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Windsor Crag

Type
Altitude
298m
Part of

History: On the spur rising above the suburb of Richmond Hill is a Trig Point -Windsor Castle 298m which is a popular view point & the site of Windsor Crag.
The 2011 earthquakes combined with some access issues have depleted the number of multi-pitch climbs available in Christchurch. Three single pitch climbs were established in 2016 & although it is a small crag an idea evolved to create a user friendly multi -pitch instructional/recreation venue.
This crag has been developed by Ara / Te Pūkenga Institute of Canterbury & Christchurch City Council Rangers
Environment: The climbs have been created without removing native flora. Any further development is prohibited & will result in closure of the crag.
The crag is east facing hence exposed to NE & Southerly winds but sheltered from the NW.
To avoid destroying flora at the top of the cliff climbers must abseil from the top anchors which are positioned below these vulnerable areas.
All pitches have between 3 to 5 bolts & there are 2 ground level anchor practice set ups at the northern end. There are 2 abseil anchor set ups on the top of the crag specifically to enable instructors to supervise proceedings from an abseil.
Bring your camera.
NOTE - 5/2/24 - care required on the second pitch of 'Legoto', as there is a large , hollow block above the second bolt - don't pull on the block too much, it can be avoided by using holds out to the left when climbing past it.

Walktime
10 to 15 mins.
Aspect
East
Topo50
795 747
Access

Easiest approach is to park at Richmond Hill car park on the summit road( big shingle lay away by the pine trees and if going up Mt Pleasant Road, turn left at the top and drive for a few minutes as if heading towards Evans Pass ) & follow the upper farm track to the Trig point ,through a couple of gates/stiles along the way ( there will be a farm building to your left- keep rightwards on track).To access the climbs from the Trig,descend via the seaward/northern ( left) end through an obvious, easy rock gully down to the base of the Crag & this will avoid creating erosion at the southern end.
Access is through a working farm on Christchurch Council land & is a popular walking area, leave gates as you find them. The second stile just above the crag has been specially put in by council for ease of access for climbers.

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Routes

Reference Title Grade Length Pro Quality Operations
A Prelude 13 20m
0
B Ravel’s 16 20m
0
C Bolero 14 20m
0
D Legato 13 20m
0
E Concert Pitch 16 18m
0
F Blue Blood 15 15m
0
G Glass Ceiling 15 12m
0
H Bartizan 17 12m
0
Comments
Files
Name
Photo route up dates A2.pdf
UUID
 
7ea1a26b-8c7b-4c5c-b270-103d30cd7ca8