5 Must do steep routes in the Hunter

If you’re a lactic addict, we’ve got five awesome routes you need to add to your Hunter tick list. There aren’t heaps of steep routes around the Hunter, but the ones that do exist are pretty good. And then there is The Cave at Bulahdelah. This list could be filled with 20 great steep routes do in The Cave, but there are other areas that have steep routes lurking around elsewhere. Here’s some of our favourites.

#1 – Piper’s well hung arete – 23

Pull out your lactic goggles and whack them on your face. This atmospheric pumper will get your heart going as the ocean crashes underneath.

#2 – Black Leg Miner – 25

This arguably THE steep route to do in the Hunter, what a classic! 35m of roof climbing with a lay down rest, heaps of knee bars, and the crux at the last bolt. Make sure you eat your weetbix before this one.

#3 – Foghorn Leghorn – 27

Another classic Bulahdelah pumper. In Feig’s Cave, slap slimey slopers all the way out.

#4 – Grandad vs. the Goanna – 23

A great introduction steep Bulahdelah climbing. Some burly moves through to a super jug rest in the middle, don’t get complacent though. Getting to the anchors provides plenty of excitement.

#5 – Grimy Worm Tongue – 24

Not the most glamorous on the list but worthwhile nonetheless. Only 5 minutes drive across town at Glenrock, this little pumper will frustrate you. Fun climbing up a steep arete, with big moves between jugs, then the business just before the anchor.

There are plenty more steep things to dangle on and get pumped senseless in the cave at Bulahdelah. But being acquired taste we only added the one route. For more info on the other classic routes in the cave you’ll have to grab a copy of the new Hunter Guidebook when it arrives!