Constellation

Tucked amongst a host of popular routes is this seldom done testpiece which deserves more traffic. Although listed as five pitches, and at the top possible to link into adjoining routes, a popular option is to rap off after the end of the fourth pitch to avoid the loose rock on the last pitch.

The third pitch is exceptionally good and were it closer to the ground would almost certainly see the traffic it deserves.

P1) Climb up the center of the slab linking crack features with somewhat runout face climbing to a belay atop a ledge. (5.8 PG)

P2) Climb a crack then move up and left past a bolt to gain another crack/flake and another small ledge with a bush. (5.10b)

P3) Intricate climbing up a series of cracks/flakes and over a small roof/overlap culminating in a tricky leftwards traverse with the hardest moves just before the belay at a stance. Long slings are helpful on this wandering but excellent quality pitch (5.11c)

P4) A short entirely bolt protected pitch with the hardest moves coming before reaching a small belay ledge. (5.12a)

P5) Face climb up and then right to a weakness through the roof above and then challenging climbing up over another roof with a runout finish (5.10a R) to a stance with bolts. There is some loose rock on this pitch which should be trundled to make it safer. (5.11d R)

Unless continuing to the top via an adjoining route make three (3) rappels from the top of the 5th (or 4th) pitch using two (2) 60 meter ropes.

Located on the narrow face between

The Swallow

and

The Consolation

.

Gear to 2.5 inches, bolts, slings