UKC

Birkett Frees 11 Pitch South African Mega-Route

© Adam Roff
Jack Geldard

This has been read 10,668 times
Dave Birkett chalking up on the crux roof of Remote Control © Adam Roff
Dave Birkett chalking up on the crux roof of Remote Control
© Adam Roff

Dave Birkett cruising pitch 5 of Remote Control (Grade 25) © Adam Roff
Dave Birkett cruising pitch 5 of Remote Control (Grade 25)
© Adam Roff
Lakeland legend Dave Birkett has once again headed to South Africa and this time, partnered by Mary Jenner and Adam Roff, he has freed Remote Control up the Ben Heatlie amphitheatre in the Hex River Valley, around 140km from Cape Town.

Adam Roff who made the first ascent of the route, mainly on aid and some twenty years ago, has written a report on Climb.co.za, and described the crux pitch:

"After cleaning some plants out of the rail and trying the moves through the roof, Dave returned to the hanging belay for that mandatory of British trad rituals – a roll-up cigarette. Thus emboldened he sent the pitch. Although only about 15m long it is crazy hard – some no-footholds railing followed by a massive reach through the roof. Then the crux move to get to a rattly ledge. He reckoned 28. We aided..."

The route is 11 pitches long, is protected by trad gear and has difficulties of up to South African 28 (French 7c).

Adam Roff ended his report with the following line:

"Remote Control will not be the best route you ever climb, nor have the best rock, but will be one of your most memorable outings. And remember, if there's no possibility of failure or an epic, it isn't an adventure!"

photo
Friendly farmers!
© Adam Roff

Remote Control Topo - Ben Heatlie amphitheatre, Hex River Valley © Adam Roff
Remote Control Topo - Ben Heatlie amphitheatre, Hex River Valley
© Adam Roff
Mary Jenner following pitch 4 - grade 23 © Adam Roff
Mary Jenner following pitch 4 - grade 23
© Adam Roff

Dave Birkett is sponsored by: Scarpa , Outdoor Research , Grivel and Wild Country

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Comments

tintinandpip
22 Mar, 2010
Is there any truth in the rumour that Mr. Birkett is opening a micro brewery called Birkett Brewery ( what else ) and producing a beer called Mild V.S ? Route in South Africa looks awesome !!!! Good effort Mary.
willworkforfoodjnr
22 Mar, 2010
What a legend.
Tom Chamberlain
22 Mar, 2010
Even if there's nothing in the rumour, it's a fine one! I fancy a pint of Mild V.S... Amazing route... just a few weeks after an amazing new ice route on his own Scafell East... Dave Birkett just keeps on surpising us!
Dan Lane
22 Mar, 2010
That is pretty impressive, and by the sound of the report, it didnt take him much effort either.
lex
22 Mar, 2010
They look some pretty impressive and strenuous moves that Mary is doing on "Mary Jenning following pitch 4" photo... bludy 'ell Hats off, and a celebratory whisky, to all the team, Lex
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