Routes in Africa

At the crater wall. More info.

2 short pitches interrupted by ledge. P1 is bold, 5c/6a. P2 is the central line up the nice wall above, but has lost holds and is harder

Bloc

Start from Two Tarn Hut. Ascend the Tyndall Glacier to the foot of a steep snow-slope rising up rightwards between the two hanging glaciers, Forel (left) and Heim (right). Then climb directly up the snow/ice-field for about 250 m, making for a rib on the upper part of the face which is not too evident. Most parties pass to the right of it. Climb up to the right to a cave (bivouac site), and either make a long traverse left to the gully (IV inf.) which leads up to the summit; or climb up the rock (V) trending right to the South-West Ridge. The first three-quarters of the route used to require modern ice gear, but at time of writing (2023) the route probably needs reassessing as most glaciers have severely receded.

Time: 10 hours.

Season: Probably best during June to October. The season is critical as the foot of the couloir is rarely linked to the Tyndall Glacier. Standard: VI. The first ascent party felt the first two pitches warranted Scottish V. Time: 9 hours climbing time.

A bivouac was spent in bergschrund. This couloir, which might be better described as an icicle, lies to the left of The Untravelled World Route, and joins the Tyndall Glacier with the extreme left side of the Forel Glacier. The first two pitches are very steep. The ice then becomes easier angled and in five more pitches provides an exit right onto the main Forel. The bergschrund bivouac cave of The Untravelled World is then reached, and this route is followed to the summit.