"A Feat of Flailing Feet balances straightforward blocky climbing with an offwidth crux that demands careful footwork and composure. Perfect for trad climbers honing their crack skills in Welsford's rugged cliffs."
A Feat of Flailing Feet challenges climbers with a deceptively straightforward approach that quickly reveals a technical core. The route begins with a blocky corner that offers manageable holds and steady progress, inviting climbers to find their rhythm and settle into the climb. As you gain height, the wall shifts character, forcing a demanding move into an offwidth crack framed by a solid but untested flake. This crux demands both precise footwork and confident body positioning, testing your ability to balance power and finesse. The rock’s texture offers enough friction to keep you steady, but the offwidth demands respect—the flake inside looks reliable, yet it’s wise to stay cautious and not lean on it too heavily.
Located in the Cochrane Lane Cliffs area of Welsford, New Brunswick, this 80-foot single-pitch climb offers an accessible adventure just outside town amid rugged cliffs that steadily expose the raw edge of the landscape. With an average grade of 5.9, it sits comfortably within reach of climbers ready to push into offwidth techniques, without overwhelming novices.
The approach to the wall is straightforward, easing through mixed forest with firm footing and minimal bushwhacking. The surrounding environment serves up subtle auditory cues—a breeze threading through pine needles and distant calls of wildlife—adding a quiet soundtrack to your climb. The tree anchor at the top allows a simple, secure descent, ensuring safety once you top out.
For gear, bring a standard trad rack emphasizing hand and finger-sized cams for tighter placements, and medium-sized gear to secure the wider offwidth section. Testing placements beforehand is critical; while the flake feels sound, it’s not a primary support element. Planning your ascent with patience and measured moves will pay off, balancing forward momentum against moments demanding deliberate lock-offs.
Whether you’re stepping beyond sport climbing into traditional crack systems or refining your technique on offwidth challenge, this climb offers a practical test of skill wrapped in approachable terrain. It’s an ideal training ground that neither hides nor exaggerates its difficulty but instead invites steady application and thoughtful rope work.
Exercise caution climbing the offwidth—while the flake inside seems stable, it should not be fully trusted as a primary hold. Use the tree anchor at the top for a secure rappel and avoid downclimbing exposed sections to minimize risk.
Test all offwidth placements carefully—don't trust the flake fully under load.
Approach trail is firm and clear; expect a 15-minute walk from the nearest road.
Bring gloves if your skin is sensitive—offwidth cracks can be abrasive.
Descend using the set tree anchor; avoid downclimbing the offwidth section.
Standard trad rack with a focus on hand and finger-sized cams, complemented by medium gear for the offwidth. Tree anchor at the top simplifies descent.
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