It was still misty when we arrived at the Joll's Bridge rap anchors overlooking the Hawksbury, but you could tell that it would lift pretty soon to reveal the vistas beyond. We decided to walk down instead to avoid the slippery conditions. I had been here a few times during the Covid Lookdown and got to appreciate the solitude of this magnificent cliffline with its varied climbing styles across several sectors. This time I recruited Will to fill in some of the gaps that had escaped our attention.
Sniffing dogs 20* at Absolute Honey wall. With hard boulder inthe middle not the best warm-up.
Jam on fish 19*** did it in one massive pitch. Average lower section but turns into a classic the higher you climb.
We also checked out the access to Gold Possum Wall but it was a bit too wet after yesterday's rain. Ringbolts on the right side of the gully before the wall provide access to the climbing ledge. But you need big gear about Camelot No.5 size to protect the start of 666 the Beast (19**)
Corrosion Castle 20*** This one was missing from my Jolls Bridge multipitch collection and had been on my to-do list for a long time. An outrageous line across a steep orange wall with several rooflets, framed in what looks like golden choss, but suprisingly stable. Stay sharp for the final moves out of the little alcove, the jugs are a little hidden.
Will wanted to check out Crack n Up wall:
Crack'n' Up 23*** an absolute cracker for trad climbing enthusiasts. Hard crux boulder problem at start with poor foot placements to rest jug. Lay back flake with good protection (Camelot No.1 and No.2) To crux before ringbolt. Then techi pinches and rails up thinning crack. Easy traverse finish on ring bolts out left over ledge. We rapped of the ring and nut placements here. 3 more ringbolts of easy climbing get you to the top.
Teddy 19* nice crack but old school and very sandy. Probably had not seen any ascents in yonks. Great lead by Will with tough initial crack section. At first ledge we traversed to Crack n Up rings and bailed. Deserves more ascents and needs a bit of gardening and TLC.
Woodlice 20* bushy beginning but great climbing to the panorama beer ledge. Last short pitch was wet so we had to aid it. Good hauling practice with two large bags. |
