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:
Mountain Club of Kenya Emmanuel F climbingfish Crushy McCrush Face Rajal Sam Mwangi Sten Schurer Alex C
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.
Ndeiya
106 in Crag
- 1.1. Red Crag 11 in Cliff
- 1.2. Lower Tier and Machakos Crag 3 in Cliff
- 1.3. Central Crag 43 in Cliff
- 1.4. North Crag 20 in Cliff
- 1.5. Pillar Crag 3 in Cliff
- 1.6. Slit Crag 4 in Cliff
- 1.7. Swiss Crag 3 in Cliff
- 1.8. Birthday Crag 4 in Cliff
- 1.9. Estate Crag 4 in Cliff
- 1.10. Ngik Crag 6 in Cliff
- 1.11. Cracked Crag 2 in Cliff
- 1.12. Turtle Crag 3 in Cliff
- 2. Index by grade
1. Ndeiya 106 routes in Crag
- Summary:
-
All Trad climbing
Lat / Long: -1.289939, 36.549124
summary
Rift Valley crag with a rich history and lots of trad routes.
description
2020 disclaimer: The descriptions below and for all climbs are from the 1968 MCK guidebook. Bear in mind that conditions may well be very different now (vegetation, rock quality, approach, etc.). The pitches are also very short, and can probably often be combined with modern gear and longer ropes. Use your own judgement and if you climb something please input your comments on the route which could be helpful in updating the information uploaded, for future climbers.
Ndeiya, with the publication of this second guide "book, has come to maturity as a climbing area. Most of the climbs follow cracks or chimneys and are probably a much better training for general mountaineering than the unusual slabs and walls of Lukenya. It does not yet enjoy the latter’s popularity, partly because of the approach road which is always a little rough and which may be difficult in the rains, and partly-because there are few good easy climbs. It is not however, as some people falsely claim, a “Tiger's Crag”. Of the 105 climbs 14 are difficult, 30 very difficult, 33 severe, 20 very severe, 5 hard very severe, and 3 artificial (pitons were used on some of the other VS routes but not etriers). Any leader of V.D.-S. standard can find many good weekends climbing here.
The crags are of generally sound rock giving climbs of up to 160 feet, although 120 feet is more normal. Some routes are on loose rock, but if this is the case it is mentioned. in the description. Some of the harder routes have only been climbed once and most of them only two or three times. There is therefore always a chance of one or two holds being loose and it is not advisable to grab. Protection is usually good because the cracks allow the use of nuts or alloy jammers.
When pitons were used for aid or protection this is mentioned in the descriptions. To those who may not approve of pitons it should be pointed out that all of these climbs were led on sight from below. There have been no explorations on a top rope first which appears to have been quite common at Lukenya in the past (although some seconds have done variations.) In a couple of cases fewer pitons were used upon subsequent ascents and in the future more may be dispensed with. As all the pitons were placed by the best climbers in the country at the time they are not an unhealthy trend and in any case there are over 90 climbs on which they are not needed.
The crags are described as distinct although smaller crags link the main crags. Easy ways down can be found between the crags. Those at either end of Central Crag and North Crag are marked by cairns at the top, but may still be a little difficult to find at the first attempt.
The crags are described from south to north (left to right) and are Red Crag, Machakos Crag, Lower Tier (which is below these two). Central Crag, North Crag, Pillar Crag, Slit Crag, Swiss Crag, Birthday Crag, Estate Crag, Ngik Crag, Cracked Crag, and Turtle Crag.
The climbs are described from left to right and the terms used in the descriptions are as one faces the cliff. No attempt has been made to accurately measure the pitches and climbs. In some cases this has been done approximately by using the rope, but in others it has only been estimated, so there may be considerable errors.
access issues
Please be considerate of locals and do not pay for climbing (outside of National Parks) without first consulting the Mountain Club of Kenya.
approach
Drive to the crag's GPS location on a tarmac road all the way from Nairobi (it takes about 1h from Junction Shopping center). Park on the side and find a path to the cliff.
ethic
If you want to open new climbs in Kenya, kindly contact the Mountain Club of Kenya (www.mck.or.ke). We'll be happy to help!
Here is our bolting policy, please abide by it: http://mountainclubkenya.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Bolting-Policy.pdf
history
MCK members have been climbing in Ndeiya since at least 1953. Journal No.27 in 1953 contains the article 'One Step Down in the Rift' by Angela Rowe, which mentions a visit by perhaps a dozen people and three routes led by James Moore.
Journal no.28 describe another visit in 1953 when three more routes were added and rain made the return to Nairobi difficult. In his book "Lightest Africa", F. Spencer describes his visit with about 20 members of the MCK. He commented upon the game which was still abundant, and the rock which was strangely slimy in some places because of baboons.
At present in 1968 most of the Obvious lines have been climbed and 105 routes are described. Never again will a dozen new routes be climbed in a weekend. There is however scope for some more very hard routes and for easier ones in some of the places made less attractive by vegetation and loose rock, such as Machakos Crag and Lower Tier, and perhaps in years to come on some of the lower sections of crag at the southern end.
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1.1. Red Crag 11 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
-
description
Near the south end of this crag a buttress stands out prominently from the main cliff. The first climb finds an entertaining and generally not difficult route onto and up this buttress.
Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
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1 |
★★ Giant's Steps
Near the south end of this crag a buttress stands out prominently from the main cliff. The first climb finds an entertaining and generally not difficult route onto and up this buttress. Start right of the buttress at the foot of the leftward slanting corner 5 m from the main corner. Climbed in the 4 pitches below on the FA in the 60s, but several pitches can probably be combined into one, depending on rope drag.
FA: R. Chambers, G. Hodges & R. Pillinger, 1964 | VD | 40m | |||||
2 |
Bloody Hell Crack
Very Severe with two aid moves. Start in the corner below the wide crack just to the left of Giant's Steps, or up pitch one of Giant's Steps.
FA: M.S. Harris & S. Borruso, 1966 | VS | 40m | |||||
3 |
Troll's Wall
Start 6 m feet to the right of the start of Giant’s Steps.
FA: R. Pillinger & R. Chambers, 1964 | VS | 46m | |||||
4 |
Goosegog Chimney
Start - A large chimney to the right of Troll’s Wall behind a tree.
FA: C. Powell, J. Powell & R. Metcalf, 1966 | S | 37m | |||||
5 |
Goosegog Chimnery Direct Finish
Start - A large chimney to the right of Troll’s Wall behind a tree.
FA: J. Powell, R. Metcalf & C. Powell, 1966 | HVS | 35m | |||||
6 |
Gog
Start - To the right of the last climb is a prominent grey slab about half the height of the crag, the climb begins in the corner on the right of this slab.
Variation
FA: G. Hodges & R.J.H. Chambers, 1965 | D | 30m | |||||
7 |
May Day
A good strenuous climb. Start a few feet right of Gog to the left of the tree on Harambee.
FA: M. Harris, C. Powell & J. Powell, 1966 | VS | 30m | |||||
8 |
Harambee
A delightful climb on very solid rock. Start a few feet right of Gog on a rib leading to a tree on the overhand above.
FA: H.W. Mwongela, J.K.N Chambers, R.J.H. Chambers, C. Powell, H. Lowe & B. Forrester, 1966 | VD | 34m | |||||
9 |
The Plumb
Start 12 m feet to the right of Harambee where a narrow chimney leads to a prominent tree root at 30 feet.
FA: J. Mbithi, 1965 | S | 30m | |||||
10 |
The Prune
Start - The crack about 8 m to the right of The Plumb.
FA: R.D. Metcalfe, C. & J. Powell, 1966 | S | 24m | |||||
11 |
Beginner's Groove
Start 3 m right of Prune
FA: R.D. Metcalfe & S. Borusso, 1967 | D | ||||||
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1.2. Lower Tier and Machakos Crag 3 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
-
description
Steep red crag. In the middle of Machakos Crag is a prominent large flat wall undercut at its base, a break in the lower tier leads up to near the foot of it. The wall is named “The Shield".
Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Hatari
Start at the extreme south (left) end of the lower tier on a steep red crag at a prominent platform.
FA: T. Gallon & A. James, 1965 | S | 30m | |||||
2 |
Amoeba
In the middle of Machakos Crag is a prominent large flat wall undercut at its base, a break in the lower tier leads up to near the foot of it. The wall is named “The Shield". The climb follows its right edge more or less and its multiple variations are the result of three ropes converging on the same bit of rock. The wall has obvious possibilities and the climb described will probably have its starts and alternative starts and finishes used by other routes.
FA: Miss J.M., I.D. R.P., Miss C.B. P.A.C.(I), A.B., The parties responsible for this muddle were: & R.J.H.C, 1965 | VD | 33m | |||||
3 |
Machakos Climb
Start above a small cave in red rock at the top of the grassy break.
FA: H.W. Mwongela & I. Waki, 1964 | D | 27m | |||||
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1.3. Central Crag 43 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
-
Lat / Long: -1.289542, 36.549044
description
This crag stretches unbroken for about 250 yards reaching a height of 49 m around “the Mummy” which is a thin pillar of rock with no climbs on it, about 20 meters to the right of nutcracker. You can abseil from a small tree/bush above nutcracker (slightly to the left, facing the cliff). There might be some tat there. There is also an easy, hut not obvious, way down between Machakos Crag and the southern end and a very obvious way down at the northern end of the crag. The first climb lies on the first grooved buttress of the crag, some way to the left of a prominent white spot.
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Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
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1 |
Jamhuri
Rock requires care in places. Start -At the centre of the buttress is a narrow chimney a little right of a tree growing on the face.
FA: H. Mwongela, J.K.N. & R.J.H. Chambers, 1964 | S | 30m | |||||
2 |
The Scab
Start in the corner crack 8 m to the left of the White Spot.
FA: M.S. Harris & C.G. Powell, 1967 | HS | 30m | |||||
3 |
The Pock
Start - Just to the left of the white spot is a groove 20 feet up a smooth wall with pocket holds leading in from the left, near the start of the Scab.
FA: M.S. Harris & C.G. Powell, 1967 | VS | 27m | |||||
4 |
White Spot
Start at a chimney to the right of the white spot and to the left of a big block.
FA: S. Borusso & C.G. Powell, 1965 | S | 37m | |||||
5 |
The Rash
Start as for white spot ordinary.
FA: M.S. Harris & C.G. Powell, 1967 | S | 24m | |||||
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Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
6 |
Capstone Chimney
The large corner chimney. Very difficult for 6 m and then a walk with a problem at the top. | VD | ||||||
7 |
Doddle
Start between Capstone Chimney and the large tree.
FA: C.G. Powell & J. Powell, 1965 | VD | 30m | |||||
8 |
Dodder
Start between Capstone Chimney and the large tree. FA: R.J.H. Chambers & R. Davies, 1965 | D | 30m | |||||
9 |
Gimli
The next prominent feature is a 35 foot long roof halfway up the cliff with a cave behind it. Start 3 m left of a slanting groove leading to the left end of the overhand at the foot of a vertical groove. The climb lies up this groove in two pitches.
FA: R.J.H. Chambers & J. Mbithi, 1964 | VD | 37m | |||||
10 |
★★ Durin's Chimney
Start at the foot of the slanting groove leading into the cave. lM> ft. - Climb the chimney and slanting groove moving on$o the pleasant slab R 1 al i Ighl. Large block belay below the cave. SJF 60 It - Climb over the belay into the cave and up the groove just inside the cave. FA: H.W. Mwongela & R. Pillinger, 1964 | D | 37m | |||||
11 |
★★ Balrog
Start just right of the overhand 12 m right of Durin’s Chimney.
FA: R. Pillinger, J. Winning & G. Lucas, 1964 | VS | 40m | |||||
12 |
Hangover
Start as for Balrog.
FA: M.S. Harris, J. Powell; Chambers, J. Powell & R.J.H. Chambers, 1966 | VS A1 | 37m | |||||
13 |
Chockstone Chimneys
Severe at the first ohockstone; Very Difficult beyond. Start in corner 40 feet right of Balrog at the foot of a pinnacle-like boulder.
FA: J. Winning, I), Ntnndrllig & D. Standring, 1964 | S | 37m | |||||
14 |
Flake Route
Start in a recess of the the crag (just left of the Riddle), below a wall with an enormous undercut flake on it.
FA: 1965 | HS | 24m | |||||
15 |
The Riddle
Start at the foot of a corner with a large fig tree a third of the way up.
FA: R.J.H. Chambers & G. Hodges, 1964 | VD | 24m | |||||
16 |
Fascination
Start - This goes up a large slab to the right of the corner followed by the Riddle.
FA: l.J. Allen & C. Wilson, 1966 | VS | 40m | |||||
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Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
17 |
The Garden Path
Start 8 m feet right of the last climb at the foot of a leftward slanting slab.
FA: R.J.H. Chambers, 1964 | D | 43m | |||||
18 |
Rock n' Roll
Start about 3 m right of Garden Path just left of a crack.
FA: I . Gallon & H. Mwongela, 1965 | MS | 38m | |||||
19 |
Ridge Way
A delightful climb Start 5 m right of Garden Path on the left wall of the short chimney
FA: R.J.H. Chambers, Benjamin K.K. & James M. Mbithi, 1965 | HS | 38m | |||||
20 |
★★★ Fracture
Pleasant, well protected, varied and on clean rock. Climb chimney, exiting at top through hole. Now left side of a pillar up fractured blocks; belay on a pinnacle -15m. Traverse right across wall to gain ledge with tree -5m. The corner above, taken direct with fine jamming to top -10m. Or finish up an easier wide crack on the right. From just below the pinnacle belay on Fracture an excellent alternative is to climb the top pitch of Ridge Way; hand traverse L and mantelshelf onto a ledge on the ridge. Follow ridge to the top (111+). FA: P.Carslake & R.J.H.Chambers, 1964 | VD | 32m | |||||
21 |
The Threader
A girdle traverse from The Swinger to Capstone Chimney. Start at the large tree 10 yards right of Fracture. Up 6 m and left to ledges crossing Fracture. Continue beneath an arch on Ridge Way and into trees on Rock ’n Roll. Easy slabs lead across Garden Path and diagonally upwards to a platform with a tree belay on The Riddle. Move down and across the wall on large loose-looking flakes. Scramble down to reach the top of pitch i on Capstone Chimneys. Up to the left on slabs to the large ledge on Hangover. Swing left onto tree on Balrog. Pitch 2 of Balrog (V.S.) or easier left to foot of overhanging chimney which the leader surmounts with the aid of a shoulder. Through the cave and down Durin’s Chimney for some way before moving left across Dodder to Doddle. Down into a corner thicket and swing up into Capstone Chimney using a tree. Scramble up the bed of the chimney with a final pull out at the top. There is a fair amount of scrambling and the whole route is well protected with many belay points. FA: C.G. Powell & J. Powell, 1966 | S | ||||||
22 |
★★ After Six
FA: Alex Anderson & Nick Quintong, 23 Mar 2019 | HS 4b | 33m, 2 | |||||
23 |
The Swinger
Start at an enormous tree 10 yards to the right of Fracture.
FA: M.S. Harris, C.G. Powell & J. Powell, 1966 | VS | 37m | |||||
24 |
Veerog
30m right of Fracture in a shady bay between boulders and trees, a steep comer leads to a slab with caves and nests below big overhangs. Veerog starts at base of a groove; some fine moves and positions on this climb, but the 1st pitch (originally aided) is now unpleasantly free; after the groove traverse a steep slab R-wards to gain a ridge; climb a slab on right to a small tree. Above this balance into a corner on left and climb this past a tree and a bulge to the top. FA: M.S. Harris & R.D. Metcalfe, 1967 | VS | 43m | |||||
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Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
25 |
Smeagol
Start 25 feet left of Cliff’s route at the foot of a groove with a tree root. The climb goes up this and then across to (ho detached pillar and up the left hand side of the pillar chimney. Cliff’s route going up the right hand side.
FA: R.J.H. Chambers & R. Pillinger, 1964 | S | ||||||
26 |
Cliff's Route
The next climb In very fine one, the route as described appears to differ only slightly from Barry Cliff’s route which, in the rain, took a line deeper in the chimney. This gives an alternative way of doing pitch 2 and avoids the chockstone; a pity. Start below the V formed by facing grooves, 9 m left of the Mummy.
FA: R. Pillinger, R.J.H. Chambers & G. Hodges, 1964 | S | ||||||
27 |
★★★ Blimp ('a traditional')
Start at the obvious crack up the left side of the Mummy. Climb an easy angled corner crack which steepens at the top. The rock in this section is very polished. Reach a chockstone, this wobbles and should not be pulled outwards. Continue up the cleft on right and pull over the bulging chockstone. Go up the chimney a bit then take the right wall and up to the ledge. Climb the wide corner crack above to the top of the Mummy. Climb the corner above to join pitch 4 of Morning Shade. You can also rap from the big tree rather than go all the way to the top of the cliff. (originally done in 4 pitches but can easily be done in one with modern gear). FA: R. Baillie & R. Pillinger, 1964 | VS | 46m | |||||
28 |
★★★ Morning Shade
Start on the right of the Mummy in the cave between the Mummy’s Child and the ma face.
Variation start:
FA: R.J.H. Chambers, 11. Mwongela & H. Mwongela, 1964 | VD | 44m | |||||
29 |
Cave Root
Start to the left of Crackpot where a dead tree hangs down below the overhang on-the wall.
FA: M, Harris, I. Allen & M.S. Harris, 1966 | VS | 55m | |||||
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Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
30 |
Crackpot
This is the whole of the left hand groove on Central Buttress. Start below the bottomless groove.
Variations Crackpot Ordinary HVS
Crackpot Misdirect 49 m HVS
FA: M.S. Harris, I. Allen, C.G. Powell & R.D. Metcalfe, 1966 | HVS | 49m | |||||
31 |
★★★ Party Grooves
This is the right-hand groove on the central buttress. Start to the right of the direct line at the obvious line of weakness. Sustained, fine climbing.
FA: M.S. Harris, C.G. Powell & R.J.H. Chambers, 1966 | HVS | 50m | |||||
32 |
★★★ Nutcracker
Just right of the slab start of Party Grooves is a small, short right-facing corner. Start just right of large flake below an overhanging crack 9 m up.
FA: I. Howell & M.S. Harris, 1967 | HVS | 62m | |||||
33 |
Knight's Move
Start in the corner on a little platform below a chimney.
The description below is a more pleasant variation of the original way which, above the tree belay of pitch 1, moves up and traverses right across a smooth wall and slab (with the help of a sapling) to gain a tree and hence the top. Start one metre right of Nutcracker (painted 45,46,47).
FA: R. Pillinger & R. Baillie, 1964 | VS | ||||||
34 |
Ammagon
This goes up the ignored groove of Knight’s Move. A fine pitch in an exposed situation. FA: M.S. Harris & T. Gallon, 1967 | HVS A2 | 34m | |||||
35 |
Mwa!
Start as for Knight’s Move
FA: R.J.H. Chambers, H. Mwongela & I. Waki | VS | 37m | |||||
36 |
★★★ Surprise
A magnificent climb. Start to the right of Mwa! in a deep corner behind the tree just around the edge of the buttress.
FA: M.S. Harris & R.J.H. Chambers, 1966 | HS | ||||||
37 |
Fingers
A technical and well-protected route on excellent rock. Good. Start 3 m right of the tree at the right of the foot of Surprise where a line of pockets for footholds leads left.
FA: R.J.H. Chambers & Party, 1965 | VS | 43m | |||||
38 |
Third time lucky
Start at the foot of the wooded gully.
FA: M. Pardoe, R, Pillinger (with assistance from a peg) & R. Pillinger, 1964 FFA: R.D. Metcalfe, C. & J. Powell, 1966 | S | 34m | |||||
39 |
Radical
Start at the foot of the buttress, 40 feet right of the previous climb at the foot of a larj tree which grows a root down the rock. 1 2
FA: R. Baillie & R. Pillinger, 1964 | VS | 37m | |||||
40 |
Anarchist
Crosses Radical from right to left. Start 6 m the right of Radical start where there is a line of weakness just left of a detached pinnacle.
FA: R.J.H. Chambers & Party | VS | 43m | |||||
41 |
Sidestep
Start 3 m right of the last climb, 3 m left of a large 9 m block, detached from the main crag.
FA: H. Mwongela, I. Waki & R.J.H. Chambers, 1964 | S | ||||||
42 |
The Ring
This climb traverses the crag from Mwa! to Sidestep taking a natural line. A satisfying climb. Well protected.
FA: R. Pillinger & R.J.H. Chambers, 1964 | VD | 91m | |||||
43 |
The Girdle Traverse of Central Buttress
Mostly Severe but with 2 good peg pitches. One of the longest climbs in Kenya, it has not been completed in 1 day.
FA: R.D. Metcalfe, 1, 2, 3, M.S. Harris, 4: M.S. Harris & I. Allen, 1967 | VS | 370m |
1.4. North Crag 20 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
-
Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
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1 |
Bubbles
Start about 40 meters to the right of the way down between Central and North Crags. A large flake with a sort of flake in its centre and a large tree on top.
FA: M.S. Harris & C.G. Powell, 1967 | VD | 23m | |||||
2 |
Parker's End
Start at a cairn.
FA: C.G. Powell, J. Powell & M.S. Harris, 1965 | VD | 34m | |||||
3 |
Boulder Buttress
Start at the cairn.
FA: C.G. Powell & J. Powell, 1965 | VD | 37m | |||||
4 |
Sauce
A practice peg climb, perhaps it could be done free. Start to the left of The Bow up an obvious crack slanting from left to right at first.
| A1 | 24m | |||||
5 |
The Bow
Start below obvious curving crack
FA: M.S. Harris, C.G. Powell & J. Powell, 1967 | HS | 37m | |||||
6 |
The Cossack
Start where the cliff recedes into a corner.
FA: R.J.H. Chambers & K. Dangerfield, 1965 | S | 46m | |||||
7 |
Double Wood
Start up a crack with a tree stump.
FA: J. Powell & C.G. Powell, 1965 | VD | ||||||
8 |
The Jammer
Start 5 m right of Double Wood.
FA: M.S. Harris & C.G. Powell, 1966 | VS | 37m | |||||
9 |
Grendel
Start at the tree to the right of The Jammer, below an obvious cave.
FA: R.J.H. Chambers & S. Mayodi | VS | 46m | |||||
10 |
Dracula
Start about 9 m right of Grendel, to the left.of the tree, is a long curving line of corner
FA: R.J.H. Chambers, H.W. Mwongela & T. Phillips, 1965 | VS | 43m | |||||
11 |
Blink
A steep corner above a slab behind a tree. Start at a tree, just to the left of the Bridge.
FA: M.S. Harris, C.G. Powell & J. Powell, 1966 | VS | 37m | |||||
12 |
The Bridge
A corner groove with twin cracks and an overhanging chockstone at the top. Start on ledges at the left.
A fine route FA: M.S. Harris & C.G. Powell, 1966 | VS | 34m | |||||
13 |
Alicanthus
Start in the centre of the North Crag where the cliff is at its highest and there is a break leading to the left.
FA: R.J.H. Chambers, S. Mayodi & E. Rutowitz, 1964 | D | 55m | |||||
14 |
Fredcanthus
Between Alicanthus and Ladies’ Day Chimneys is a large tree 6 m up a wall.
FA: M.S. Harris & R.J.H. Chambers, 1966 | VS | 40m | |||||
15 |
Ladies' Day Chimney
Start - the climb lies up the chimney on the right hand side of a slab.
FA: J. Winning, D. Standring & C. Brown, 1964 | D | 37m | |||||
16 |
Little Pinnacle Groove
Start to the right of Ladies’ Day Chimney at a buttress with a ledge and a tree at 9 m.
FA: M.S. Harris & C.G. Powell, 1966 | S | ||||||
17 |
Little Pinnacle Chimney
Start up and to the right of Little Pinnacle Groove below the right hand side of the Little
FA: C.G. Powell, J. Powell & R.D. Metcalfe, 1966 | VD | 30m | |||||
18 |
Split Jean
Start 3 m right of Little Pinnacle Chimney.
FA: M.S. Harris & G. Alexander, 1967 | HS | 27m | |||||
19 |
Misnomer
The Penultimate crack at the right hand end of North Crag.
FA: M.S. Harris & C.G. Powell, 1967 | S | 24m | |||||
20 |
The Scrabbler
The last corner on this crag.
FA: R.D. Metcalfe, C.G. Powell & J. Powell, 1966 | VD | 24m | |||||
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1.5. Pillar Crag 3 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
-
description
200 yards right of North Crag is Pillar Crag which as a very prominent pillar-like buttress either end.
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Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
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1 |
The Lazy Miss
The big chimney to the right of the left hand pillar which can be broken at several points. Level with the big tree on the right either go straight up or better traverse left into the hill for 6 m then up through a hole. FA: C.G. Powell, 1967 | M | 30m | |||||
2 |
Pillar Slab
Start at the nose of the slab.
FA: C.G. Powell & K. Lees, 1967 | VD | 30m | |||||
3 |
Fred's First
Start to the right of Pillar slab on top of the detached block.
FA: M.S. Harris, C.G. Powell & J. Powell, 1967 | VD | 30m |
1.6. Slit Crag 4 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
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description
This hill is several hundred yards right o£ Pillar Crag and can be identified by the slit, a prominent chimney splitting two steep buttresses on the left.
Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
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1 |
The Slit
The climb takes the obvious corner leading to a slit-like chimney.
FA: R.J.H. Chambers, R. Perry & T. Phillips | D | 35m | |||||
2 |
Tweedledum
A few yards right of the Slit is a prominent buttress with a fig tree at its foot. This buttress gives three pleasant climbs. Start 15 feet left of the fig tree.
FA: R.J.H. Chambers & A.M. Webber, 1964 | HD | 20m | |||||
3 |
Tweedledee
Start at the fig tree.
FA: R.J.H. Chambers & A.M. Webber, 1964 | HD | 26m | |||||
4 |
The Rattle
Start in a corner below and right of the fig tree.
3.6 m - Step up to the nose on the left (part of Tweedledee) then back right and descend into a small amphitheatre. An alternative to this is to climb directly up narrow chockstone chimney, an interesting severe problem.
FA: R. Pillinger & S.E. Pillinger, 1964 | VD | 30m | |||||
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1.7. Swiss Crag 3 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
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description
A couple of hundred yards to the right is Swiss Crag. The first climb is at the head of a recess behind a big tree at the left of the crag.
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Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
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1 |
The Pot
The obvious deep chimney at the left hand end of the crag.
2 (a) V.S. variation: Up on the outside via an overhanging crack with dubious hold in it. Not led. FA: C.G. Powell, J. Powell & M.S. Harris, 1967 | HD | 24m | |||||
2 |
The Goer
Around the corner from The Pot is a vegetated corner with clear rock above. Start - scramble up to small rib to corner below prominent overhanging chockstone in centre or crag.
FA: M.S. Harris, C.G. Powell & J. Powell, 1967 | HS | 24m | |||||
3 |
Lucky Choice
Start at a cairn at the foot of a Slab towards the right hand end of the crag.
FA: C.G. Powell & J.M. Muheim, 1967 | HVD | 34m |
1.8. Birthday Crag 4 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
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description
After a couple of hundred yards come five crags which are close together. The first is Birthday crag which is broken and vegetated at its left hand end. The first climb is to the right of the centre of the crag.
Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
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1 |
Mzee
Start up a chimney to the left of a steep wall split by a crack, 1. 9 m - Easily up the chimney to a big ledge.
FA: C.G. Powell, J. Powell, K. Lees & P. Etherington, 1966 | D | 37m | |||||
2 |
Allergy
Start 6 m right of Mzee in an obvious crack splitting the wall which.part of a large partly detached block.
FA: M.S. Harris & C.G. Powell, 1966 | HS | 30m | |||||
3 |
Birthday Treat
Start in a V corner 9 m to the right of Allergy just left of a wall with a tree.
FA: C.G. Powell, P. Etherington & J. Hodges, 1966 | VD | 30m | |||||
4 |
Safari
Start up a wall with a groove and a large tree at about 6 m.
FA: R.D. Metcalfe & C.G. Powell, 1967 | VD | 30m | |||||
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1.9. Estate Crag 4 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
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description
All the climbs on this crag are on the right hand section to the right of a grassy bay.
Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
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1 |
Deception
Start - at the left of the buttress is a large tree with a root coming down to the ground. A ledge leads in to the tree from the left.
Not a very good route. FA: M.S. Harris, C.G. Powell & J. Powell, 1966 | D | 46m | |||||
2 |
Ligthning
Start at the right of a tree, at the bottom of several grooves leading to a tree near the top.
FA: M.S. Harris & M. Atkinson, 1966 | HS | 30m | |||||
3 |
Detached
To the left of a grassy gully between Estate Crag and Ngik is a slab with a chimney on its right# Up the centre of the slab is a V groove, and at its left hand end is a prominent buttress. Start at the foot of the prominent buttress.
FA: R.D. Metcalfe & G. Alexander, 1966 | HVD | 27m | |||||
4 |
Semi-detached
Start in the V groove in the centre of the slab.
FA: M.S. Harris, D. Lascelles, R. Smith & C.G. Powell, 1966 | VD | 30m | |||||
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1.10. Ngik Crag 6 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
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description
This is the good steep crag directly in front of the campsite.
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Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
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1 |
Solo Effort
Start at a large detached flake leading right.
1 (a) Alternatively start near Ngik and move up left to above the flake.
2 (a) Variation - Go straight up the overhanging crack and move left to the arete to finish. Not led. FA: M.S. Harris & R.D. Metcalfe, 1966 | S | 30m | |||||
2 |
Ngik
Start - This crag is marked by a prominent corner up its whole height in which grow two trees. The climb commences from a small platform 6 m left of two walnut trees.
FA: R.J.H. Chambers & J. Winning, 1964 | VD | ||||||
3 |
Moonshine
Start to the right of Ngik in a large scoop with an overhanging crack leading to a tree on the face.
Finish: as for the top half of pitch 2 of Alexander’s first. FA: M.S. Harris, 1966 | A2 | 15m | |||||
4 |
Alexander's First
A very good climb. Start up the next crack to the right of Moonshine.
FA: M..S. Harris, G. Alexander & D. Lascelles, 1966 | HVD | 35m | |||||
5 |
Cheetah
Start on a cracked wall to the right of a nose.
2 (a) - From the platform move left and up slabs continuing up a slanting crack on the left. Continue up the slab and corner to the right of a small tree to the top. Easier but not such a good pitch. FA: M.S. Harris & C.G. Powell, 1966 | S | 27m | |||||
6 |
Levitation
On the crag with white pinnacles on its lower half situated between Ngik and Cracked crags.
FA: M.S. Harris & M. Atkinson, 1966 | HS | 37m |
1.11. Cracked Crag 2 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
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description
This lies to the left of Turtle Crag and has an obvious diagonal crack and flake to the left.
Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||
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1 |
Criss-Cross Chimney
FA: M.S. Harris, D. Lascelles & G. Alexander, 1966 | VD | 30m | |||
2 |
Timberline
Starts to the left of Criss-Cross Chimney and finishes to the right. Start 3 m to the right of the chimney at the left of the buttress of Criss-Cross Chimney.
FA: R.D. Metcalfe | VD | 37m |
1.12. Turtle Crag 3 routes in Cliff
- Summary:
-
description
This crag has a huge turtle-shell shaped slab with a huge corner on its left.
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Route | Grade | Style | Selected ascents | |||||
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1 |
New Turtle Chimney
Start - at the the left of the crag is a big chimney, clean at the top and vegetated at the bottom. The climb starts on the right to avoid the lower vegetated part.
FA: R.D. Metcalfe, C.G. Powell & J. Powell, 1967 | VD | 37m | |||||
2 |
Red Turtle Chimney
Start The climb takes the huge cave-like chimney on Turtle Crag. Start 6 m left of the line of the chimney.
FA: R.J.H. Chambers & J. Winning, 1964 | S | 50m | |||||
3 |
Tortoise Shell
Start at the right hand end of Turtle Slab.
FA: M.S. Harris & G. Alexander, 1966 | S | 52m |