Upper Walls

(6 routes)

Place info

Upper Walls

(6 routes)

n/a

South
Aspect
2100m
Altitude

Map, Topo

Type:

Wall

Aspect:

South

Altitude:

2100m

n/a

Access:

To reach these routes, scramble up scree until you can traverse across the big shelf above the Hourglass
Wall. Be aware that snow may be present on the summit and on the descent to the col between Cloudy
and Ferrar Peaks.

Reference	Name	Grade	Quality	Length
GP	The Great Prow	3+ 14 , 11 , 11 , 13 , 11 , 11 , 11 , 14 , 12	2.01	350m
	This striking buttress is clearly seen from far down in the Havelock Valley. The first ascent climbed a steep gully north of the Hourglass Wall to reach the Prow, but since then it has been accessed from the shelf to the right (as described). Start just to the right of the prow of the buttress on steep cracks. The pitch descriptions are somewhat generalised and should not be taken too literally. There are doubtless several variants. From the top of the route scramble easily to the summit of Cloudy Peak in about 30 minutes. Just before the summit, a ridge (South East Ridge) joins from the right which leads to the col between Cloudy and Ferrar Peaks and a long scree slope back to the Cloudy Stream valley. There is often a patch of snow near the top which may have to be traversed. Climb steep cracks with a small bulge about 15m up (crux). Follow the line of the buttress on broken rock with deviations where necessary. As above. Move out right to avoid a smooth section, and then up short steep crack to rejoin the ridge. Skirt the prominent overhang on the left. Continue up, generally following the line of the Prow. As above From the crest move left into a steep, broken gully with grey rock, and follow the left crack. Continue up the same line on easier rock to the shoulder of the Prow. John Entwisle, Chris Moore, 1979
Ps	Prowess	3 19	1.02	350m
	The huge, smooth red wall. Steve Elder, Bill McLeod, 1990
MC	McC’s Crack	3 15	0	350m
	Takes the prominent chimney, although it’s often necessary to climb slabs on either side to avoid loose rock. About 11 pitches, with the climbing easier and the rock looser towards the top. Roger Garrett, Richard Struthers, 1980
QD	The Quick and the Dead	4	0	200m
	Mixed climbing, thin ice, marginal pro. Five pitches. Brian Alder, Dave Fearnley, 1990
ND	Needle Direct	3 16	2.01	200m
	The Needle is a striking feature of the bluffs below the South West Ridge, just right of the Great Prow. Scramble up scree gullies for about 50m to the start. Mostly climb the crack just left of the arête. Five ptiches. Abseil off the top into a rotten gully, then scramble to the main ridge. Marty Beare, Lindsay Main, 1980
	Windwhistle Arête	21	0	60m
	‘Obvious sharp arête left of substantial face heading to the South West Ridge, two fixed pegs.’ Steve Elder 1990