Grade | Route | Gear style | Quality | Climber | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fri 12th Apr 2024 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Will Turner | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Absolute beltah
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Wed 10th Apr 2024 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
What an incredible 3 dimensional sequence of face climbing, stemming, chimney pressing and long reachy crimping all on small fatiguing feet placements. Amazing. Would be wild to lead and can’t imagine it being done without protection from the large cams.
4
16
32m
Another superb pitch but one I seemed to read a little more quickly. | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
Incredible route, and a super fun experience removing gear. Can’t imagine leading something like this on trad any time soon.
|
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Mon 8th Apr 2024 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 ~17 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
even with a #5 its still pretty scary for a grade 14 climber, alex's first cclimb at araps
|
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Sun 31st Mar 2024 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Cathy
1
12
25m
lead by
Matthew Creahan
Started too far left and made this much harder than it should have been
2
14
20m
lead by
Cathy
3
16
18m
lead by
Cathy
4
16
32m
lead by
Cathy
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Absolutely outrageous. One of the highlights of the trip
|
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Sat 27th Jan 2024 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Andrew Dolan, Vera
3
16
18m
lead by
Bruno Alves Buzatto
ok, things here became super weird. Chimney to the roof, then traversing right, and then the a mix of chicken wings, smears and laybacks. So cool though. Felt tricky to me, but never really hard. Just weird.
4
16
32m
lead by
Andrew Dolan
Andrew led the harder part at the start, but had a bad day afterwards with my #5 getting overcammed and needing a long time to get it free. Andrew maneged to get it off but came down exhausted after. I "half led" it then, but I really had gear above me (so top roping) till almost the end of the trickier stuff. Then there was like a move or two and it became super easy after that. So I wouldn't mind coming back to lead this pitch. | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
Holy shit, really cool but a tad awkward at times. Gotta come back!
|
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Sat 20th Jan 2024 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Robert Lord
2
14
20m
lead by
ThorAss
Thought this pitch was very easy. Perhaps I should have used the LH line instead of going straight up . | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Was happy to have that #4 cam for the last pitch. A grand day out. Did this back in the 90s and as with most climbs from that era, I could recall nothing.
|
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Fri 15th Dec 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with anna | 95m, 3 | |||||
It is a classic for a reason.
|
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Tue 7th Nov 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Alex Holroyd
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
What an awesome way to end a trip. Did it in two pitches and oh was it good.
|
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16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Jack Leerson
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Sat 4th Nov 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Tim Schofield | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
Superb and very pleasant. Started the climb in the crack on the left which was a lot harder than the slab. Recommend taking at least a #5, I took a #5 and #6 and used both. Third belay station is kind of silly, they should just put two bolts there.
|
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Sat 14th Oct 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack P4
- with
Melissa
4
16
32m
| 32m, 3 | |||||
only climbed the 4th pitch as we got here through Mr Chicken. our lack of big cams made this so runout and scary. but as scary as it was, it was also a very exciting and satisfying lead. even with this pitch alone i can say the climb is well worth its stars.
|
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Sun 8th Oct 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Henry Orton
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
What a mega line!
Started this climb without a #6. Happened to be passed by a party doing Skink who happened to have one to borrow. Bumped it all the way up pitch 4 and returned it at the top! |
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Wed 4th Oct 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 ~17 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Jason, Isaac Truman
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
4
16
32m
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
absolutely mega, slipped on the 4th pitch during the crux and literally shat myself, a sloppy and dark scramble to the top made me question my life choices
|
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16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
1
12
25m
Nice slab with surprisingly fiddly gear at the bottom.
2
14
20m
Steepish corner with one big move near the top. A few hollow sounding blocks on this pitch, and at the belay
3
16
18m
This was a battle and the most sustained pitch. Nice well protected chimney climbing to the first bolt, then tricky moves out around the overhang. I got two cams in the horizontal before making desperate offwidth-ish moves up. My biggest cam was a #4 so was a bit of a runout with tricky moves to the thank God bolt. Then got the #4 in a bit higher and was fighting for my life to the anchor, wishing I had a #5 or 6! Great pitch.
4
16
32m
Committing and stressful moves to the bolt. This was the pitch when I realized I don't know how to layback well. I plugged a #3 and #4 in above the bolt then was Elvis legging laybacking around the overhang. Plugged in a desperate #0.75 in a horizontal while foot jamming with my left leg, then found a bomber fist jam for my left hand to get me to ledge. Then it was all over with beautiful easy laybacking up the long slabby corner | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
So good! This was a real battle for both Mary and I!
|
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Mon 11th Sep 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Jack Prowse, Lucas Low | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Party of 5!
|
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16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Mega climb, would recommend 5 and 6 for the 4th pitch.
|
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Tue 5th Sep 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Amelia | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Just absolutely mega in every way
|
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Sun 3rd Sep 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Troy McAndrew
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
4
16
32m
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Far out, this route is stellar. 4th pitch is worthy of 5 stars
|
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16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Bryn Norris
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
Beautiful day out, such an amazing feature. Thanks for the recommendation Dan Cox
|
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Wed 2nd Aug 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
Rest day shenanigans
|
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Mon 17th Jul 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Tommathy swift | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Had a lot of fun seconding this with Tom and Harrison going up skink directly next to us. Watch Tom crux out on skink from the second belay ledge resulting in a good laugh for me, but just some Elvis leg for him
|
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Sat 24th Jun 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 Hard | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
But spooky, started raining mid Crux and I lowkey freaked out. But all was well and have a banger sesh.
|
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16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Tommathy swift | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
tom had a fuckin time leading this. killed it tho
|
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Sun 4th Jun 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
4
16
32m
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
A great line... lap with Markus.
|
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Sat 20th May 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Leandro Scholz
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
4
16
32m
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Linked 3+4
|
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Fri 12th May 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Kind of wanted off the ride looking at the crux of the 4th...mummy said I had to stay onboard until the ride was over. Is the ride ever truely over?
|
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Sun 7th May 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Another lap to get to kitten wall...
With Sam...I think this is ready for the solo run.
|
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Mon 24th Apr 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
guillem
1
12
25
2
14
20
3
16
18
4
16
32
| 95m, 3 | |||||
Linked pitch 2 & 3. What fun!
|
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Sun 23rd Apr 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Yuji Nakano
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
#repeat lead alternate pitches to 1st time.
After regaling Yuji with stories of heroically running it out for 20m on the 3rd pitch (and him deciding to save it for when he'd bought a few more big pieces), I pulled around the roof to see he'd also only placed a single piece and run it out. Turns out the climbing's chill, it's only like 5m, and he just waltzed up it. Maybe I need to be less gripped on everything? |
|||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Daniel Borsi
3
16
18m
lead by
Yuji Nakano
Two carrots, one before the rooflet and one right after. Three pitons for the anchor | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
Great climbing
|
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Mon 17th Apr 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Sarah McVicker | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Last time led every pitch, this time led none. Still incredible, so cool seeing Sarah fight through the P4 crux.
|
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16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Nicolas Di Campli | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
total privilege to lead all the way on the mega classic, frickin loved the last pitch, beautiful jammy burly 3D movement, my absolute cup of tea
|
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Sun 16th Apr 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Andrew Prentice
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
| 63m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Caught uncle Andrew off the bolt on the 4th pitch, head first towards the ledge...caught him like a baby...we decided to finish up Arachnus...wild effort!
|
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Thu 13th Apr 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 ~17 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Bazilvon, Tim Booth | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Epic climb
|
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Mon 10th Apr 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Liam Mangan-Smith
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
4
16
32m
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Amazing. Has an aura to it.
|
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Mon 3rd Apr 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Rosalyn Hunt, Gary Meyrick | 95m, 3 | ★★ Very Good | ||||
Led 4th pitch. Very good, but less scary with big gear
|
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Fri 17th Feb 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack P4
- with
Tommathy swift
4
16
32m
| 32m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
only p4 to exit mr chicken. decided to go full offwidth tech to the bolt which was definitely a choice but i am comfier doing that than trying to layback with my only gear being 2 pitons. i cant layback for shit.
|
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16 Hard |
★★★ Watchtower Crack P4
- with
Kat Hayhoe
4
16
32
| 32m, 3 | ★ Good | ||||
Quest For Mr chicken pt3: by this point 35° day was getting to us, kat lead the final pitch and we then stumbled our dehydrated butts back to camp for much needed Cider. Such a fun quest would do again, without helmets next time.
|
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Sat 11th Feb 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
4
16
32m
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Absolutely mega climb. First pitch was a big surprise and the rest was an expected fight
|
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Thu 9th Feb 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack P4
4
16
32m
| 32m, 3 | |||||
Out from Mr Chicken, and out the other end!
|
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Wed 1st Feb 2023 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
Linked pitches 1+2 and then 3+4
|
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Thu 29th Dec 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
17 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Eddie
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Mega route! I found it harder than expected, maybe because I spent too long stemming on P3 and got pumped! Eddie laybacked and had an easier time. Had a few goes at P4's steep, awkward crux before getting through. Crux moves would be safe enough but pretty spicy without the #5 and #6. No RPs needed for P3 anchor as the book suggests, 3 bomber pitons instead
|
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Tue 6th Dec 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | |||||
Did it in two pitches with double ropes. Only lead the first two pitches . Will have to lead the crux ones next time
|
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Sat 3rd Dec 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Ziggy | 95m, 3 | |||||
Nice to be home and get back on this classic with Ziggy
|
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Tue 15th Nov 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with mr_president | 95m, 3 | |||||
Done in 2 pitches. Lead the upper pitches for a mega pitch
|
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Sat 5th Nov 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Favourite climb so far. Need a full rack plus size 5 and 6 cams. Second pitch eats up cams - could use a second set or at least another size 3 and 4
|
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Mon 3rd Oct 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
2
14
20m
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
hardest trad lead to date. glorious
|
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Sat 1st Oct 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | |||||
Slipped on some insecure feet. Otherwise clean.
|
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Thu 29th Sep 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 ~17 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
David
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Incredible climb, had me grunting, cheering and swearing up pitch 4! David got the #6 cam well and truly stuck in a fantastic panic-placement on Pitch 3 and it walked away with some fresh scars from the nut tool
|
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Thu 22nd Sep 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Stu | 95m, 3 | |||||
Swapped leads, he started.
|
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Tue 20th Sep 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Yim
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Led the first two pitches with Yim coming to the rescue for the 3rd and 4th. The man was intent to do the route sans bolts, and only one large cam, so it was a little interesting doing those same moves seconding! And unreal climb. Just brilliant. Interesting moves, unique positions, and exposure. Mega classic.
|
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Mon 12th Sep 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Ben Day | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Beautiful line, engaged and varied climbing. We did it with only one #4 cam what made p3 and p4 veeery exciting. Would strongly recommned at least a #6. Worth all its stars.
|
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Tue 6th Sep 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Ella | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
Sensational climb with a bit more bite than expected. Swallow's nest on middle of second pitch, which can be avoided. Previous parties have made the second pitch 'nice cave belay' now the 'pee cave belay.' Beautiful top out with a stonking rope anchor to sit and belay with.
|
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Thu 25th Aug 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Paul Norris
| 95m, 3 | |||||
Incredible. Paul generously gave me the last two pitches which I linked. Absorbing and incredible the entire way. Mega mega route
|
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Wed 13th Jul 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with JakeSouthen | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
thrilling carrot bolt slinging on crux pitch.
a helmet would have been nice
|
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Tue 31st May 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Aaron Lowndes | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Historic tick of a great climb, thanks for giving me the opportunity to onsight the whole route Aaron
|
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Wed 18th May 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
4
16
32m
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Really not what I was expecting but oh wow, pitch 3 and 4 were pretty damn exciting! Glad I had a #5 and a #6 for peace of mind. What an amazing day out!
|
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Sun 15th May 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Rpt Rope solo first 2 pitches, second Luke last 2.
|
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16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Vanessa Wills, David Gray
| 57m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Rapped back down to the second belay to do the top two pitches of this. Mega.
|
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Wed 11th May 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
I lead all pitches
Was going to combined pitch 1 and 2 but silly error clipping my rope straight into a cam made to much drag.
Ended up doing in 4 pitches
Almost slipped off one of the layback moves on pitch 4 polished footers
We ended up taking a 4 and 6 cam |
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Sat 7th May 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Swena Zheng
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
In the rain. Leading the top pitch was a pretty bold effort by Swena in the waterfall I reckon.
|
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16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Will Hosking | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Epic
|
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Sun 1st May 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
The day has finally come. With crack climbing being non existent on my resume I definitely had some nerves when I pulled out onto the skink traverse and looked up at the big daddy girth monster that is watchtower crack. Really secure climbing up to the carrot then I placed a 4 and pretty quickly realised you have no choice but to go for it. Not the prettiest climbing I have ever done but I made it work. Pitch four left no doubt in my mind that watchtower crack is a mega classic. Jen lead pitch 1 and 2 and I took down 3 and 4.
|
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Sat 23rd Apr 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with FUJ | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Finally got around to playing this beast clean... with my lovely beauty Remie!
|
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Fri 22nd Apr 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with I Skip Crux Holds | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
Got a handful of cheeky kneebars in the layback, classic
|
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Thu 21st Apr 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Zi Hui Lie
| 95m, 3 | |||||
Having to lead pitch 4 by headtorch was a nightmare. Started aiding pretty early so it became a long night.
|
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Wed 20th Apr 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
mega, totally lives up to the hype. led p2, p4
|
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Mon 18th Apr 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
#7 Tricam essential gear.
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Sun 17th Apr 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Tristan Walker | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
5 person party, caught in the rain and dark at start of third pitch. Sik third pitch. Bailed onto Arachnus for last pitch and climbed simul with shared light in rain and dark. Wandered down the mountain in a cloud looking for descent track. Started climbing at 2. Left mountain at 10. Nice group hug to finish
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16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Had to bail on the last pitch as it was 10pm and pouring rain, went via arachnus to top out then proceed to get lost on the descent. Good times
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Wed 13th Apr 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Charles Keene | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
The finale climb for Charles this trip! This route was so engaging and amazing. We linked the first two pitches to speed things up, and then did the rest. We placed a no. 6 cam three times which was satisfying. I plugged in a bomber 0.75 cam at the crux move. Take one up and find it!
Beautiful climbing on the last two pitches.
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Tue 12th Apr 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Jay | 95m, 3 | ★★ Very Good | ||||
Classic route. Avoid the old pitch one route which follows the crack, very polished and tough unappealing climbing.
I didn't have my crack climbing brain turned on and climbed too one dimensional on pitches three and four. Jay faired much better and climbed well, and pieced together the route effectively. Don't get sucked into the crack, plenty of good holds just look around and adjust your position accordingly. 5 and 6 cam will make life more pleasant.
Also, for the start of pitch three don't get drawn into the traverse which is the route called 'Skink', just follow the crack.
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Sun 10th Apr 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Mani | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
truth be told - was classic. even found some knee jams to avoid laybacking the whole thing
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Fri 8th Apr 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
17 16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Haily | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Finally did it! Wow. What a location. Those bolts are definitely in the right locations, and I shouldn't have tried to offwidth the mega crack.
Had some fun abseiling pitch 3 to help retrieve an RP (worth more than their weight in gold), then reclimbing pitch 3, just cause I loved it so damn much. Two obvious cruxes on P3 & 4, otherwise not actually that hard. |
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Tue 5th Apr 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Oz
1
12
25
2
14
20
3
16
18
4
16
32
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
Very nice climbing, a few committing moves but the holds are all there, including ones for my shoulder jam. A couple of bolt hangers and some large cams will definitely make you feel better!
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Fri 1st Apr 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | |||||
This was a bit intimidating on the hard bits. Felt more troublesome than Oedipus Rex (onsight) or Skink did the other day, but then I am pretty trash on cracks.
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Tue 22nd Mar 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Jason Capenecas
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
4
16
32m
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
Great fun. Took #5 and #6 cam which were useful. Linked P1+2.
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Wed 16th Mar 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Led p2,p4, Mike got p1,p3
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16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Kyle Addy, Genevieve Forshaw | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
I had eyed this one up on thecrag in my pre-trip research so i was quietly beaming the gang decided on this one today. It was pretty spec! Got to lead the first 3 pitches. After wild weather day 1 i brought a jacket which was almost my undoing on p3. It was getting in my face when the wind blew through the mr chicken crack so i took it from around my neck and torniqueyed it around my thigh. Every right foot movement afterwards was tenuous with the jacket sliding ever further. The gang made the top with enough time to spare for an assault on a very humbly graded 15 called Siamese Crack that took all of me. After enjoying the views of Mitre Lake, we retreated to the Pines.
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Sun 13th Mar 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Shaggy Horse
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
So, so good. Went too far right at the crux of pitch three and had to do a bit of a strenuous downclimb, but shook it out and finished the pitch.
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Sun 6th Mar 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
So good.
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Wed 23rd Feb 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
17 16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Jade Burns | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
So good.
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Wed 12th Jan 2022 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
4
16
32m
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
awesome climb, wild exposure!
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Wed 22nd Dec 2021 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Jake Delaney
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
This would be terrifying without my ridiculously big gear. my #5, #6 and #7 (merlin #8) were vital on pitches 3 and 4. also the belay of pitch 1. being able to bump the big cams up the wide roofs and laybacks was a dream.
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Fri 10th Dec 2021 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Tom Bes
| 95m, 3 | |||||
weirdly the most straight forward grade of the weekend. big gear to the rescue. I love the climbs that chill out at the top so i can just enjoy life and the view and top out thinking i love climbing rather than swearing off it for life. the word 'soaring' is certainly not used lightly
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16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
4
16
32m
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
Lost my damn shoe on the last pitch it's now apart of the climb
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Wed 8th Dec 2021 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
An absolute hoot
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Mon 1st Nov 2021 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Stanislav Likane | 95m, 3 | |||||
Simul climb, just over half an hour. Is this the start of speed climbing at araps? No. No it is not.
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Fri 9th Jul 2021 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Jim Lister | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Incredible climbing with such good movement. airy and exposed.
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Fri 7th May 2021 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Stas, Nick | 95m, 3 | |||||
Midnight ascent. Epic!
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Thu 6th May 2021 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Xab Castor
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
4
16
32m
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Nuff said.
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Tue 4th May 2021 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with caleb, shane | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Mega Mega Classic
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Fri 23rd Apr 2021 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Sean Peters
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
nice variety and plenty of options to climb with either offwidth technique or holds.
got the ropes stuck on the big cams when hauling them up to the belay after the 3rd pitch - ended up being a pretty straightforward rap to retrieve them though. I guess that makes me the cliched bumbly on Watchtower Crack the kiwi graffiti/poetry in the toilets alluded to though. |
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Thu 22nd Apr 2021 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Lucas Low | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Classic | ||||
Leave your backpacks at the base to preserve your sanity
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Fri 9th Apr 2021 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Michelle C, Stu
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
4
16
32m
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
This felt so scary and exposed four years ago when I had no clue how to climb on rock. Much better now but the top pitches are still awesome
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16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Dany Zemeitat, Stu
1
12
25m
2
14
20m
3
16
18m
4
16
32m
| 95m, 3 | |||||
Woo! This was fun, and not quite as scary as I had built up in my mind. Big gear definitely made me feel better about it.
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16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack - with Amanda Chan, Stephen Roche, Sammy | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Worth the long wait. Led all pitches, and linked pitch one and two - I stayed on the right for pitch two though traversed to the left crack to place a nut at one point as I didn't trust the loose blocks. Pitch three was glorious, and committing coming off the jugs of Skink. Pitch four I found surprisingly burly considering how it looked, had to work really hard to hold it together. Beyond stoked on this one. Had two 5's and a 6, and would recommend at least one of each for a good time.
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Wed 7th Apr 2021 - Arapiles | |||||||
The Watchtower Faces Right Watchtower Face | |||||||
16 | ★★★ Watchtower Crack | 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
always a charm
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16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
Kyle Addy
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
What an absolute mega-classic! Favourite climb of the trip. Linked pitches 1 and 2. Walked a #6 cam up the fourth pitch, whilst further stitching it up with other slightly smaller gear. Definitely aided the mental game on perfectly sane moves that felt rather spicy at the time.
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16 |
★★★ Watchtower Crack
- with
David de Miguel
| 95m, 3 | ★★★ Mega Classic | ||||
Amazing climb. Linked P1+2
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