> Will's Climbing Page > Crags > Blue Mountains > The Railway Cliffs

The Railway Cliffs

The Word: Big steep sport routes - imposing!
Sun/shade: Shade all day.
Wet weather options: Most of the routes probably stay dry, at least the first pitch anyway.
Style of Climbs: Vertical to overhanging sport routes up to 120m high. Bring 2 ropes for 50m raps.
Grades: 20-26
Best Route(s): The Belles, The Belles (*** 21)

The Details: A concentrated crag of good, long and hard climbs, with 45-50m pitches guaranteed to flame you out.

Access: As for Cosmic, but about 150m after leaving the carpark, take the R hand track. Down, then briefly along under the cliffs on the L (the start of Cosmic), then R again down to the creek, and up to the crag. The overhanging L leaning corner marked "I" is a good landmark. A classic 25 heads up just R of it. TBTB is marked 30m further L. Come here in summer, when it's warm - we got frozen off on Australia Day, the wind can be chilly at any time of year!!

Described L to R, facing the cliff.

*** The Belles, The Belles 45m 21 (OS)
Must be done. A hefty move to gain slab, then good, surprisingly pumpy, climbing up past many FHs to a rest at about 20m. Crux up and R through 1 finger L hand pocket crimp, tiny feet to R hand gaston, and up to a much needed rest - use it wisely. Beautiful sidepull moves up steepening wall, hard again to pull over bulge, and a final tough move to emerge onto a loose ledge, belay off chains. Walk 20m R along ledge to 2nd chain. Belay or rap here. The next 2 pitches also look superb, and way exposed. A Quality climb.

� 2002 Will