PROPERTIES — GAUTENG
Strubens Valley
"If you think you’ve peaked, find a new mountain."
Venue Information
Venue Overview | This is a small crag near Johannesburg with an astonishing number of climbs – over 100 short sport routes and the odd trad line. Access is easy and grades range from easy to moderate, making it ideal for beginners and for training. It’s usually quite busy on weekends. |
Permit / Permission info | The crag is on public land. Otherwise this venue is open to the general public. |
Approx travel time from Jhb | The crag is situated in Roodepoort on the West Rand about half an hour’s drive from the Randburg, Sandton area. |
Parking info | Parking is on an open piece of ground 5 minutes walk below the crag, and also at the local Spar and then walk up to the crag. Situated on Witwatersrand Road in Strubens Valley. Generally the area is safe during daylight hours on weekends, but care must be exercised when after hours or nearing dark. |
Walk-in | 5 minute uphill walk to the crag, or 20 minutes from the Spar. |
Accommodation | None available. This is a day crag. |
Availability of drinking water | Bring your own water. |
Climbing route guide | Available on: www.climb.co.za Print version: Crags of Gauteng (2003), but may not be 100% up to date. |
Climbing info | Strubens Valley consists of an upper and lower sector which have over 60 bolted and some less inspiring trad lines between them: Routes on the lower band are generally short with plenty of bolts, making it an excellent beginners’ crag. Among the Upper band crags, those that are overhanging at the base generally host the most strenuous and highest (though never higher than 12m) routes. Some of the lines on this band are traditional climbs. Being almost east facing, the crag sees some sunlight in the morning but usually shaded in the afternoon. NB: There’s a bouldering area close by. |
Child-friendly | Generally this is a child-friendly venue, but it is only a rock strewn hillside, so some care needs to be taken and children will have to be kept entertained. |
Swimming | No |
Camp fires | No |
Other attractions | No |
Danger | Care needs to be taken to ensure that one is not there at dusk and that you are not the last climber at the crag, as this opens up opportunities for criminals. |
Contact details | |
Disclaimer
Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking and other related activities are inherently dangerous and can lead to or cause serious injury, material loss and even death. The Mountain Club of South Africa advises that you only participate in these activities if you are competent to do so, or are under the guidance of an experienced person, and you are using the correct equipment. Any activity in which you participate, is done entirely at your own risk. The Mountain Club of South Africa accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for any accident, injury, death or material loss arising from participation in MCSA activities, no matter in what manner caused and whether allegedly due to negligence or not.