Noeuds dans Lawidau Cliff

Name to be confirmed. This is the cliff with the waterfall to the left of the road from Mwatate to Wundanyi, just beyond Dembwa shops. The crag is shown on the Taita Hills sheet 189/4 in square 2719.

A route yielding unusual experiences.

1. 30 m. Start up the roots in the left-hand chimney and past the tree. At about 21 m the chimneying becomes severe for some moves. A good pitch ending either at 34 m at a chockstone and stance, or at 40 m in the Bird of Doom Cave (high peg in place).

2. 18 m. (or 12 m from the cave). The Root Pitch (first crux). A long thin root, occasionally attached to the rock, leads up from the cave to a tree. Traverse out of the cave and either enter the outward—sloping chimney with difficulty using the root a little for the left foot and continuing with some effort (at least V.S.) or climb the root of the tree (V.S. in character, unnerving). Belay to the tree.

3. 15 m. The corner and nose give pleasant climbing to a platform.

4. 24 m. Past large blocks to a corner. An overhang at 12 m gives a technical move. Belay in trees.

5. 9 m. Climb a tree and break through vicious palm fronds to a major recess.

6. 37 m. The Traverse of the Crows, From right inside the cave traverse outwards chimneying until the walls widen, Belly crawl under a low roof and then continue easily in excellent position to a grassy haven and a huge belay. An enjoyable pitch.

7. 9 m. Climb the rock and vegetation. Awkward. A peg was used for direct aid on the first ascent. Anchor to low horizontal trunk.

8. 24 m. (Second crux, V.S.). Start in the crack and traverse onto the slab. Where this steepens at about 11 m move delicately right to enter the twin cracks which give an energetic and fitting finish into thickening bush.