Please do not belay to the radar station fence, fence posts or any MoD installations - this could jeopardize climbing at this site. There are natural anchors and stakes where needed. Night firing normally occurs on Tuesday & Thursday but may also alternate to Monday & Wednesday. Note: May 2024, there is a bird nest in the crack above the cave of No Hands. Please avoid the routes ‘Follow the Chalk' and 'No Hands’ until end of July or chicks have fledged. Thanks.
Rockfax Description
A popular Pembrokeshire classic which is one the best VS routes around. It climbs the huge arete of the main face of Saddle Head, above a tide-washed platform. Access is tricky and the overall atmosphere is added to by the awkward approach. Start as described above.
1) 4a, 25m. Climb a weakness on the left-hand side of the arete to reach a groove. Follow this onto the arete and then step right and climb the rugged cracked wall to a ledge and cave stance.
2) 4b, 25m. Climb up a crack above the stance and continue in a great position up the arete to enter the wide finishing groove. © Rockfax
FA. P.Littlejohn, J.Harwood 08/Apr/1978.
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User | Date | Notes | ||
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Kiddie68 | 5 Aug, 2022 |
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βeta: Wow! Staring up the second pitch cracks and what looks like the incredibly steep grove above, you wonder if you’ve got the route description right? But it goes, and is the most outrageous fantastic VS pitch anywhere! A scary lead for any VS leader but so worth it. First pitch from high tide belay was quite bold, up a rockfall scar, before disappearing around to the right onto the sharp juggy wall. Again, must be quite intimidating for a VS leader. | βeta? | |
Show beta
βeta: Wow! Staring up the second pitch cracks and what looks like the incredibly steep grove above, you wonder if you’ve got the route description right? But it goes, and is the most outrageous fantastic VS pitch anywhere! A scary lead for any VS leader but so worth it. First pitch from high tide belay was quite bold, up a rockfall scar, before disappearing around to the right onto the sharp juggy wall. Again, must be quite intimidating for a VS leader. |
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Siongethinhill | 25 Apr, 2022 |
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βeta: Ab from the old spike backed up with gear at the top of the smooth v shaped groove. | βeta? | |
Show beta
βeta: Ab from the old spike backed up with gear at the top of the smooth v shaped groove. |
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eldre070 | 21 Sep, 2021 |
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βeta: Do it. It’s amazing. One pitch is best I reckon. | ||
Show beta
βeta: Do it. It’s amazing. One pitch is best I reckon. |
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neuromancer | 25 Aug, 2021 |
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βeta: Not convinced by the pitch lengths in rockfax. Only used 40m of rope, but guide says 58? | βeta? | |
Show beta
βeta: Not convinced by the pitch lengths in rockfax. Only used 40m of rope, but guide says 58? |
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Alun | 10 Apr, 2007 |
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βeta: The best VS in South Wales. Technically easy but a great adventure! | ||
Show beta
βeta: The best VS in South Wales. Technically easy but a great adventure! |
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Furzy Sleight | 23 Jul, 2006 |
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βeta: The move round onto the cracked face on pitch one is now considerably easier and not so exciting as a large part of the route has fallen down - classic moves gone foreever!!! first pich only 4A now. | βeta? | |
Show beta
βeta: The move round onto the cracked face on pitch one is now considerably easier and not so exciting as a large part of the route has fallen down - classic moves gone foreever!!! first pich only 4A now. |
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Kyuzo | 26 Oct, 2005 |
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βeta: Very enjoyable, excellent position, feels great belaying just above the sea. | βeta? | |
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βeta: Very enjoyable, excellent position, feels great belaying just above the sea. |
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geoffgo21 | 13 Oct, 2005 |
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βeta: There is an excellent variation just to the left called Blue Sky to the Right, which takes a groove and slab. Do this and look down between your legs straight into the sea! | βeta? | |
Show beta
βeta: There is an excellent variation just to the left called Blue Sky to the Right, which takes a groove and slab. Do this and look down between your legs straight into the sea! |
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Haggis | 23 May, 2005 |
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βeta: First pitch poor, vague and wet, though exciting belay above the crashing waves. Second pitch superb position, climbing and gear. | βeta? | |
Show beta
βeta: First pitch poor, vague and wet, though exciting belay above the crashing waves. Second pitch superb position, climbing and gear. |
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Furzy Sleight | 8 May, 2005 |
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βeta: wonderful route - worth the hype | βeta? | |
Show beta
βeta: wonderful route - worth the hype |
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shaun walby | 21 Feb, 2005 |
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βeta: Up in the top 3 VS's i have done anywhere. Fantastic climbing, never too taxing just seems to come together perfectly. Good gear and perfect positions all the way...Gem. | βeta? | |
Show beta
βeta: Up in the top 3 VS's i have done anywhere. Fantastic climbing, never too taxing just seems to come together perfectly. Good gear and perfect positions all the way...Gem. |
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john horscroft | 21 Feb, 2005 |
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βeta: Sorry! Have to say I was thoroughly underwhelmed by Blue Sky. Poor first pitch and a distinct lack of line. One star at best. | βeta? | |
Show beta
βeta: Sorry! Have to say I was thoroughly underwhelmed by Blue Sky. Poor first pitch and a distinct lack of line. One star at best. |
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Grade: VS 4b ***
(Strata Walls)