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Ray Wood pulling through the roof on Frog Leap V7/7A+ Photos: Muskett collection


Calum Muskett latching the top on Groovy Number V5/6C+

Further to yesterday’s Afon Caseg news item, Calum Muskett reports more Bethesda based activity. At The Wave he found the appropriately named Hidden Block at grid reference: 632 658 (see bottom of item for directions). Consolation Prize V8/7B climbs a crimpy slate wall, though the finishing slopers are of a similar quality to the rock on the Braichmelyn Boulder. Calum rates this as a two star problem.

Start with your right hand in the low undercling and your left hand on the crimpy side-pull. Grasp upwards to a finishing rock-over for a sloping top out. The flakes to the right are clearly out of bounds.

Calum also developed the Hidden Cleft, the much eyed corridor situated directly behind Pebble Wall. The rock here is smoother, perfect if your skin is starting to thin. It does take a few days to dry out after heavy rain and is best enjoyed with several pads and a spotter. To reach it walk up the gully to the right of Pebble Wall and squeeze through the boulders at its end.

Frog Leap V7/7A+ ** - The roof at the far end of the corridor is climbed by some brilliant moves to a fun top-out on jugs. From the undercuts at the back reach around to a good hold for your right hand. Make a powerful move to a crimp for your left and a dyno for the jug.

Groovy Number V5/6C+ * - The groove half way along the back wall is climbed by a surprising sequence. Start hanging from the ramp below the groove.

V6/7A ** - From a hang start on the ramp rock up into the crack and make a difficult move to stand up on the ramp to a scary finish.

V5/6C * - Move into the crack from the bulge on the right. An awkward and tenuous move brings the top within reach and a highball exit.

The Traverse V6/7A * - Starts far right on a triangular flat crimp beyond the bulge. A difficult starting move brings improving holds moving onto the ramp, traverse along this to finish up Groovy Number.

V4/6B+ - The right arête climbed from an awkward sit start.

To reach Consolation Prize from above Hidden Cleft traverse about 600m in the Bethesda direction over very rough/densely forrested terrain and if you're lucky you'll find a little valley of sorts. The wall lies up on the left, semi-obscured by trees.

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