Graigola

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Graigola
Rock Type Quarried Sandstone
Climbing Style Sport
Approach Time
Area Sandstone
Sub Area Sandstone Far Western Valleys
Geodata
WGS-84 Location 51.69682, -3.86663
OS Grid Ref. SN 710 014
WGS-84 Parking Location 51.69682, -3.86663
GR Parking Location SN 710 014
Parking Postcode SA7 9JG
Base Elevation 104 metres (SRTM Estimation)
General Info
Faces Direction
Aspect
Wind Sheltered
Climbing Type
Seepage
Crags Within 5.0 km

Craig Cwm, Craig y Pal-Glais, Drumau Road, Dyffryn Woods Crag, Gelliwastad, Graigola, Neath Abbey Quarry



Graigola

Preamble

Worth a visit if in the area.

A steep overlapping wall tucked away in a hollow in the woods above a mine adit; which contributes a constant cool breeze. It contains a small number of steep and tall middle grade routes in a 'Lost World' atmosphere.

It is reasonably quick to dry after the winter and the routes can remain dry even in light rain.

Realistically, the tree cover and lack of traffic does not make this a quick hit venue. Locals would be advised to spend a day with chainsaws to permit light and and then to brush the routes and check all hangers are present before inviting further traffic.

Access

From the A4067, B4291 roundabout at Glais, follow the B4291 towards Glais and take the first left to a minor road (Ynys-Y-Mond Road) running parallel to the A4067.

About 1 mile down the road and just past a red postbox, is a lane, cutting back sharply to the right and leading to a row of cottages. Park here.

Walk up past the cottages, then strike up and then left on a good path through the woods. Follow the path above a ruined building for 50 m when the crag is reached.

Graigola at Dusk. Photograph: Alan Rosier.

Routes

Topo Graigola.jpg

From the left...

  1. Tucker's Project
    The overhanging fin.

  2. Black Gold - E4, 5c
    Two hangers are missing, hence the trad grade, can be finished up Asset Gripper as an easier (read safer) alternate finish.

  3. Asset Gripper - Fr.6b
    A slabby start leads to a committing swing around the flying arête.

  4. Jenga Chimney - Fr. 5+
    A couple of hangers are missing?

  5. Gentle Tom - Fr. 6a+ *
    The sharp arête, entertaining throughout.

The Map



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