A Crag Guide gives an extensive view of all sub areas and climbs at a point in the index. It shows a snapshot of the index heirachy, up to 300 climbs (or areas) on a single web page. It shows selected comments climbers have made on a recently submitted ascent.
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Contributors
Thanks to the following people who have contributed to this crag guide:
David Nott
Oliver Story
John Wilson
Brendan Heywood
mellor
Stuart Anderson
Gavin Evans
Dave McGregor
Chris
Dave
The size of a person's name reflects their Crag Karma, which is their level of contribution. You can help contribute to your local crag by adding descriptions, photos, topos and more.
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Table of contents
- 1. Gibraltar Peak and Corin Road crags
257 in Crag
- 1.1. Trackside 17 in Area
- 1.2. The Summit Boulders 28 in Crag
- 1.3. The Southern Tablelands 18 in Crag
- 1.4. Knife Edge Boulder 33 in Sector
-
1.5.
Nailbiter Area 20 in Area
- 1.5.1. The Nailbiter Spike 7 in Area
- 1.5.2. Nailbiter Boulders 7 in Area
- 1.5.3. The Non-Descript Boulder 2 in Area
- 1.5.4. Safari Bouders 4 in Area
- 1.6. Pox Rox 8 in Area
- 1.7. The Jism 4 in Area
- 1.8. The Fortress 13 in Crag
- 1.9. Snake Rock 17 in Crag
- 1.10. Gibraltar Falls 5 in Crag
- 1.11. White Horse Rocks 17 in Crag
- 1.12. The Bank 16 in Crag
- 1.13. Square Rock 5 in Cliff
- 1.14. Tidbinbilla 6 in Area
-
1.15.
Pierce's Creek 24 in Area
- 1.15.1. Kazbah 13 in Crag
- 1.15.2. Blackwater 3 in Sector
- 1.16. Watt's Wall 5 in Crag
- 1.17. Phantom Buttress 7 in Area
- 1.18. Bandito Wall 9 in Cliff
- 1.19. The Hideout 5 in Cliff
- 2. Index by grade
1. Gibraltar Peak and Corin Road crags 257 routes in Crag
- Summary:
-
Trad,Sport
and other styles
Long/Lat: 148.929272, -35.493682
- Description:
-
Gibraltar Peak is a Granite Tor that stands proud above the Tidbinbilla valley to its north west and and the narrow Gibraltar Creek valley to its south. Of the areas listed here, it includes Trackside, The Summit Boulders, Southern Tablelands, Knife Edge Boulder. The other listings are small crags - most of them scattered along the Corin Dam road and some in Tidbinbilla valley and its flanks.
- Approach:
-
The first basic option for approach is by 2WD vehicle taking the main Tidbinbilla Reserve Road and parking at the first dirt carpark on the right, then walking up a (steep) 45 minute track towards the peak - clearly signposted. Google maps reference for the carpark is -35.448714,148.926694. Note you will have to pay entry costs.
Second option for the approach is from the other side, using a 4WD. Turn off from Corin Road onto the track at -35.458573,148.94753 on google maps, take a left and follow the track around until it does a 180 and you meet a gate. Park and keep trekking up the path for a steep 10 minute walk until you get to the Peak.
The peak itself can be found at -35.467329,148.95489 on google maps.
|
1.1. Trackside 17 routes in Area
- Summary:
- Trad,Top Rope and Sport
- Description:
-
This area is around the base of the walking track and along the ascent to the top of Gibralter Peak.
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Poultry in Motion
A good little shady slab. The start is located about 30m left of the tourist track. Leave the track near the information sign. Belay of shrubs and gear. Rebolted 2010. FA: Craig Kentwell, Mike Peck, 1987 | 20 | 10m , 3 |
John Wilson 5 years agoDave 16 years ago
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| 2 |
Armless
A strenuous off-width, in case you're into that sort of thing... At the same level as 'Another Roadside Attraction', the obvious, leftwards leaning off-width. Place a high runner in the chimney, then up the outside into the off-width. FA: Kim Carrigan, Rick McGregor, 1977 | 21 | 20m | |||
| 3 |
Legless
The body chimney with a chockstone, left of 'Armless'. FA: Tony Barten, 1987 | 20 | 15m | |||
| 4 |
Blue Lights
The awkward leaning corner crack right on the tourist track. Finish up slabby arete. Now equipped with DBB. Walk off. FA: John Finnigan, Lincoln Hall, 1982 | 18 | 15m |
Andrew Scott 8 years ago
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| 5 |
Dubious Tactics
The shady crack 6m right of Blue Lights. This is just left of Another Roadside Attraction. Finish as for Blue Lights. DBB and walk off. FA: John Finnigan, Lincoln Hall, Will Steffen, 1982 | 14 | 15m |
BJ Adams 7 years ago
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| 6 |
Lengthways Chinaman
Start as for Dubious Tactics. Climb crack for 4m and pike left onto mossy slab. DBB and walk off. FA: John Finnigan, Margaret Finnigan, Will Steffen, 1982 | 10 | 15m |
Andrew Scott 8 years ago
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| 7 |
The obvious corner crack right of the tourist track. A good line. FA: Phill Cullen, Damien Jones, 1977 | 20 | 15m |
John Wilson 5 years agoGareth Llewellin 14 years ago
| ||
| 8 |
Kate's Bush
Ugh. The crack three metres right of 'Another Roadside Attraction'. Gain the crack which is hard to get established in and then turns into a hideous off-width. Finish with a chest jam! FA: Tony Barten (solo), 1988 | 16 | 10m | |||
| 9 |
Bad Luck Sir
Start two metres right of 'Kate's Bush'. Up and right past the first bolt. Cross the face to the crack on the right, then up the slab past the second bolt. FA: Tony Barten, Craig Kentwell, 1988 | 23 | 12m | |||
| 10 |
Crack of Ionic Finger Strength
Almost as long as the name. Start 15 metres right of 'Bad Luck Sir'. Up the right-hand corner with a no-hands rest halfway, then power up the strenuous crack to finish. FA: Craig Kentwell, Bill Coddington, 1988 | 13 | 10m | |||
| 11 |
Quite good. The brushed wall with two bolts about 100 metres right of 'Another Roadside Attraction'. Start up to the left of a vegetated off-width chimney. Hard moves up to and past the first bolt lead to a mantle and the second bolt. Continue up the slab to a tree belay at the end of the boulder. FA: Peter Fisk, Mike Peck, 1984 | 21 | 20m | |||
| 12 |
Rock and Birds
Just right of 'Arse Bandit' and the vegetated chimney. The wall with a thin start and a diagonal crack near the top. Now reclaimed by moss. FA: Adam Blizzard (solo), 1987 | 19 | 12m | |||
| 13 |
Barry the Radish
On the left end of a large wall about 20 metres right of 'Arse Bandit'. Up the twin crack system with a bush at half height. FA: John Finnigan, 1985 | 20 | 20m | |||
| 14 |
Rimmon Crack
The crack downhill and 30 metres right of 'Barry the Radish' (50 metres left of and slightly uphill from 'Overnight Sensation'). Climb into the cave and left into the crack. Exit with difficulty onto the slab above. FA: John Finnigan, Will Steffen, Armando Corvini, Graham Reilly, 1985 | 20 | 10m | |||
| 15 |
A superb finger crack, with a bulging start. It is on the downhill side of a straight-sided boulder about 100 metres right and downhill from 'Arse Bandit'. FA: John Smart, Norm Booth, Ray Lassman, 1978 | 21 | 18m |
Dave 16 years ago
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| 16 |
Blue Stumps
Back on the original path to 'The Southern Tablelands' and the summit proper: Start five metres left of 'Blue Lights', just right of the obvious crack. Climb the thin crack. Step around to a corner then up an easy face to finish. FA: Anne Hastings, Caron Avis, 1987 | 12 | 10m |
John Wilson
| ||
| 17 |
Plasticine People
"Maybe if you take out the bolts, nobody will know." - Joe Lynch. The short slab on a hidden boulder 15 metres left of 'Blue Stumps' as you face uphill. Up past two bolts. Rope stretching! FA: Tony Barten, Gordon Poultney, 1987 | 19 | 7m | |||
1.2. The Summit Boulders 28 routes in Crag
- Summary:
- Trad,Sport and ?
- Description:
-
Sitting above the Southern Tablelands and set a little back, are a group of tall boulders offering a variety of climbing styles - slabs, cracks, steep face and subterranean excursions.
|
||||||||
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Start about eight metres left of 'Sound as a Trout'. Climb the wall and arete with three bolts. The crux is past the first bolt. FA: Tony Barten, Mike Peck, 1987 | 24 | 13m , 3 | |||||
| 2 |
Open project
Up the blunt arete on the right-hand side as you enter the Sound as a Trout passageway. | 14m , 2 | ||||||
| 3 |
Sustained and varied. Start in the passage in the middle of the summit boulders. Bridge up to the first bolt and crimp your way past two more. Climb the crack to a small patform. Belay off White Rabbit's abseil station. Bolts replaced 2007 (approx) FA: Mike Peck, Craig Kentwell, 1987 | 21 | 13m , 3 |
John Wilson 7 years agoJames Scott-Bohanna 12 years ago
| ||||
| 4 |
White Rabbit
Popular. Start a few metres right of SAAT. Up the dark slab to emerge through the hole. Optional cam. Belay off rap anchor. Rebolted 2007 (approx). FA: Anne Hastings, Mike Peck, Tony Barton, Caron Avis, 1987 | 16 | 10m , 2 |
Niekolaas 7 years agoAndrew Scott 8 years ago
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| 5 |
Piltdown Man
Walk through the passageway to a large oblique slab wedged across its eastern exit. Climb to the top of the slab. Step left onto the steep chimney wall and move up to the right of the huge jammed chockstone. Chimney easily to the summit. FA: John Finnigan, Will Steffen, 1982 | 15 | 15m | |||||
| 6 |
Roxley R.I.P.
Start 2m right of WR. Up the slab and onto the headwall. Rebolted 2010. FA: Ken Luck, John Churchill, 1992 | 22 | 15m , 5 | |||||
| 7 |
Get Your Motors Running
A good route that should be on every Canberra beginner's hitlist. The start is located in the bowels of the earth. Scramble into the chimney just right of Roxely RIP. Climb the nice handcrack that widens until you emerge onto a sunny slab. Up past two bolts to Rap station. The 2nd edition of the granite guide mentioned a RHV past a bolt. This bolt is probably part of a finish to Midsummer Madness. Rebolted in 2007 (approx). FA: Phil Cullen, Mark Lithgow, 1978 | 12 | 20m , 2 |
John Wilson 7 years agophil toms 10 years ago
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| 8 |
Piglets in Paradise
Start on the dirty slab below the southern side of the summit group fo boulders. Up to a sloping ledge, right and onto upper slab and into an easy left leaning crack. FA: Steve Harper, Scott Albutt, 1984 | 15 | 24m |
Gavin Evans 17 years ago
| ||||
| 9 |
Midsummer Madness
Start on the southern side of the summit group of boulders at a left leaning fist crack. Up the flake and diagonal crack. Move left along the ledge and up the slab to the summit. Down-climb and go to the pub. FA: Phil Cullen, Damien Jones, 1977 | 18 | 21m | |||||
| 10 |
The Lecher
The obvious chimney six metres right of 'Midsummer Madness'. FA: Damien Jones, Judy Costin, 1977 | 10 | 20m | |||||
| 11 |
Rock Spiders
Two pitches can be done independently; second pitch can be accessed by scrambling up the chimney to the left of Fat and Healthy. Only second pitch shown on topo - up and left past two bolts to the summit. FA: George Rehn, 1988 | 21 | 20m |
Dave 16 years ago
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| 12 |
At the Stillpoint Destruction
Start about 30 metres left of 'Sound as a Trout'. Up the dirty scoop and pull onto the slab above. Originally two bolts. FA: Tony Barten, George Poultney, 1987 | 22 | 12m | |||||
| 13 |
Pecasso
The bolted line on the downhill side of the Skippy Slab boulder. Apparently chipped but still quite hard. FFA: Tony Barten, 1988 | 24 | 20m , 5 |
Dave 14 years ago
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| 14 |
My Name is Luka
Popular beginner route. The slab past one bolt to rap anchor. Rebolted 2007 (approx). FA: Caron Avis, Ann Hastings, 1987 | 14 | 15m , 1 |
Alwyn Johnson 7 months agoJohn Wilson 2 years ago
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| 15 |
Skippy's Slab
The blunt arete and slab 5m right of My Name is Luka. Rap anchor. Bolt replaced 2009. FA: Caron Avis, 1987 | 15 | 12m , 1 |
Alwyn Johnson 7 months agoNiekolaas 7 years ago
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| 16 |
Goony Waltz
Popular. Located around the corner from Skippy slab. Carefully walk across the slab to the DBB. Climb the delicate slab trending left past 2 carrot bolts (bolt plates required). Rap station as for Skippy Slab FA: The whole of Canberra, 1987 | 17 | 10m , 2 |
Mike Patterson 5 years agoNiekolaas 7 years ago
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| 17 |
Sustained unit right of Gooney Waltz. Start from the DBB. Head slightly right to the 1st BR then back left past 3 more. Rebolted 2007 (Approx). FA: Craig Kentwell, Andrew Bull, Tony Barten, 1989 | 20 | 12m , 4 |
John Wilson 5 years agoAndrew Scott 7 years ago
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| 18 |
Project
Start in the tunnel 3m left of Gorgeous Turn Me On. | |||||||
| 19 |
Gorgeous Turn Me On
Start 1m left of Easy Rider. The sharp seam to DBB. Continue up Easy Rider. FA: Gordon Turner, | 20 | 10m | |||||
| 20 |
Easy Rider
Start on the boulder below and right of Goony Waltz. From the Summit Boulders the best access is to head down the gully towards the Nailbiter Spike. When Picasso is reached turn right and walk through the tunnel/roof. Easy Rider is on the left of the passage after the roof.
Rebolted 2011. Now with Fixed hangers FA: George Renn, 1988 | 12 | 31m , 5 | |||||
| 21 |
Milwaukee Pig Iron
Start about 15m down and right from Easy Rider. The steep slab on flakes and sorry looking carrots. Finish up ER. The original route climbed well but has since exfoliated. Best to keep off. FA: George Rehn, 1988 | 18 | 10m , 3 | |||||
| 22 |
The obvious corner crack down and right from 'Milwaulkee Pig Iron' (10 metres left of 'My Generation') - it had repelled a number of attempts over the years. Finish up a slab to a bolt belay. FA: Tony Barten, 1988 | 23 | 30m | |||||
| 23 |
Still OK post fire - some of the flakes have blown off making it more reachy and some that remain are very creaky. Rebolted 2006 (approx) FA: Craig Kentwell, Phil Georgeff, Anne Hastings, 1988 | 17 | 12m , 3 |
John Wilson 5 years agoJohn Wilson 6 years ago
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| 24 |
A modern classic with technical and varied moves, well protected by five bolts. Start below the huge hanging boulder on the right arete. FA: Tony Barten, Craig Kentwell, 1987 | 22 | 20m |
Dave 13 years ago
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| 25 |
Down By Law
The short thin crack on a boulder 30 metres below 'My Generation'. Up the awkward thin crack to some hard slabby moves onto a ledge. Move right and up the easy hand crack. FA: Mike Peck, Adam Blizzard, 1988 | 23 | 15m | |||||
| 26 |
Return of the Marzipan Kid
Start on a boulder 50 metres below 'My Generation'. Climb up the dirty crack and slab without using the dead tree. FA: Tony Barten (solo), 1987 | 18 | 15m | |||||
| 27 |
Flying Leathernecks
The brushed slab with two bolts four metres left of 'Return of the Marzipan Kid'. Take wires. FA: Mike Peck, Craig Kentwell, 1988 | 21 | 15m | |||||
| 28 |
FA: Matt Twin, 2004 | 10 | 6m | |||||
1.3. The Southern Tablelands 18 routes in Crag
- Summary:
- Trad,Sport and Top Rope
- Description:©
-
A number of climbs finish on 'The Southern Tablelands'.
- Approach:©
-
From the 'Summit Boulders', walk down towards the 'Nail Biter' spike, following the wall on your left.
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Boomtown Refugee
At the left end of the wall. Up the brushed groove and crack past a bolt. A fixed #3 RP was flogged, so take your own... FA: Craig Kentwell, 1988 | 22 | 10m | |||
| 2 |
Holds Go Begging
The improbable looking wall five metres right (about 10 metres left of 'Tri State'), featuring hard wall climbing on sharp and friable holds. Climb the brushed wall with three bolts. The crux is after the second bolt. Gear required to belay at top - or wrap your rope around a boulder. FA: Richard Watts, Dave McGregor, 1985 | 23 | 15m , 3 | |||
| 3 |
Dim Parkio
Start just left of 'Tri State'. Up the wall and slab with four bolts. Gear required to belay at top - or wrap your rope around a boulder. FA: Tony Barten, 1987 | 23 | 15m , 4 | |||
| 4 |
Tri-State
The clean, wavy slab left of 'The Groove'. Start at the obvious holds on the left, about six metres up 'The Groove', and move up to a bolt. Up the cleaned slab passing a second (originally graded 23). Gear required to belay at top - or wrap your rope around a boulder. FA: Mike Law-Smith, Tim Chapman, Geoff Kennett, 1982 | 21 | 15m , 2 |
Gavin Evans 13 years ago
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| 5 |
The Groove
Commonly used as a descent scramble, but originally reported as a climb. FA: John Finnigan (solo), 1975 | 8 | 20m |
Alwyn Johnson 7 months agoMike Patterson 5 years ago
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| 6 |
Dear Prudence
Start below a slightly cleaner section of rock about four metres left of 'Hey Jude'. One hard move at the start: up the wall for a few metres, then diagonally left to a flake above 'The Groove'. Follow the cleaned patches to the top. FA: John Carlson, Matthew Larkin, 1982 | 17 | 25m |
Gavin Evans 13 years ago
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| 7 |
Revolution
The brushed slab right of 'Dear Prudence', with two bolts. FA: Phil Georgeff, Tony Barten, Mike Peck, 1987 | 19 | 8m | |||
| 8 |
Tiptoe
Start at the corner 10 metres right of 'The Groove'. Up the corner and left across the scoop. Climb onto the large flake and move left to join 'The Groove'. FA: John Finnigan (solo), 1975 | 13 | 25m |
Damien Brook 7 years agoAndrew Scott 8 years ago
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| 9 |
Start as for 'Tiptoe'. Up the easy corner, then up a steeper one to a ledge. Walk along this to the right and then up the slab as for 'Scarborough Fair'. FA: Peter Mills, Phil Cullen, John "Chaz" Wood, 1978 | 18 | 25m |
Dave 17 years agoadam steer
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| 10 |
Cornucopia
Takes the bulging wall with twin thin cracks to the right of 'Hey Jude', past one bolt to join 'Scarborough Fair'. FA: Adam Blizzard, Craig Kentwell, 1987 | 23 | 25m |
Dave 16 years ago
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| 11 |
Highly recommended, the classic of the crag. Start 10 metres right and down from 'Hey Jude', at the obvious rightwards corner crack. Layback up the corner and either step left to avoid the roof (18) or grunt straight through (20). Follow the cracks to the ledge, then up the unprotected slab above to a double bolt belay. FA: Damien Jones, "Chaz" unable to follow, 1978 | 18 | 35m |
Andrew Scott 7 years agoJohn Wilson 10 years ago
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| 12 |
See description for 'Scarborough Fair'. FA: Unknown, | 20 | 35m |
Chris "August" Elliott 13 weeks agoDave 17 years ago
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| 13 |
Trivial Pursuits
An aptly named route which is very bouldery. Start on a boulder below a short orange wall about 15 metres downhill from 'Scarborough Fair', through the hole. Use a long stick to clip a bolt and lunge up towards it. If you get this far, a groin stretching bridge onto the opposite boulder relieves the pressure on your fingers. Continue up past a peg and bolt to the top. FA: Dave McGregor, Simon Carter, Dave Sargent, 1985 | 24 | 10m | |||
| 14 |
Good thin slab climbing up the cleaned strip to the right of 'Scarborough Fair'. Start on top of some blocks six metres to the right of 'Scarborough Fair'. Up the wall and flake to the ledge. Step up and right, and clip two bolts on the way to the top. FA: Richard Watts, Rob Topfer, 1984 | 22 | 25m | |||
| 15 |
Exciting. Originally M4, the free version follows a slightly different line. Start in 'The Pits' proper, below the obvious lines about five metres right of 'Parole'. Subtle moves at half height lead to layaways up the left-hand line. Clip a bolt from the ledge, and up. FA: John Stone, John Carlson, 1980 FFA: Adam Blizzard, Neil Montgomery, 1987 | 22 | 35m | |||
| 16 |
Simply Salsa
FA: R. Carey, 2003 | 20 | 35m | |||
| 17 |
Porcupine Pie
A steep slab on small edges - Start on the arete left of Heckmondwicke Twist. FA: Tony Barten, Phil Georgeff, 1987 | 20 | 10m , 2 |
Oliver Story 2 weeks ago
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| 18 |
Finishing in the far left corner (looking out) of this area, where you pop out from under the huge balanced boulder, is this small gem of a climb, requiring jamming and some constricted slab moves. FA: John Finnigan, Peter Cocker, 1975 | 17 | 20m |
John Wilson 14 years agoadam steer
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1.4. Knife Edge Boulder 33 routes in Sector
- Summary:
- Sport,Trad and Top Rope
- Description:©
-
Leaning against and slightly below 'The Southern Tablelands', and sitting above 'The Pits' is the 'Knife Edge Boulder' which has a belay station at the top.
- Approach:©
-
Scramble around from the start of 'Scarborough Fair'.
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
V1 Special
The left hand route on the upper tier of the Knife Edge Boulder. Equipped with lower offs. Rebolted 2006 (approx). FA: Mike Law-Smith, Rob Topfer, | 22 | 15m , 3 |
Dave McGregor 6 weeks agoJohn Wilson 6 years ago
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| 2 |
The popular slab a couple of metres right of V1 Special. Equipped with Lower off. Rebolted 2006 (approx). FA: Mike Law-Smith, Rob Topfer, | 20 | 15m , 3 | |||||
|
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| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||||
| 3 |
Holy Guacamole
The left hand route back onto the mainland. Start from DBB on top of the knifeEdge Boulder. Walk down the slab, preclip a bolt, and lauch yourself onto the wall. Rebolted 2006 (approx). | 17 | 5m , 2 |
phil toms 10 years agoJames Scott-Bohanna 17 years ago
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| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||||
| 4 |
The right hand route back onto the mainland. From the DBB on top of the Knife Edge Boulder walk down the slab and fall across the void. This is best done hands first. Rebolted 2006 (approx). Tree anchor. | 16 | 5m , 2 |
John Wilson 5 years agoGavin Evans 7 years ago
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| 5 |
Cheesecake
The loose chimney at the left-hand side of the roof split by an off-width. FA: Peter Cocker, John Finnigan, 1975 | 12 | 15m | |||||
| 6 |
French Connections
One of the harder face climbs around, once upon a time. Start 15 metres right of and below 'Heckmondwike Twist' at the boulder with a dyke and flake. Up the thin and technical wall with four bolts to a tree belay. FA: Mike Law-Smith, 1987 | 26 | 13m , 4 |
Dave 14 years ago
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| 7 |
Defined by the First Contraction
The thin corner and arete right of 'French Connections' with a bolt. FA: Richard Watts, Matthew Rogerson, 1990 | 24 | 15m , 1 | |||||
| 8 |
Jihad
The slabby arete two boulders right of French Connections. "Fantastically thin layaways and edges" off the block past three bolts. FA: Matthew Rogerson, Richard Watts, 1990 | 23 | 14m , 3 | |||||
| 9 |
Jihad Chimney
Chimney past bolts on Jihad, then up slab with wires (see ACT Granite p206). | 16 | 14m | |||||
| 10 |
Labor Pains
Start just right of a large tree about 10m right of the start of Juveniles. Climb the slab trending left. The 1st bolt is quite high and there is suspect flakes down low. Rebolted 2010. Take some gear for the belay. FA: Mike Peck, Craig Kentwell, 1987 | 17 | 15m , 3 |
James Scott-Bohanna 17 years ago
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| 11 |
A popular 2 pitch slab. Start on the right hand side of the gully 40m downhill from French Connection and Heckmondwike Twist. A large burnt fallen log is a good reference point and a good seat for your belayer. 1. 15m (15, cux). Hard start up the flakey black slab past (2 bolts). Gear belay. 2. 15m (14). Step onto the block and up the golden headwall (3 bolts). DBB on top of the Knife Edge Boulder. Rebolted 2005 (Approx). FA: Caron Avis, Anne Hastings (alt), 1987 | 15 | 30m , 5 |
Dave McGregor 6 weeks agoGavin Evans 7 years ago
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| 12 |
Fun Climb
Start from the anchors on top of the No Glove Boulder. Walk down the steepish slab towards the Juvenile Wall. Step across the gap. Pad up the slab left of Juveniles. Belay on gear. FA: , 2010 | 15 | 20m , 3 | |||||
| 13 |
JAM (Just Another Megaroute)
Start 10m left of Juveniles. Traverse left then up the unprotected slab. Belay on gear underneath Fouled up Turkey etc. Originally soloed by man and beast. Not a good lead for beginners. FA: Mike Peck, John Carlson, 1984 | 14 | 15m |
Gavin Evans 13 years ago
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| 14 |
Quality well protected slabbing. Traditionally the access to this climb was down the steep gulley past Juveniles and JAM. However it is easier to scramble up the back of the boulder past a bolt and rap in (DBB). This scramble starts just behind you as you look at the start of Juveniles. As you rap, tension left and clip into the left most line of 3 bolts. A 60m rope is preferable for this exercise. Best to belay off a sling or two at the start. The climb goes straight up past three bolts and then gradually drifts right. There is optional wires or micro cams near the start. Rebolted in 2006 (approx). FA: Gordon Poultney, Craig Kentwell, Adam Blizzard, 1987 | 18 | 25m , 3 |
Andrew Scott 7 years agoJohn Wilson 11 years ago
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| 15 |
The line 8m down and right of No Glove. Rap in similar style as No Glove (60m rope required). Start on the low angled mossy slab. Your belayer will be standing on the slab, leaning against the obvious boulder. Climb the slab past 2 bolts. Cruxey before and after the 1st bolt (8m). Treat the flakes with respect. Rebolted 2006 (approx). FA: John Carlson, Mike Peck, 1984 | 19 | 30m , 2 | |||||
| 16 |
On the Beach Direct Start
Very runout slabbing ... should be at Booroomba Rap in as for On the Beach (60m rope just reaches). Start underneath the blunt arete (about 6m down and right from OTB). Up the slab to join OTB at the second bolt. FA: Tony Barten (solo), 1987 | 18 | 30m , 1 | |||||
| 17 |
Beautiful slab climbing on good rock. Best access is to scramble up the back of the boulder and rap in (refer NGNL, OTB etc). Extend the anchor with a long sling and a 60m rope will just reach. You can walk in but you will be wallowing in scrub. Start 5m right of OTBDS, directly below the 1st bolt. Legend has it more than one climber as got stuck on the initial overlap and has required assistance from above, Pre or stick clip if your not solid. Rebolted 2008. FA: Mike Law-Smith,Rob Topfer, John Finnigan, 1982 | 20 | 32m , 4 |
Gareth Llewellin 14 years ago
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| 18 |
Blagdon Amateur Rapist
Ascends 3 boulders to the top of the Knife Edge.
FA: John Finnigan., 1976 | 15 | 80m | |||||
| 19 |
Rite of Passage
Climb the chimney of 'Blagdon Amateur Rapist' for five metres to an obvious break on the right wall. Move right onto the slab and traverse right at the weakness to the right arete. Up the arete ('No Easy Street') to finish. FA: John Finnigan, 1985 | 16 | 30m | |||||
| 20 |
No Easy Street
Technically easy, but poor protection and poor rock make this an interesting excursion. Start 10 metres down and right from 'Blagdon Amateur Rapist'. Climb the slab and arete, then up the ramp to a #2 RP placement; continue up the arete to the top. FA: John Carlson, Peter Fisk, 1983 | 15 | 30m | |||||
| 21 |
Haircare Make-up Drugs
Up 'Oddball' for two metres, then left to a bolt. Up the brushed wall passing another bolt on the way to the arete. Finish easily as for 'Oddball'. FA: Craig Kentwell, Mike Peck, 1987 | 19 | 25m | |||||
| 22 |
Start below a dyke on the western side of the 'Blagdon Amateur Rapist' boulder, about 50 metres around to the right from that climb. Thin climbing to a bolt and up the dyke above past one more bolt (clip with wires). Walk up the arete ('No Easy Street') to belay. FA: Mike Law-Smith, Rob Topfer, 1982 | 19 | 25m |
Dave 17 years ago
| ||||
| 23 |
Going Troppo
Steep slab climbing. Start, again, as for 'Oddball' to the bolt, then move rightwards along the cleaned streak past three more bolts (the bolts are overdriven - clip with small wires). FA: Mike Law-Smith, Paul Daniel, 1982 | 22 | 30m | |||||
| 24 |
Changes
Start on the boulder uphill and right of 'Oddball'. Up the off-width and slabby arete. Step left and climb the orange corner and wall above. FA: Adam Blizzard, Adrienne Smith, 1987 | 20 | 20m | |||||
| 25 |
Aubergine Dream
The arete at the left hand (East) end of the black wall - five metres left of Le Muir Noir, or behind you as you start Juvenilles and Geriatrics. Lower yourself down into a hollow between the route and the No Glove No Love boulder to belay (two bolts). Scramble up until you can reach around and clip the first bolt on the arete. Step onto the arete and up past five more bolts to lower-offs. FA: Oliver Story, 2010 | 24 | 15m , 6 | |||||
| 26 |
Thin moves up the wall about 10 metres right of 'Aubergine Dream'. Start at the top of 'Going Troppo', 'Oddball', etc where the boulder leans against the black wall. Five bolts, with the crux after the second. FA: Tony Barten, 1989 | 25 | 12m , 5 | |||||
| 27 |
Back on Black
The thin sustained wall between 'Le Muir Noir' and 'Antipodean Atrocities'. FA: Tony Barten, Andrew Bull, 1990 | 24 | 15m | |||||
| 28 |
Thin, balancy and sustained climbing on the impressive black wall above the main slabs. Start as for 'McCoy's Arete'; clip the first bolt on this and climb down to join the dyke. Up this to the top with four bolts and a bolt belay. FA: Tony Barten, 1987 | 25 | 20m | |||||
| 29 |
Interesting climbing, a good position and an abundance of metal make this route worthwhile. Scramble to the top of the 'Changes' boulder and find a bolt belay. After a bouldery start, climb the arete to the top, clipping four bolts on the way. To descend, climb down the tree on the left side. FA: Mike Peck, Tony Barten, 1987 | 22 | 10m |
Dave 14 years ago
| ||||
| 30 |
Atom Ant
This is the flake on a boulder 10 metres uphill and to the right of 'McCoy's Arete'. The overhung start has a technical and strenuous sequence. Originally there was a fixed wire, however this has been stolen. Bolt belay at the top. FA: Tony Barten, Mike Peck, 1987 | 22 | 13m | |||||
| 31 |
Fast Living
And fast drilling. Start 10 metres uphill and left of 'Atom Ant' on the same boulder as 'McCoy's Arete'. Use a dead branch to get to the first bolt. Crank up on drilled finger pockets to a big flake, then cruise up to the top past two more bolts. FA: Tony Barten, Mike Peck, 1987 | 24 | 13m | |||||
| 32 |
Professor Longhair and the Shuffling Hungarians
This is on a small boulder 30 metres west of 'Changes'. Climb up the left side of the flake, then up the crack to the top. FA: Mike Peck (solo), 1987 | 14 | 10m | |||||
| 33 |
Mario and the Blue Angels
Start 20 metres downhill of the previous climb, on a boulder with a flake. Layback up the flake then follow the crack, which widens at the top (take a large cam). FA: Mike Peck, Craig Kentwell, 1987 | 17 | 15m | |||||
1.5. Nailbiter Area 20 routes in Area
- Summary:
- Trad,Sport and other styles
1.5.1. The Nailbiter Spike 7 routes in Area
- Summary:
- Sport,Trad and Aid
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Bart's Mate, Joker
Start left of Lord Bailey on a ledge. The route is actually on the uphill side of the Ape boulder. Best to tie the belayer in (cams). Climb the sustained slab out to the airy arete. Drift back right after the last bolt through some lichen. Belay of gear well back. Rebolted 2010. FA: Tara Sutherland, Richard Watts, 1991 | 20 | 15m , 4 | |||||
| 2 |
Lord Bailey
The slick arete down and left of the Skylark crack. Chain Lower off. FA: Richard Watts, 1991 | 27 M0 | 10m , 4 | |||||
|
||||||||
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||||
| 3 |
Classic. Scene of many spectacular whippers. Start on a boulder below and to the left of Consumer Item. Traverse on flakes across the overhanging slab. Up the sustained crack. Rebolted 2009 (approx) FA: Mike Law-Smith, 1986 | 24 | 28m , 4 | |||||
| 4 |
The slab and arete left of Nailbighter. Rebolted 2009 and a lower bolt added. FA: Richard Watts, Rob Topfer, 1984 | 19 | 10m , 3 |
Andrew Scott 8 years agoDave 16 years ago
| ||||
| 5 |
The aesthetic splitter on the uphill side of the spike. Thin hands. There is a rap anchor on top. FA: Ray Lassman, Ian Thomas, 1975 | 16 | 10m |
Chris "August" Elliott 13 weeks agoNicholas Reese 5 years ago
| ||||
| 6 |
Strong Persuader
The steepish slab to the right of Nailbiter. Considered hard for the grade. Rebolted 2009 (approx) FA: Mike Peck, Phil Georgeff, Tony Barton, 1987 | 21 | 10m , 3 | |||||
| 7 |
Aid Route
Start at the horizontal crack which leads around the boulder from 'Nail Biter'.
FA: John Finnigan (#1), Damien Jones, Phil Cullen (#2), 1978 | 20 M2 | 25m | |||||
1.5.2. Nailbiter Boulders 7 routes in Area
- Summary:
- All Trad
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Ape
Straight up the chimney. Onsite lead by Jones on first ascent was very scary as protection is almost non-existent. Curtis was so freaked that Jones would crater that he soloed up the back of the chimney and tried to act as a human running belay! I'm not surprised that it seems standard to toprope it these days FA: Damien Jones, Richard Curtis, Peter Mills; Peter Mills, Damien Jones, Richard Curtis, 1974 | 16 | 40m |
John Wilson 5 years ago
| ||
| 2 |
Ape Escape
Start as for the second pitch of 'Ape'. Climb up 'Ape' for about five metres then reluctantly step right of the chimney and onto the face. Climb the wall with four bolts, trending right onto the arete near the top. FA: Mike Peck, Tony Barten, Phil Georgeff, 1987 | 20 | 20m | |||
| 3 |
Free Tibet
As for 'Ape Escape', but step delicately left onto the face and up, three bolts. FA: Armando Corvini, Jacob Greber, 1992 | 20 | 25m | |||
| 4 |
Chicken Run
Inspected by abseil before the bolt plague, thus seldom if ever repeated. Start 20 metres around right from 'Ape'. Climb the left-hand, flake-formed crack to the top, then traverse right for 10 metres to the blunt nose of the arete. Continue up and right (crux) to a ledge. FA: John Finnigan, Will Steffen, 1982 | 18 | 35m | |||
| 5 |
Swinging Seat
The obvious leftwards diagonal with a 'cave' at two thirds height.
FA: R Curtis, C Larque, 1974 | 19 | 30m | |||
| 6 |
It is amazing what lengths some people will go to, to do new routes! Start at the dead branch leaning against the face about eight metres right of 'Swinging Seat'. Swarm up the branch with a hard move at the top to reach the ledge. Mantle onto the ledge after clipping the bolt, then climb the crack and slab past one more bolt. FA: Mike Peck, John Carlson, 1984 | 21 | 25m | |||
| 7 |
The Squeeze
Ascends a series of flake chimneys. Start at a chimney in the back of a small cave to the right of 'Monkey Business'. Done in three pitches. FA: Peter Riddy, Tony Wood (alt.), 1975 | 13 | 50m | |||
1.5.3. The Non-Descript Boulder 2 routes in Area
- Summary:
- All Trad
- Description:©
-
Further right are the slabs of 'On the Beach', etc. Directly downhill from 'Swinging Seat' is a large, low, mossy boulder, the Non-Descript boulder.
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Captain America
The obvious rightwards leaning corner. FA: John Stone, | 16 | 12m | |||
| 2 |
The Seventh Hedgehog
The ramps and blocks 10 metres right of 'Captain America'. FA: John Stone, Hugh Stone, S. Raiser, Mike Peck, 1979 | 14 | 12m | |||
1.5.4. Safari Bouders 4 routes in Area
- Summary:
- Trad,Aid
- Approach:©
-
To get to these, thrash downhill for about 100 metres from 'The Non-Descript Boulder'
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Low Hydrogen
The easiest crack facing the main cliff. Bolt belay at the top of the boulder. FA: Phil Georgeff, Caron Avis, 1987 | 16 | 10m | |||
| 2 |
Faint Hearted
To the right of 'Low Hydrogen'. Climb the easy crack to the ledge, then up the thin crack to the top. FA: Anne Hastings, Phil Georgeff, 1987 | 17 | 15m | |||
| 3 |
Broken Window
The overhanging hand to fist crack, broken by a ledge, on the back of the boulder. FA: Phil Georgeff, 1987 | 18 M2 | 15m | |||
| 4 |
Locomotion
The hand crack on an isolated boulder left (looking downhill) of the previous climbs, with a 'knucklebuster' start. FA: Phil Georgeff, Caron Avis, 1987 | 17 | 10m | |||
1.6. Pox Rox 8 routes in Area
- Summary:
- All Trad
- Description:©
-
These miniscule boulders can be found near the road, 60 metres past the gate on the way down to 'The Jism' or 'The Fortress' from 'Gibraltar Peak'. Most of the routes were probably done before the ACT Granite Guide reported them. The main group of boulders is on the left.
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Umbalah Crack
This obscure 'gem' can be found on the way, 20 metres to the left of the road, just before the gate. It is a short curving hand crack on a boulder. FA: Phil Georgeff, 1984 | 16 | 8m | |||
| 2 |
No Reservations
The short hand crack in the main group, facing the road. FA: Adam Blizzard, Mike Peck (solo), 1987 | 15 | 5m | |||
| 3 |
Snow Storm
The first crack and flake to a bolt belay, on the next boulder. Climbed in a blizzard. FA: Adam Blizzard, Mike Peck, 1987 | 14 | 10m | |||
| 4 |
Snow Flake
The layback flake five metres right of 'Snow Storm'. FA: Mike Peck, Adam Blizzard, 1987 | 15 | 12m | |||
| 5 |
Much Man
Up the thin crack five metres right of 'Snowflake', right up to a flake and finish up the slab on the right. FA: Adam Blizzard (solo), 1987 | 16 | 12m | |||
| 6 |
Small Pox
The short corner on the back of the boulder. Up to a block, then easily up the mossy slab to the top. FA: Mike Peck (solo), 1987 | 18 | 12m | |||
| 7 |
Le Tour
On an isolated boulder down from 'Small Pox'. Steeply up to first bolt (crux) then follow the groove past another bolt to a single bolt rap station. Bolted by persons unknock. FA: Phil Georgeff, Rebecca McLeod, 1996 | 21 | 15m | |||
| 8 |
No Stone Unturned
On the right-hand side of the road. Climb the easy crack and gully. FA: Mike Peck, Adam Blizzard (solo), 1987 | 13 | 10m | |||
1.7. The Jism 4 routes in Area
- Summary:
-
All Trad
Long/Lat: 148.955776, -35.462435
- Description:©
-
Further down the track from 'Pox Rox' (or at the top of the hill beyond 'The Fortress') is an impressive spire on the left (over a fence), with one significant climb.
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The obvious shallow crack facing the road. It was originally aided and called 'The Jism', but was freed and renamed. FA: Phil Cullen, FFA: John Smart, 1978 | 23 | 18m | |||
| 2 |
Rangehon
The line on the opposite side of the boulder. Up to the leftward diagonal break, and up this to a hotizontal break. Move right and up to a peg belay. Downclimb the offwidth to get off. FA: Pat Butler, 1982 | 19 | 10m | |||
| 3 |
T.V. Glotzer
Miniscule. The flake formed crack on the boulder five metres left of 'Rangehen'. FA: Greg Pritchard, 1982 | 16 | 6m | |||
| 4 |
White Cloud
The crack-cum-off-width around and left from 'Future Shock'. FA: Adam Blizzard, 1987 | 16 | 10m | |||
1.8. The Fortress 13 routes in Crag
- Summary:
-
Trad,Sport
and Top Rope
Long/Lat: 148.960243, -35.461772
- Description:©
-
A small area down among the pines with excellent access but limited climbing. The routes here are very varied in style and most are worthwhile. It is unclear whether the previous road system will be restored, so you may need to walk a short distance to get here.
A 'ridiculous number' of bolt belays and bolt runners sprang up around the time the ACT Granite Guide was published, with old tree belays being cut down in the process. The most ridiculous addition was a set of metal steps left of 'Sentry Duty'. There was also some retrobolting, with bolts sprouting on 'Apprentice's Edge' and 'Scratched Record' (now three bolts). In the last case the climb was originally climbed with a tied-off abseil rope and first written up as having a bolt, although Richard Watts never got around to putting it in. The top hanger of the now bolts was noticeably bent at the time of printing. The 'worst case', however, is at the top of the previously unbolted 'Blood on His Lips' where a golden 'carrot' style bolt appeared in the final slab, right next to a wire placement. Many of the new bolts have been pruned.
- Approach:©
-
Follow the track to a large grassy clearing. The track continues uphill to 'The Jism' and 'Gibraltar Peak'. There is a three bolt aid jaunt onto the top of the 'mushroom cap' courtesy of Greg Lane and friends.
|
||||||||
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Fake Crack
Location: South-south-east of the mushroom; 30m around to the right from No Fat Chicks; in a short gully; right hand end of a mossy wall. Follows the left-trending 10cm-deep V-corner to the top. FA: Oliver Story, 2011 | 21 | 8m , 3 | |||||
| 2 |
No Fat Chicks
A slabby wall on the southern side of the main group of boulders with three bolts to a triple bolt belay. Other reports say it is harder. The bolted climb to the left, starting in a chimney and reaching the same belay has not been claimed, but goes at around 17 or 18. The bolt with the large hanger in the chimney just south of the main boulder has also not been reported. FA: Geoff Filmer, Damian Jovanovic, 1995 | 19 | 8m | |||||
| 3 |
Anything'll Do
On the biggest boulder. Start just right of 'Night Fall'. Up the slab and short wall on sharp holds past two bolts. Watch your seconds... FA: Dave Sargent, Paul Mason, 1987 | 22 | 10m | |||||
| 4 |
Night Fall
Starts on the large jammed boulders above the cave and ascends the slab and corner past two bolts - the first of which is quite high. A few nice balancy moves and it is all over. FA: Richard Watts (solo), 1983 | 18 | 8m , 2 |
John Wilson 1 years ago
| ||||
| 5 |
Flying Arkwright
On the north side of the main outcrop. The rightwards trending crack which is undercut at the base and lays away left at the top. For the record, the arete right of this climb, with low chipped holds and one bolt is said to be a very old, abandoned Law-Smith project. FA: John Finnigan (solo), 1975 | 16 | 10m |
John Wilson 1 years agoDavid Nott 2 years ago
| ||||
| 6 |
The arete between 'Sentry Duty' and 'Flying Arkwright' with a pretty slippery crux; originally three bolts, but six at last count. FA: Mike Peck, Andrew Kean, 1986 | 24 | 10m | |||||
|
||||||||
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||||
| 7 |
Offwidth left of Sentry Duty
As the name states. To get off, have to down-solo a chimney. FA: No details, | 16 | 10m | |||||
| 8 |
The obvious crack, with a sentry box at half height, a few metres left of 'Flying Arkwright'. FA: Richard Curtis, Damien Jones, 1975 | 15 | 10m |
constantine carluen 2 years agoDavid Nott 2 years ago
| ||||
| 9 |
Postern
On a small group of boulders some 30 metres east from 'Sentry Duty'. Nice climbing up the small right angled corner crack on the far (eastern) side. The next four climbs are on the isolated boulder 20 metres down and left (north) from the main 'mushroom' boulder. FA: Matt Madin, Richard Watts, 1981 | 17 | 10m |
John Wilson 2 years agoStuart Anderson 3 years ago
| ||||
| 10 |
Flex
Up the expanding flake three metres right of 'Blood on His Lips'. A hard start, then more easily up the flakes and slab to the top. FA: Richard Watts (solo), 1983 | 22 | 10m | |||||
| 11 |
The obvious thin crack, undercut at its base. FA: R Curtis, J Finnegan, 1975 | 16 | 10m |
Stuart Anderson 3 years agoStuart Anderson 3 years ago
| ||||
| 12 |
Scratched Record
The wavey slab just left of Blood on His Lips. A high 1st bolt and a good candidate for a stick clip. Belay on gear and walk off. Rebolted 2011. FA: Richard Watts, 1983 | 23 | 10m , 2 | |||||
| 13 |
Paternity Ward
A waste of time. Up the slabby wall about 10 metres left of 'Blood on His Lips'. FA: Richard Watts (solo), 1983 | 16 | 7m | |||||
1.9. Snake Rock 17 routes in Crag
- Summary:
-
Top Rope,Sport
and Trad
Long/Lat: 148.957963, -35.476608
- Description:©
-
Slumped on the eastern side of the Corin Valley is an unimpressive pile of yellow/brown granite about to slide down into the creek. Close up, it's rather reminiscent of gritstone and has some classic short routes in the range 18-26 (complete with bolts, very unreminiscent of gritstone). A good alternative to 'Gibraltar Peak' or 'The Fortress' in winter. It is in the sun most of the day.
Climbs described from right to left. Awaiting a guide to all the new climbs Justin Ryan has put up.
- Approach:©
-
The crag is opposite the turn off to 'Gibraltar Peak', visible from the road. Drive about 3.9 kilometres down the Corin Road. Turn left at a yellow road sign (i.e. just before the 'Gibraltar Peak' turnoff. Drive down the dirt to the edge of the native bush and walk south along the pine forest boundary for 200 metres to a cairn, just as the track heads uphill. Walk down left through bush to cross the creek and then head uphill to the crag (about 10 minutes).
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Small Things Amuse
This small slanting handcrack faces Gibralter Creek in a small tor slightly higher than and about 400m north of Snake Rock. It is probably the only climb here. FA: John Wilson, Gary Ewart, 2005 | 15 | 6m | |||||
| 2 |
Conflict Therapy
2m to the left of Little Cherie FA: Justin Ryan, Lionel Meynadier, 2008 | 22 | 4 | |||||
| 3 |
Little Cherie
Up the nose of the lower left tier, just left of Puff Adder FA: Lionel Meynadier, Justin Ryan, 2008 | 18 | 4 | |||||
| 4 |
Puff Adder
The crack system left of the orange streak. Was a thin trad lead; now a great sport climb. FA: John Churchill, Mike Peck, 1997 | 18 | 7m , 4 |
Oliver Story 8 months ago
| ||||
| 5 |
Chasing Amy
The thin crack up the prominent orange streak; follow the crack up through two more bulges. FA: Jonathan Edwards, Jamie Valdivia (both led), 1997 | 24 | 12m | |||||
| 6 |
Snakes and Ladders
The layback crack on the right hand side of the lower tier. Up the crack. Finish at the half-height anchor or clip it and continue up the arete past two bolts to the top. Better than it looks. FA: John Churchill, Catherine Eadie, Mike Peck, 1997 | 16 | 12m , 3 | |||||
| 7 |
Bergenhardia
The short arete high up on the left of the ampitheatre. Take care clipping the second bolt. FA: Oliver Story, 2012 | 23 | 5m , 2 |
Dave McGregor 4 weeks ago
| ||||
| 8 |
Black Adder
The black corner on the left side of the top buttress with four bolts. FA: John Churchill, Mike Peck, 1997 | 19 | 10m , 4 | |||||
| 9 |
Disco Disco
The orange arete right of BA and left of Crawlin King Snake. Up arete to the crux pulling over rooflet. FA: Justin Ryan, 2008 | 26 | 15m | |||||
| 10 |
Superb sustained climbing, every move worthwhile. The obvious orange corner crack to a roof and bolt. Move right then finish back up the slab past one more bolt. FA: Mike Peck, John Churchill, 1997 | 23 | 15m , 2 |
Oliver Story 9 months agoStuart McElroy 9 years ago
| ||||
| 11 |
The arete on the right hand side of the orange buttress past three bolts. Cam in break. FA: Mike Peck, Catherine Eadie, 1997 | 20 | 15m , 3 |
John Wilson 9 months agoAndrew Scott 7 years ago
| ||||
| 12 |
Start as for Snake-in-the-Grass. Straight up the wall. FA: D.McG., 2002 | 25 | 13m | |||||
| 13 |
The sustained thin corner right of Reptilian with two bolts at the finish (crux). FA: Mike Peck, John Churchill, Catherine Eadie, 1997 | 22 | 12m , 2 |
John Wilson 9 months agoJohn Wilson 7 years ago
| ||||
| 14 |
Pythonista
A good, hard climb if you can contrive it. The arete right of Red Belly and left of OET. Up the arete, avoiding the OET crack and its edges to the right. Optional small cam (#3 metolious) in break. FA: Oliver Story, 2012 | 24 | 12m , 5 | |||||
| 15 |
One Eyed Trousersnake
Take your #4 camalot and enjoy. The chimney/offwidth/layback. FA: John Churchill, Mike Peck, 1997 | 18 | 10m |
Stuart McElroy 9 years ago
| ||||
| 16 |
Start up the hanging nose and continue up the arete past four bolts. FA: Mike Peck, Catherine Easie, 1997 | 19 | 12m , 4 |
Christopher Lean 12 weeks agoJohn Wilson 9 months ago
| ||||
| 17 |
Up the corner to the right of the nose of SS (small cam / wires) to ledge (#7 nut / small cam). Up the right side of the arete past 2 bolts. FA: Daniel Gordon, Oliver Story, 2012 | 20 | 12m , 2 | |||||
|
||||||||
1.10. Gibraltar Falls 5 routes in Crag
- Summary:
-
All Trad
Long/Lat: 148.934641, -35.486570
- Description:©
-
Quite a nice spot to cool down in summer after visiting 'Gibraltar Peak' or 'The Bank', with a natural sauna at the top of the falls. The actual rock is rather limited.
The area has been visited by every man and his dog over the years, due to the superb sealed access; some rusty machine nuts survive from the dark ages. While various climbs have been soloed, led or top-roped, no details survive and the following names and grades were from a reconnaissance trip before the most recent ACT Granite was printed.
There is a bouldering wall high on the far (eastern) side, slightly above the level of the top of the falls, with a wide range of cracks, chimneys and slab climbs.
For slightly more serious climbing, follow the tourists down to the lookout. The best climbing is on the wall below this; most routes can be top-roped. Abseil in or jump the fence and scramble down the blocky arete at the downstream end. Watch out for interference with belays and flying rocks; the spot is incredibly popular with abseilers. The bottom of the climbs can be wet if the water level is high.
- Approach:©
-
Drive along Corin Road and turn left into the well marked car park above Woods Reserve.
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Climbs are described from left to right on the western wall: Doesn't let up; the best of the lot here. Jump start (crux; it is also possible to traverse in from the right) to a horizontal break two metres left of 'Barbary Ape' and up the thin crack to a mantle (second crux). Finish up through the rooflets. FA: James Cotsell, John Churchill, 1996 | 20 | 10m | |||
| 2 |
Angel Wings
The broken crack system from the ground to the top, finishing up the flared chimney. FA: Unknown, | 15 | 15m |
Gavin Evans 5 years ago
| ||
| 3 |
Tiny Teds
Start one metre right of 'Angel Wings'. Up the wall to a good undercling, then through the rooflet on good edges. Needs a bolt (climbed with a high runner in the crack). FA: John Churchill, James Cotsell, 1996 | 17 | 6m | |||
| 4 |
Cinders
The cliff opposite the lookout is broken, but there is some tolerable climbing at stream level opposite and slightly downstream: Start at the blunt arete left of the cave. Up this to a dirty crack. FA: John Churchill, James Cotsell, 1996 | 14 | 10m | |||
| 5 |
Barbary Ape
Further left. Up the corner through a roof to the layback crack. Traverse right to a small tree to finish. FA: James Cotsell, John Churchill, 1996 | 19 | 10m | |||
1.11. White Horse Rocks 17 routes in Crag
- Summary:
-
Mostly Trad
Long/Lat: 148.942906, -35.520676
- Description:
-
Climbs are described from right to left.
- Approach:©
-
Drive out on the Corin Road past the Gibraltar Peak turnoff and turn left onto the second track after crossing Gibraltar Creek. Follow the track up to a T-junction and turn right, passing a large clearing. Turn left at the next intersection, then turn left again; follow this track, next to a log-filled creek on the right for some way then take two sharp right turns and climb out of the gully. Park at the T-intersection on the edge of the pine plantation. A low saddle can be seen between two peaks to the southeast. White Horse Rocks are just out of sight on the northeast side of the left-hand peak. Cross the fence, then the creek and bushbash to the top of the left-hand hill. A very crude track has been bulldozed down the hill from the crag, but it does not reach the pine forest; follow it up after you stumble across it. The walk to the rocks, just over the lip, should take about fifteen minutes.
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Better Luck Next Time
Up the corner - use the left wall, then the arete. FA: David Jenkins, Mark Sands, 1987 | 17 | 15m | |||||
| 2 |
Nothing Too Serious
Two metres left of Better Luck Next Time, this is the obvious hand-sized layback crack. FA: Mark Sands, David Jenkins, 1987 | 18 | 15m | |||||
| 3 |
Johnny Walker
Wide crack at the right hand side of the crag. FA: Tony Wood, Mike Todd, 1975 | 10 | 12m | |||||
| 4 |
Skewer
Short and sharp - finish up a short slab section. The wall with two bolts a couple of metres left of 'Johnny Walker'. FA: Andrew Kean, Mike Peck, 1986 | 19 | 12m , 2 | |||||
| 5 |
Stormbringer
Two metres left of 'Skewer'. FA: Adam Blizzard, 1986 | 20 | 10m | |||||
| 6 |
Cratercritter
Offwidth crack. Requires big pro - stacked hexes (at the time). The impressive flake-formed off-width left of 'Stormbringer'. FA: John Stone, 1978 | 17 | 20m | |||||
| 7 |
Short Soup
Crack left of 'Cratercritter'. Originally done in two pitches. FA: Dick Curtis, Peter Mills, 1975 | 18 | 15m | |||||
| 8 |
Sustained face climbing. Start three metres right of 'Blue Wind'. Up past a bolt to the first bolt on 'Blue Velvet'. Continue up through the overlap and wall above passing four more bolts. FA: Simon Carter, 1991 | 26 | 20m , 6 | |||||
| 9 |
A technical but well-protected traverse. Start as for 'Blue Wind' for 5 metres, then head right past four bolts. Traverse right from the ledge to belay as for 'Short Soup'. FA: Mike Peck, Craig Kentwell, 1987 | 24 | 20m | |||||
| 10 |
Steep and sustained, the obvious line on the main wall. Shares a start with 'Blue Velvet'. FA: Damien Jones, Paul Daniel, 1978 | 20 | 23m | |||||
| 11 |
Dragon
Off-width crack just left of 'Blue Wind'. FA: Phil Cullen, Ian "Sam" Baker, John Stone, 1978 | 18 | 25m | |||||
| 12 |
Short Shrift
V-shaped chimney. Exit left. FA: Mike Todd, Tony Wood, 1975 | 10 | 10m | |||||
| 13 |
Transience
Start at the corner around 10m from 'Short Shrift'. Climb up for two metres, then right around the arete and up the short crack and dirty groove. FA: Adam Blizzard, John Churchill, 1986 | 17 | 20m | |||||
| 14 |
Gibber Tari
Off-width chimney with a bulge at two-thirds height, down and left from 'Transience'. FA: Joe Friend, John Lamb, 1979 | 17 | 18m | |||||
| 15 |
Friendly Persuasion
Start below a grassy recess left of 'Gibber Tari', and follow the crack and chimney before traversing right to finish. FA: Dick Curtis, John Spahr, 1975 | 12 | 22m | |||||
| 16 |
False Start
The groove four metres down from 'Knuckles'. Bouldery start is the crux. FA: Mike Law-Smith (solo), 1983 | 22 | 12m | |||||
| 17 |
Knuckles
The surprisingly tricky crack at the left hand side of the crag. Climb to a spacious ledge then up the short corner crack. Move right to finish below the hanging blocks. FA: Dick Curtis, Mike Todd, Tony Wood, John Spahr, 1975 | 15 | 15m | |||||
|
||||||||
1.12. The Bank 16 routes in Crag
- Summary:
-
Mostly Trad
Long/Lat: 148.911226, -35.527251
- Unique Features And Strengths:©
-
A pleasant bushland setting makes The Bank a good destination for a short day's outing.
- Description:©
-
A small collection of short, fun routes on the boulder strewn ridge above the walking track to 'Square Rock'.
- Approach:©
-
The Bank is on the ridgetop immediately south of Smokers Gap. Park at the Smokers Gap car park (one kilometre beyond the Corin Forest slide), cross the road and head up the 'Square Rock' walking trail. This initially zig-zags upwards through small boulders before trending steadily up and rightwards. Where the track veers right, just before the top of the ridge, a large boulder with an impressive left curving crack becomes visible 50 metres or so above and left. Walking time from the car park is about 15 minutes.
The boulders continue northwards along the ridge for about 300 metres. At the end of the ridge is a large group of boulders with a fireplace.
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The leftwards leaning crack seen from the path, reminiscent of 'Easy Wind' ('Legoland'), but harder. Flared jams and strenuous to protect. Now slightly overgrown. FA: Mike Law-Smith, Paul Daniel, 1995 | 24 | 12m | |||
| 2 |
Cintride
The rounded arete and face just right of 'The Lure' with four bolts. Sharp on the tips. FA: Mike Law-Smith, 1995 | 23 | 10m | |||
| 3 |
The slabby nose on the next boulder right of 'Cintride'. Up past two bolts then traverse delicately rightwards past two more bolts. Some thin moves. FA: John Churchill, 1997 | 24 | 12m | |||
| 4 |
Walk the Dog
The chimney right of 'The Lure' with some protection in a leftwards crack. Ugh. FA: John Churchill, 1997 | 12 | 10m | |||
| 5 |
Captain Crystal's Right Trouser Leg
The short open corner 5 metres right of 'Captain Crystal' with one bolt. Finish up the slab on the right. FA: Paul Daniel, Mick O'Halloran, 1995 | 20 | 9m | |||
| 6 |
Return of the Leaping Lounge Lizards
On the boulder directly below 'The Lure' is a pleasant slabby groove with a harder start. A lovely line and fun climbing. FA: Liz Milbourne, Catherine Eadie, 1995 | 14 | 8m |
Gavin Evans 13 years ago
| ||
| 7 |
Low Interest
On a wavy slab 30 metres left of 'The Lure'. Up the middle; a delightful slab with an enhanced wire placement. FA: Mike Law-Smith (solo), 1995 | 14 | 8m | |||
| 8 |
Pixie Power
The far side of a boulder 30 metres to the left of, and just downhill from 'Low Interest', sports a right facing, dainty little corner crack offering fingerlocking and stemming moves. FA: Mike Law-Smith, Catherine Eadie, 1995 | 18 | 8m | |||
| 9 |
Pygmy Chicken
Above and left of 'Low Interest', near the top of this outcrop, is a short slab on the northern side with two climbs: The righthand line with two bolts. Pleasant face climbing. FA: Catherine Eadie, Paul Daniel, 1995 | 16 | 10m | |||
| 10 |
Rubbery Tuk-awah!
Starts at a block on the left wall. Pull right onto the arete and then up, passing one bolt. The direct finish up the arete would be recommended if it had another bolt. FA: Paul Daniel, Catherine Eadie, 1995 | 17 | 8m | |||
| 11 |
Pixies and Dickywackers
Behind and right from 'Pygmy Chicken' and 'Rubbery Tuk-awah' is another tier of boulders. On the left wall of a chimney in the centre of the tier: A bouldery start to the first bolt then good moves past one more to the top. FA: Mike Law-Smith, Paul Daniel, Catherine Eadie, 1995 | 20 | 10m | |||
| 12 |
Throw It Out With the Cheese
From 'The Lure' outcrop, scattered boulders lead gently up the ridge for about 100 metres to the 'Spider's Web' - "a spiritual place" [Paul Daniel]. This is a large flat arene ringed with boulders and covered in a tangle of stringybark trunks: The bolted, slabby arete on the right hand side of a boulder at the northern end of the 'Spider's Web'. FA: Paul Daniel, Catherine Eadie, 1995 | 16 | 6m | |||
| 13 |
Unknown
The dyke just to the left of 'Throw it Out With the Cheese'. | 2 | ||||
| 14 |
Photo Finish
The thin crack system on the closest side of the eastern boulder. FA: Mike Law-Smith, 1996 | 23 | 10m | |||
| 15 |
Sausage Crack
Continue about 50 metres further northwards along the ridge from the 'Spider's Web' and turn left at the "hamburger" boulder. The nice finger crack on the northern side of the outcrop on the left. FA: Mike Law-Smith, Catherine Eadie, 1995 | 19 | 8m | |||
| 16 |
Zanadu
Sic. The beautiful overhanging seam on the downhill side of the westernmost boulders of the final group, opposite 'Sausage Crack'. FA: John Churchill, 1997 | M3 | 10m | |||
1.13. Square Rock 5 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
-
All Trad
Long/Lat: 148.884492, -35.537188
- Description:©
-
In a great position and some good climbs, but a very long walk. Continue along the Square Rock walking trail beyond The Bank, staggering past assorted tourists. The walk in takes about an hour (yes you can slog straight up from Corin Road, but this isn't recommended either). Eventually you will arrive at Square Rock, thoughtfully provided with access stairs. To the right of the stairs is a large boulder and on the west face is are the following climbs.
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Good overhanging face on ironstone jugs with three bolts. Throw the rope off the boulder and have your second tie it off to a tree in order to escape. FA: Mike Law-Smith, Mike Peck, 1995 | 24 | 10m , 3 | |||
| 2 |
Ostrich Mentality
The short crack to the left with an awkward, undercut start about ten metres right. FA: Phil Junne, Julie Jefferis, 1995 | 18 | 8m | |||
| 3 |
Cowboys Are My Weakness
Starting off the platform on north facing wall. A good thin face past three bolts to an overhanging finish, sharp on the tips. FA: Julie Jefferis, 1995 | 22 | 12m , 3 | |||
| 4 |
FA: Nicholas Reese (solo), 2008 | 10 | 6m |
Nicholas Reese 5 years ago
| ||
| 5 |
Unknown off-width
Below and further left of Ostrich Mentality. FA: Mike Law-Smith, | |||||
1.14. Tidbinbilla 6 routes in Area
- Summary:
- All Trad
- Description:
-
This area comprises the small granite outcrops within the Tidbinbilla valley and upper margins. The valley is to the north and west of and below Gibralter Peak and includes routes and boulder problems from near Tidbinbilla Deep Space Tracking Station along the Tidbinbilla Road to somewhere abreast of Gibralter Peak.
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Pure Poison
Along the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve road are many small and some larger granite boulders. This climb is on the obvious "coffe bean" boulder 400m behind the reserve vistors centre. It is the wide crack clearly visible on the main face. FA: Mike Peck, John Carlson, 1979 | 19 | 10m |
John Wilson 5 years ago
| ||
| 2 |
Abattoir
Another fine jam crack about three metres right of Pure Poison. FA: John Carlson, Mike Peck, 1979 | 16 | 7m | |||
| 3 |
To get to this and the following lines, follow the road into the reserve and take the first turn right to a picnic area. Boulders can be seen from the carpark. The main line under the roof. Climb the slab past a bolt to the roof, undercling left and up a crack to finish. FA: John Carlson, Mike Peck, 1982 | 19 | 15m , 1 | |||
| 4 |
Milk Teeth
The crack about 10 metres right of Unnatural Acts starting (crux) next to a tree. Up the crack and straight on up the fang above. FA: Dominic Monypenny, Ken Luck, John Churchill, 1987 | 17 | 10m | |||
| 5 |
Quartz
There is a boulder in the scrub 30 metres directly downhill from the main cluster of boulders on Turkey Hill. At the righthand end on the river side is a curving hand crack. The cracks further left have been soloed. FA: Adam Blizzard, Mike Peck, Paul Daniel, 1991 | 21 | 10m | |||
| 6 |
Unknown finger crack
About 500 metres past the Visitor's Centre, a finger crack on the left has been climbed. FA: John Smart, Mike Law-Smith, | 22 | ||||
1.15. Pierce's Creek 24 routes in Area
- Summary:
-
Mostly Trad
Long/Lat: 148.926797, -35.366421
- Description:©
-
White boulders (used to) stand out prominently among the pines on the right as you drive out on Paddy's River Road towards Tidbinbilla. This is a good rallying area and an OK (hah, little did they know) bouldering area with a few short climbs. Most of the climbs described here have been engulfed by pine regrowth and are only recorded here to stop some 'passing cockroach's' (bitter?) attempts at glory. 'Mercenary Swine', 'Matricide' and 'Tarred and Feathered' are the only worthwhile climbs, and probably the only ones you will find.
At the time of the second edition of the ACT Granite Guide, the Tidbinbilla pine forest (closer to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve) had been logged and many boulders revealed, but no new routes were reported, just a ton of boulder problems!
- Approach:©
-
Drive out on the Cotter Road and on towards Tidbinbilla, past the (gone) Cotter Tavern for about 2.5 km. Take the well used track right at the Pierce's Creek Forest sign, No Through Road (the Sugarloaf, a prominent conical hill can be seen on the right). A few hundred metres along is a vanished corrugated iron hut on the left. Keep on the main track and after about 2km you should see a prominent boulder strewn hillside on the left. Keep on the main track - don't cross the fence into the pines. At the crest turn left onto a track down the ridge, veering left after about 100 metres. Stop after a few hundred metres at the knoll before a right turn. The large, but now hidden boulder 20 metres down the ridge on the left offers no climbing, but a crack splits the next boulder downhill. On the Canberra side is an unclimbed offwidth, but on the other side is...:
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Rising Star
Looking back to the main track from the knoll, a group of small boulders could once be seen in a gully. This is the short line. FA: Colin Coleman, 1980 | 16 | 10m | |||
| 2 |
The second crack. The best line at Pierce's Creek, but mean on the hands. The flaky ramp and hand crack splitting the nice wall left and around the corner. It was first climbed with the assistance of a pine tree. FFA: Peter Fisk, John Carlson, 1980 FA: Rob Topfer, Mike Peck, John Carlson, 1980 | 19 | 15m | |||
| 3 |
Gripped Off Me Scon
The track continues gradually rightwards around the broad ridge and the valley on the left closes in. The track soon turns left at a damp gully crossing and descends on the other side of the valley beneath pine forest. A few large boulders once showed in the pines above the road 200 metres along from the damp gully. On the right-hand boulder is this climb. Previously world famous as the name of the ACT's Pritkin Climbing Rag. The hand crack with the wide finish. FA: Mike Law-Smith (solo), 1981 | 16 | 12m | |||
| 4 |
Good Things Come in Small Packages
The thin, leaning finger crack on the boulder on the left. FA: Mike Law-Smith, 1981 | 23 | 8m | |||
| 5 |
Never Again
The obvious crackline on the large boulder (facing Canberra) 15 metres behind 'Good Things Come in Small Packages'. An off-width crux. FA: Ken Luck, Adam Blizzard, Andrew Bentley, 1988 | 20 | 12m | |||
| 6 |
Trivia
On a small boulder nearby to 'Never Again'. Up onto the small slab, right across a small wall and onto the main slab to finish a small climb. FA: John Carlson, Mike Peck, 1980 | 14 | 10m | |||
| 7 |
Tensor
Things now get worse... Follow the track downhill to an intersection, turn right and keep rallying back uphill through the pines. You may eventually come back out onto the cleared ridgeline to the main access road. Turn back right onto it and continue until nearly back to the original narrow turnoff to the knoll. There is a small group of boulders in the water catchment area on the opposite side of the road to the knoll. FA: Peter Fisk, Steve Raiser, 1980 | 18 | 7m | |||
| 8 |
Matricide
Continuing from the knoll, the track veers right and plunges downhill for a short distance. When it levels out, at the intersection with the original ridge track, a collection of large boulders can be seen on the uphill side. The largest boulder has two impressive cracks in it, one of which is Matricide. The slightly overhung fist-corner crack with an off-width start, directly facing the track. It was found to be 20 after a flake was dislodged from the start. FA: Rob Topfer, Lucas Trihey, 1981 | 20 | 12m | |||
1.15.1. Kazbah 13 routes in Crag
- Summary:
-
Mostly Trad
Long/Lat: 148.932562, -35.371984
- Unique Features And Strengths:
-
Great granite blocs of a size suitable for some real tradding.
- Description:
-
Named to coincide with the bouldering area of the same name, holding some old (and possibly destroyed) boulder problems. Home to a climb put up by Chris Warner (but not yet freed) called 'The Riff'. Note: this is really not a summer crag, other than in early morning. It gets full day sun. Also please consider wearing a helmet as there is a lot of friable rock in the area that has not been cleaned up.
- Approach:
-
From the parking spot (see map) it is a 20-30 metre walk to the boulders. There is a lot of scrub around so it is quite difficult to see the boulders and to navigate around.
- Ethic:
-
There are no bolts in this area. Pierce's Creek is an area that has traditionally been approached with a trad ethic, much like the rest of Canberra. This is not to say that unprotectable lines should/could not be bolted, but please get in contact with the CCA (or discuss with some local climbers) first.
|
||||||||
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Flaring crack into a seam and then several hook moves to gain the horizontal crack and stepping right and up using the horizontal crack. May go direct as well. Overhangs 4 metres in 15. Would be difficult to free due to the flaring crack, but could be possible at high 20's or over. FA: Chris Warner, 2003 | A2+ | 20m | |||||
| 2 |
Start at a cruxy corner/chimney move on smears to get going, then up through the ascending corner crack. Due to its orientation the crack does a good job of trying to spit you out. Two definite cruxes, one is turning the corner down low and the last is the offwidth move off stacked hands at the top. A bit of everything all packed into a very short space. Still exfoliating a bit so a helmet for the belayer might be a good idea, and watch your ankles on the first move. FA: Alan Dovey, 2013 | E3 6a | 15m |
David Nott 3 months ago
| ||||
| 3 |
No Warmup
A top-rope boulder problem, or X rated boulder problem (if you fall right you're going for a 15 metre tumble), or solo for an idiot. Step from a ledge halfway up the crack and then follow the increasingly shallow rib. Very short, breaking down into around V1, V4 then V7 moves consecutively and roughly V10 for the top-out (nicer to do with your anchor over the edge and climbing to the anchor). May have been climbed before, but exfoliated significantly, presumably because of the fires so no ascents in ten years or more. Grade's a rough guess. First ascent on top rope, go ahead and free(solo) it. Not really possible from the ground. FA: David Nott, 2013 | 6m |
David Nott 4 months ago
| |||||
|
||||||||
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||||
| 4 |
Lovewidth
Climb delicately up, bridging until the 4 metre mark where you can set the first gear. Continue up the proper offwidth either by flailing about or with the grace of a gazelle, depending on your preference. You will need something big, i.e. a #5/6 BD or something similar. The crack is a constant width so bumping one piece is an option, but be aware it exfoliates. FA: David Nott, 2013 | 18 | 9m |
David Nott 4 months ago
| ||||
| 5 |
Spider House Traverse
Up the start of Lovewidth then traverse right through a thin finger crack section, smearing, and up through a hands/fist crack to finish. Be careful of the exfoliating rock underneath your feet, there's still a lot coming off. Quite pleasant. FA: Alan Dovey, 2013 | 16 | 9m |
David Nott 3 months ago
| ||||
| 6 |
Spider House Direttisima
A slab start to the offwidth finish of Spider House Traverse. Project, needs cleaning and will be reasonably difficult. Unprotectable for the first 5 metres. | 9m | ||||||
| 7 |
Spider House Extension
Up the start of Lovewidth then traverse the full length of the boulder. There's a great rest ledge between the two slabs but it's a little steeper at the end. Careful of the friable foot-and-handholds. Takes good gear. FA: David Nott, 2013 | 17 | 15m |
David Nott 3 months ago
| ||||
| 8 |
Project 1
Will need lower-offs as there is no way to top belay otherwise. | |||||||
| 9 |
Project 2
Will need lower-offs as there is no way to top belay otherwise. | |||||||
| 10 |
Project 3
Will need lower-offs as there is no way to top belay otherwise. | |||||||
| 11 |
Project 4
Will need lower-offs as there is no way to top belay otherwise. | |||||||
| 12 |
Project 5
The huge chimney. You may need to be lowered in to climb out (you have been warned). Fire-damaged so there's a lot of soot at the top. There's two big chocks to belay off up the top. | 20m | ||||||
| 13 |
Access Route
Solo up the back of the block with 'The Riff' and 'Flypast Crack' to a big chock, where you can set up a belay (or further down, depending on what you want to do). Be careful, if you're walking along the crackline it is a bit vegetated where it thins out. | 4 | 6m | |||||
1.15.2. Blackwater 3 routes in Sector
- Summary:
-
All Trad
Long/Lat: 148.927407, -35.366698
- Description:
-
Where else would Mercenary Swine hang out other than Blackwater?
- Approach:
-
See the map for the area location. If you can find the parking for 'Tumblers' (the bouldering area), you then walk down the lefthand road until it is blocked off by rocks, turn left (do not continue straight!) and follow the winding road to an intersection, then bush-bash your way in until you find a set of large boulders. Mercenary Swine is on the downhill side.
- Descent Notes:
-
You will either need to leave gear or rap off the 2x4 to get off 'Mercenary Swine'.
|
||||||||
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Mercenary Swine
The fierce finger and hand crack with a huge flake on the left to start. At least, it used to have a huge flake. Now that is completely detached, and the arete has been destroyed after the fires as well. There's no way to walk off this boulder - either rap off gear or the 2x4 generously left behind. If you trust it. FA: Robert Topfer, 1980 | 21 | 15m | |||||
| 2 |
Offwidth on other side of Mercenary
Grade is a best guess based on feedback from someone who's climbed 'Mercenary Swine'. May have been climbed before. | 20 | 15m | |||||
| 3 |
Offwidth project
Could go as a boulder problem, assuming someone is willing to down-climb it. Up the wide to start then thinning off-width. Possibly too big for most gear. | 6m | ||||||
1.16. Watt's Wall 5 routes in Crag
- Summary:
- Aid,Trad
- Unique Features And Strengths:©
-
"It does have one good route"
- Description:©
-
A porphyry/rhyodacite crag in Pierce's Creek - if you can find it.
- Approach:©
-
Turn right at the corrugated iron shed on the way into Pierce's Creek, and follow the winding road to the other side of The Sugarloaf. Turn left, ford Pierce's Creek past a picnic area on your right and head uphill for 150 metres. Turn right then veer left and park at the bottom near the creek. Bushbash or wade downstream for about 5 minutes until you see (at the base of the waterfall) one of the less noteworthy porphyry/rhyodacite crags in the ACT, whereupon you go home (it does have one good route).
- History:©
-
Development in the area was mainly undertaken in the mid-80's.
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Never Get Famous
Start at the obvious corner on the left, capped by a roof.
FA: Matt Madin, Bill Begg, | 18 | 50m | |||
| 2 |
Too Loose Lautrec Finish
Some of the roof blocks are suspect. Continue up the corner and exit under the roof, finishing straight up. FA: Matt Madin, Dave MacGregor, 1985 | 22 M0 | 20m | |||
| 3 |
Discount for Heroes
Named after a comment by a local 'hardman' of yesteryear. Takes the central line about three metres right of Never Get Famous. The first pitch has some good moves.
FA: Dave McGregor, Matt Madin, 1985 | 23 M1 | 35m | |||
| 4 |
Hanging Around Here
Dirty. Start up right about eight metres from Discount For Heroes.
FA: Matt Madin, Dave McGregor (alt.), 1985 | 21 | 45m | |||
| 5 |
Six Blade Knife
On an isolated boulder about 100 metres downstream from Watts' Wall is an orange wall split by a finger crack. Up easily to start, through the roof and straight up the crack to the top. Several points of aid. FA: Ben Jones, David Lyons, 1989 | 22 M1 | 25m | |||
1.17. Phantom Buttress 7 routes in Area
- Summary:
-
Mostly Trad
Long/Lat: 148.999529, -35.529815
- Description:©
-
This is the fairly extensive outcrop seen from Canberra (but not Booroomba), on the hillside north of 'Booroomba Rocks', on the opposite side of Blue Gum Creek. The access is epic, so the area is very rarely visited. Turn right at Tharwa and then left at the fork to get to the private Booroomba Homestead - ask permission before proceeding. Note that permission is not always given.
- Approach:©
-
Walk up Blue Gum Creek along a fire trail until almost directly below the cliffs, then bushbash uphill for an hour or so... (the alternative access, via Mt Tennent and the Bushfold Flats is even worse!)
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Recommended, if you've got this far. Start 6 metres left of L.W.F, below two parallel cracks. Climb up to, then up these to the top. FA: Dave Shirra, Andrew Bowman, 1971 | 15 | 40m | |||
| 2 |
Lest We Forget
Horrible, vegetated, dirty and usually wet - a sandbag at the grade. The obvious corner on the steep wall at the left end of the cliff.
FA: Dave Shirra, Andrew Bowman, 1971 | 11 | 55m | |||
| 3 |
XMO
The short steep crack above the cave on 'Lest We Forget'. Two rests due to incompetence. FA: Mike Peck, Jim Truscott, 1989 | 19 M0 | 15m | |||
| 4 |
High Spirits
Start 15 metres right of 'Lest We Forget', just right of the obvious water streak and corner.
FA: Mike Peck, Andrew Collins (alt.), Adam Blizzard, 1989 | 18 | 60m | |||
| 5 |
Flying Phantom
Needs cleaning. Start as for 'High Spirits'. Climb up to the top of the flake and step right into a groove. Up this on positive holds past a bolt to a ledge. Easy climbing leads to a belay below the big roof. Scramble off right. FA: Mike Peck, Jim Truscott, 1989 | 16 | 40m | |||
| 6 |
Blue Gum
danger - this route has NO protection Ascends the scoop and slab at the right-hand end of the east buttress. Start at a fallen tree and, when the scoop ends, traverse left a couple of metres before climbing straight up. No pro. FA: Adam Blizzard (solo), | 16 | 60m | |||
| 7 |
Only The Lonely
danger - second (50 metre) pitch is unprotected Sustained and poorly protected. Start on the lower slab, to the right of the steepest section. Scramble up the gully between the easy angled slabs and the cliff proper to where a crack leads leftwards over the initial steepness.
FA: Lincoln Hall, Damien Jones (alt.), 1975 | 18 | 80m | |||
1.18. Bandito Wall 9 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
-
Sport,Trad
Long/Lat: 148.944742, -35.474094
- Description:
-
This newly found little crag sits just above the creek which formed it and became apparent to Chris Warner who developed most of the climbs, after the 2003 bushfires cleared the landscape. The rock quality here is excellent with some great routes at all grades. Probably the most accessible crag in Canberra. Look for a small fire trail on the right at the end of the left sweeping curve, well before the now accepted turnoff to Gibraltar Peak - keep an eye out for the creek gully and its passage under the road. Park 50m down the road and follow the faint track on the northern side of the creek for 5 minutes. Its hard to find first off.
- Approach:
-
Leave Corin Rd at Longitude148.94667, Latitude -35.47771. Park at Longitude 148.94618, Latitude -35.47600.
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The slabby corner at the left hand end of the crag. A good beginners lead. FA: Chris Warner, 2004 | 10 | 10m |
Gavin Evans 7 years agoGavin Evans 7 years ago
| ||
| 2 |
Start a couple of metres right of 'Spaghetti O's'. Hard moves off the ground following seam then crack. Continue past 2 BRs to lower offs. Anchors and top BR replaced 2010. FA: Chris Warner, 2004 | 17 | 12m , 2 |
Dave McGregor 3 years agoStuart Anderson 3 years ago
| ||
| 3 |
The crack just right of 'Blood for a Silver Dollar'. Step left at the top to use the same anchors.Take some smaller cams. No excuse if its wet... FA: Chris Warner, 2004 | 18 | 12m | |||
| 4 |
Popular slab. Start 2m right of 'Django the Bastard'. FA: Chris Warner, 2004 | 19 | 15m , 6 |
Andrew Scott 6 years agoJohn Wilson 7 years ago
| ||
| 5 |
Machine Gun Killers
Steep slab to the right of 'Death Rides Alone' that shares the same anchor. FA: Chris Warner, 2004 | 23 | 15m , 7 |
Andrew Scott 6 years agoAndrew Scott 7 years ago
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| 6 | Project - Jamie | |||||
| 7 |
Project - Chris
Will be a direct start to FAFDM | |||||
| 8 |
Shares a start with 'Dollars for a Fast Gun', but heads left and follows the weakness. FA: Chris Warner, 2004 | 24 | 16m , 6 | |||
| 9 |
The very right hand line and the first you come to. Great balance move through onto the steep slab. FA: Chris Warner, 2004 | 23 | 13m , 5 | |||
1.19. The Hideout 5 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
-
Top Rope,Trad
and Sport
Long/Lat: 148.943890, -35.473511
- Description:
-
A few gems at this tiny crag! When it is seeping at the sister cliff - Bandido Wall, you may find something drier to climb here. To find it, walk a further three minutes up the valley from Bandido.
| Route | Grade | Style | Popularity | Selected ascents | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The left hand route at the crag. Start off the block underneath the wide crack. Bouldery off the deck, into and up the wide crack, obvious traverse right and up the corner. Tough for the grade. FA: Chris Warner, 2005 | 12 | 12m |
Stuart Anderson 3 years agoStuart Anderson 3 years ago
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| 2 |
Start on the same block as FAFITE. Committing start to get established in the corner. Layback to glory. It is possible to step right to the AS anchor. FA: Chris Warner, 2005 | 15 | 10m |
Stuart Anderson 3 years agoStuart Anderson 3 years ago
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| 3 |
The left of the bolted lines. Anchors replaced 2010. FA: Chris Warner, 2005 | 21 | 15m , 4 |
Stuart Anderson 3 years agoStuart Anderson 3 years ago
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| 4 |
The right hand bolted line. Hard moves below last bolt with potentially bad fall consequences giving a satisfying lead. Anchors replaced 2010. FA: Chris Warner, 2005 | 18 | 14m , 5 |
John Wilson 7 years ago
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| 5 |
Knuckle Fight
Start a twin cracks that lead into an obvious corner. FA: Chris Warner, 2005 | 16 | 12m |
John Wilson 7 years ago
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