The best day out climbing I have ever had. The line itself is fantastic to climb (despite a small amount of loose rock), but when combined with the location, excellent company, and required rope techniques, it made an unforgettable day. Done as a party of four with 3 ropes. Abseiled in on a 70m line (anything less would be struggling to reach considering this line needs to be trailed throughout the route to rig the upper tyrolean). Swam across in low swell with some seals and rigged the lower tyrolean 3m above the sea...fantastic! The first pitch is the crux, and was long and sustained and somewhat moist. Excellent jams despite appearances. Second pitch is the most enjoyable to climb with excellent rock (except at the top). Third pitch an alpine style climb and wander over the ridge. Make sure the tyrolean line doesn't get caught here. Final summit pitch very enjoyable.
We rigged the upper tyrolean from the bolts at the end of pitch 3 before the final summit pitch. Tyrolean was at a 30 degree angle downwards to the mainland. Because of this, it is essential to get lowered or rap on a second line until you are able to pull yourself across. Two ropes are needed for the upper tyrolean (a single 70m could probably be tensioned tight enough to bridge the gap, however it would be super tight, increasing the angle and forces on the anchors). After lowering the others across with the end of the rope, they set up the tyrolean on the mainland and tensioned it, and I rappelled down a separate line until I ran out of rappel rope, before pulling and retrieving it. Coiling the rap rope whilst suspended on the tyrolean in the middle of space was incredible. If you have the rope skills to do this climb, get on it, truly is an amazing adventure!
