Free State
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Often thought to be a flat province but there is actually unlimited outcrops of sandstone mountains sometimes over 200m high. The dominant rock formation in the Free State is cave sandstone (geologically known as Clarens-formation sandstone), which is rather soft and not so good for traditional climbing, but has numerous excellent bolted routes. Harrismith (Mnt Everest Reserve) & Swinburne offer good sport routes and bouldering in secure and beautiful settings.
Climbing Areas in the Free State
| Area Name | Featured Image | Climbing Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrismith | Multi-pitch Sport & some bouldering | There are currently about 140 fully bolted sport routes at Mount Everest (Harrismith). These range in grade from 7 to 29 (up to 7c+), the majority are below grade 20 (6b) so this is the perfect place for beginner and moderate grade climbers. | |
| Langberg | image needed | Single-pitch Sport climbing | Sport Climbing near Vrede. +/-30 routes, grades up to 29/7c+. Short routes on soft Sandstone. |
| Little Rock | image needed | Single-pitch Sport climbing | description needed |
| Swinburne | Multi-pitch Sport & bouldering | This is a beautiful area that offers good bouldering and sport climbing including long multi-pitch climbs. The area is currently being developed and there is plenty of scope for new development. At present grades vary from 11 to 29. | |
| Thaba Nchu | Sport & bouldering | Thaba Nchu has 12 bolted routes, most of them with grades perfect for beginners | |
| Wow Prow | Single-pitch sport & bouldering | This is a beautiful area that offers good bouldering and sport climbing. The area is currently being developed and there is plenty of scope for new development. At present grades vary from 16 to 33. | |
| Umpukane | Multi and single -pitch sport & bouldering | This is a beautiful area that offers good bouldering and sport climbing. The area is currently being developed and there is plenty of scope for new development. |
PDF Topo Downloads for Climbing Areas in the Free State
http://www.climbing.co.za/topo/south-africa/free-state/