Please read our Disclaimer.
Swinburne is a little village just off the N3, south of Harrismith. It is a very beautiful area strewn
with good boulders, some with bolted routes. The main mountain, Rensburgkop
also has multi-pitch sport routes. There is a huge potential for new routes
and bouldering in this area.
The Main Mountain can be seen in the image to the right
as well as the boulders scattered around it. Keep in mind that the mountain
extends much further southward and offers much more rock than can be seen
here.
Access
The crags and boulders are on private property which is shared by the Bald Ibis Hiking Trail. Please call ahead if you plan to visit. Sometimes hikers or events block book the barn.
The house can also be booked. PLEASE CALL Ansie on 058 672-1013
or 082 926-1155 TO BOOK, BEFORE ARRIVING and to get directions. Please pay before leaving or we could loose access to this crag. You will see some GPS co-ordinates listed for certain problems, they are all using WGS84/Hartebeeshoek94 datum, all degrees and decimal minutes South then East. The area is open to bolting but please avoid any nesting sites of birds on the main crags.
The Barn & Appin House
There is a barn in which we stay for R40 per night per person. Bunk beds, a gas stove, a fridge, firewood,
hot water, hot showers and electricity are all provided. The barn can sleep
about 20-25 people. You can also stay in the old farmhouse with bedding,
kitchenware, a bar, a lapa and the works for R75 per person per night.
The house sleeps about 12. There are now also rooms sleeping two with
your own ablutions, bedding, kettle etc. also for R75 per person per night. The barn GPS is -28,22.877,29,16.576
Food & Rest Day Stuff Etc.
The tiny town of Swinburne has a very basic shop and the 'Hound and Hare' restaurant
and pub at the Riverview Country Lodge. There are several places to eat including a House of Coffees
at the Montrose petrol station. A Steers can be found at the Caltex garage just after Montrose on the left. You can journey further
into Harrismith to stock up on supplies or to go to their Spur or Nandos.
Of course you could even give the 2-day hiking trail a bash or some of
the shorter walks. The area is really beautiful with some small yellowood
forests, there is even a Bald Ibis Restaurant. This is also excellent mountain
biking country.
Safety & Medical
To date the area is very secure from theft etc. but please take the usual precautions. The soft sandstone
rock tends to be quite soft and chunks can often break off. It is wise
to use a helmet for belaying, especially on newer routes or when opening
routes.The closest hospital is in Harrismith. At present there is no stretcher
or first aid dump in the area. For serious accidents please call the MCSA
Rescue team on 011 315-0203.
Weather
Swinburne is within a few kilometres
of the Drakensburg escarpment. As a result is attracts a variety of mountain
weather. In other words it can be hot, cold, windy, misty or even snowy
all in a day. Plan accordingly, bring sunblock, warm jackets, beanies etc.
Ethics & Bolting
Testing was done on the different types of bolts
and it was found that on slab, vertical or slightly overhanging routes a certain kind of
expansion bolt can be used. This was the stainless steel Hilti HSA-KR M10x110mm, please note
that for anchors of multi-pitch routes or steep routes these bolts will NOT be strong enough.
Either the M12x110mm bolt can be used or the Upat UKA3 glue-in capsule with 100mm
stainless threaded bolts can be used. Almost all of the other glue's and readily available
bolts were tested. Please take extra care in testing where you place your bolts,
there are many hollow sections of rock. Remember that when you bolt a route you do not own
the rock, and that many others would also like to climb it, so bolt it for everyone and not only
yourself. Projects should be marked as such by placing the first bolt (preferrably)
or the top anchors and tying ribbon or tape around it. Since there are
overseas visitors the usual 'I.P.' is often not understood.
Barnyard Boulders
Several boulders with some of the best problems at Swinburne can be found here from V0 to V10, there
are also a few routes here on the Skittle & Kite boulders.
Spearhead Boulders
Several boulders not too far from the barn with several moderate boulder problems and 18 short and
long bolted routes ranging from 12 to 28. There is still scope for a few more good lines and many boulder problems here.
The Forest Boulders
A myriad of boulders in amongst a beautiful forest at the base of the main mountain. There are some classic boulder problems here and potential for some great routes on The Pyramid.
The Hillside Boulders
Many nice boulders on the slopes to the right of the Forest boulders and uphill from the Spearhead boulders. Topos will be
uploaded in the near future.
The North Face
The main face of the mountain. There are multi-pitch routes here and two short routes on the Bug Boulder.
Endless potential for good multi-pitch and single-pitch sport lines.
The West Face
The western side of the mountain. It starts just beyond where the eagles are nesting. Please keep
well clear of these nests when climbing. Williams Gorge is the forested gully on the hiking trail. A few good routes are popping up here now.
Whale Rock Boulders
Several very large boulders with fourteen lines developed here so far, from 11 to 28 with scope for
many more easy & hard lines. Some good bouldering can be developed here too with a few problems already. This is a very beautiful area with excellent
views & sunny, shaded and sheltered spots.
The Manure Boulders
A few large boulders in the north-eastern corner with a few routes at present.
The Magic Mushroom
An impressive looking mushroom rock with some boulder problems and projects.
The Long Tonk Boulders
Some of the better boulder problems on a few bigger boulders close to the farm road. Potential for
routes on some of the bigger boulders including some boulders a few hundred metres behind the Long Tonk boulder.
The Bootup Area
Boulder problems on a few smaller boulders close to the farm road.
Please send any new route information and any correction/ suggestions to routes@saclimb.co.za
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