Rocklands Sport Climbing - Crags of Joy - De Pakhuys

A small group of quality sport routes easily accessible from Fields of Joy Bouldering area; mix it up for a day of sport and bouldering with some quality characterful routes.

From great lower grades to a few excellent quality athletic mid grade routes in 7b range, and a few harder projects including 1 harder open project...let me know if you open it.

The crags look down over the boulders on contoured tiers over the farmed fields of De Pakhuys, and across to Alpha Excelsior accommodation and Hen House Restaurant.

With many orientations one can find sun / shade depending on the time of day, and the area is cooler than sun-exposed areas such as The Pass.

Some excellent new routes have been developed in the gullies; such as Facebook 6b+ as an excellent faceclimb, and Knife Fight, 7b+ offering shade and even 100% rain protection described as bouldering-on-a-rope.

After the first sport routes were developed at The Pass (Cedar Rouge, Sun Block Wall, Orange Plasma Wall) and better quality accommodation than municipal camp grounds was sought in the valley below, early climbers such as Guy Holwill and Michael Janata found De Pakhuys farm and accommodation and became friends with Thys Kruger who opened his farm up to climbers.

Thys recognised the opportunity for climbing - and drinking partners - and developed the climber friendly legacy that is the De Pakhuys camp area today, complete with lapa, massive covered braai area, ablutions, a dam, and hosting the annual Rock Rally complete with less than sober air-guitar themed dress-up competitions and general revelry.

Here's to you Thys; legend!