first climbable looking feature on the cliff In would require a mammoth cleaning operation bun would probably be a classic once cleaned The start descriptions of all climbs are given as starring right of this point
THE CLIMBS
Climbs are described left w ri ghr facing the c/if
#PowerXacuum 17 120m
A surprisingly long climb despite appearances from below. Two fairly good pinches are spoiled somewhat by a scrappy finish Rumours have in that several parties have previously done the first pitch. Take tubes, large hexentrics and friends for protection. Sruri. The wide crack 35m right of the obvious 6Gm high, scrubby unclimbed corner.
Start an a clean wide crack leading up no a see groove with a bush in in..
1 4Gm equal cruts Easily up wide crack corner no ledge. Up the offwidth crack and open chimney above no bush. A desperate squeeze up behind bush or if you’re fan climb through in. Continue up chimney no belay on ledge
2 35m equal crux) Up the steep corner above no large ledge, strenuous bun well protected Jamb and layback up next short corner no a small ledge. The continuation of the corner appears rather unpleasant and is blocked by a nasty looking grass nussock Instead go lefnwards across wall no nose. Continue diagonally lefnw’ards across slab no needle covered ledge. Multiple bush anchors.
3. 45m Up the low’ angled wall on right no a large scrubby terrace. Fight your way diagonally righnwards across into obvious cornerlgroove weakness. Up this no top’
Mark Colyvan~, Andrew Penney~, alt, leads), 10.10.82
# #Jezebel 22 90m +
A very’ fine line indeed, especially the second pinch which follows a sweeping diagonal
crack across acres of blank rock. Joe Friend eliminated the aid from the start I the
second pitch.
Srurr. 33m right of Power Vacuum an an obvious yellow crack corner system
I. 45m grade 8 Up crack Sm, move right no small bush and up Sm ii ledge Follow the corner chimney system above no a small ledge below risil floli anchor.
2. 45m crux) Pull over roof bolt runner) into short greasy and overhung vinier Hard moves till good handjambs are obtained then rocket up the siiaring diagonal crack.
3. X m Continue no top.
Bryden Allen Sometime in the sixties
# # # Aladinsane 22 4Gm
More of a climb in in’s own right than a direct start no Jezebel. Sustained and varied
climbing up a truly superb finger crack.
Starr: An a shorn crack in block 3m right of Jezebel.
I. 4Gm Up 6m on no the block then strenuously up the crack no a small ledge ‘I he last Sm are fairly wild. Double bolt anchors. From here you can go up and lent no join Jezebel or abseil off..
Red Young, Ann Prehn, Mark Burton, 5. IG.8G
# # #BIasIOff 22 IOOm+
An exeellent climb up the most amazing looking line. Unfortunately more details aren’t available. I ask that anyone who repeats the route would be kind eniAiigh iii write a detailed description and forward into me and nbe S.R.C. Climbs recorder Rumoured no have first been attempted by Chris Peisker a few years back befiAre he left the state, and later, the country.
Starr: 25m right of Aladinsane an a left facing corner.
I 2,3,4, etc. 10Gm + Upcorner no ledge below the soaringcrack Up in and wall above no top. A hanging belay was employed about midway up the crack
Keith Bell and hns brother, 1979, 1 think)
###Telstar 19 85m
Another great route up a powerful line. Three really good pinches. The second pitch is
unique and is guaranteed no blow your mind or an least your novel
Starr: 43m right of Blast Off an a crack/groove system on yellow rock below a terrifying roof about 4Gm up.
I. 3Gm grade 18) Up corner swinging right an small roof. Continue up crack/groove no ledge.
2. 2Gm grade 17) Up no roof, tremble then bravely chimney out across the sickening void. Some friend runners are possible an the start of the roof bun non much protection after that. A fall for the second on this pitch would nearly’ be as serious as one for the leader as he would have no be lowered right no the deck if the rope reaches). Semi hanging belay off friends on foothold stance a short distanee above roof. What a pitch!
3. 35m )crux) Follow the delightful finger crack up the wall above Beautiful expovure. Scramble no top.
Keith Be11, Ian Thomas, alt, leads) 1975
83
# # # Kaladan 20 3Gm
Once again, another excellent climb though otIs iinc pitch I he climb that lkara is famous for and the only one that most people have heard ic I The ol the longest baud cracks in the mountains
Starr: An a very aesthetic looking crack /3m right ot Telsiar
1. 3Gm Up the wide crack in corner no small nyu Pull user then liilliiw the lefnward sloping crack getting gradually thinner tow ards the nip l)iuuublv huh anchors on small ledge. Abseil off take hero loiupsu
Bryden Allen, Keith Bell, Peter (itles. Ian Thvinias. 1975
Waler Cloven 18 40m
Unusual for Ikara in that it’s a one pitch route than gocs right no the top Quite
unprotected after the crack.
Starr: A finger crack starting above a small roof 9Gm right of Kaladin
1 4Gm Pull around roof past scrub then up crack In’s hard in top itt crack where in thins and wall becomes a slab This is a possible belay spunt if situ wish nii break the pinch. Up small corner then traverse right aliing obvious break Ivir 1Gm. From here go diagonally right up wall no corner 1. p this a tew metres no top’
Warwick Baird, Giles Bradbury. 291 G 79
Pin Ups 22 50m
A varied climb with a bit of every thing
Starr: 25m right of Water Closet is a black chossy gully Start 41)m right tif this gully an a shale band with a roof crack above
1. 2Gm crux) Up the short manky wall past two bolts and a fixed peg iii the rixf The rock improves here. Out over the I Sm root and up the sloping crack no belay as the crack finishes
2. 1 Sm Launch up the thin wall just right of the belay with wire protection Belay on big ledge.
3. 1 Sm Walk over left then climb the easy steep corner no tip
Rod Young~. Ann Prehn~. lain leads). 23. P 82
ADDENDUM
Waltzing Matilda 17 8Orn
Well worth doing for the classic textbook chimney on the second pitch An excellent
excursion for a hon day. Some tube runners are useful on the first pitch
Starr: Approximately 3Gm right of Kaladan an a prominent right facing corner
Scramble up no ledge an base of corner.
1. 4Gm crux) Up wall right of main corner no ledge an fm Cp the wide corner crack past bushes then up the chimney above no the massive deep cave.
2. 4Gm 114) A great pitch with only one runner’ Awkward no start then chimney madly for 1Gm or so. The knees are starting no ache so move across horizontally right) towards the chimney mouth where a small foonledge provides a welcome rest. Whew! A wire runner behind a flake is possible Continue up chimney moving deeper towards the back as in widens
Chris Dale~, Andrew Penney~ alt. leads) 31193
85
# # # Kaladan 20 3Gm
Once again, another excellent climb though only tine pinch I he clinib than kant is famous for and the only one than most people have heard nit I The nil the linnigest baud cracks in the mountains
Starr: An a very aesthetic looking crack 33m right on Telsnar
1. 3Gm Up the wide crack in corner no small nyu Pull inset then Innlltiw the lefnward sloping crack getting gradually thinner tow ards the up l)iiiiblv huh anchors on small ledge. Abseil off take hero lotipsi
Bryden Allen, Keith Bell, Peter (tiles. Ian Thvtnnas. 1975
Waler Closet 18 40m
Unusual for Ikara in that it’s a one pitch route that gocs right nun the tip Quite
unprotected after the crack.
Starr: A finger crack starting above a small roof 9Gm right of Kaladun
1 4Gm Pull around roof past scrub then up crack In’s hard an nuip tnt crick where in thins and wall becomes a slab This is a possible belay spunt if situ wish nit break the pinch. Up small corner then nraversc right alting ohs ions break Ivir 1Gm. From here go diagonally right up wall no corner 1. p this a tew metres tin top’
Warwick Baird, Giles Bradbury. 281 G 79
Pin Ups 22 50m
A varied climb with a bin of every thing
Start: 25m right of Water Closet is a black chossy gully Start 4))m right nif this gully an a shale band with a roof crack above
1. 2Gm crux) Up the short manky wall past two bolts and a fixed peg it the rixf The rock improves here. Out over the I Sm root and up the sloping crack no belay as the crack finishes
2. 1 Sm Launch up the thin wall just right of the belay with wire protection Belay on big ledge.
3. 1 Sm Walk over left then climb the easy steep corner no nip
Rod Youngt. Ann Prehnt. lain leads). 23. P 82
ADDENDUM
Waltzing Matilda 17 8Orn
Well worth doing for the classic textbook chimney on the second pitch An excellent
excursion for a hon day. Some tube runners are useful on the first pitch
Starr: Approximately 3Gm right of Kaladan an a prominent right facing corner
Scramble up no ledge an base of corner.
1. 4Gm crux) Up wall right of main corner no ledge an fm Cp the wide corner crack past bushes then up the chimney above no the massive deep cave.
2. 40m (14) A great pitch with only one runnert Awkward no start then chimney madly for 10m or so. The knees are starting no ache so move across horizontally right) towards the chimney mouth where a small foonledge provides a welcome rest. Whew! A wire runner behind a flake is possible Continue up chimney moving deeper towards the back as in widens
Chris Dalet, Andrew Penneyt alt. leads) 31183
85