"Bladerunner offers a powerful single-pitch test on The Belfry’s massive corner, combining blocky overhangs with a challenging boulder problem crux. This 5.12a route invites climbers looking for strength, technique, and precise gear in the heart of British Columbia’s celebrated climbing region."
Bladerunner stakes its claim on the rugged face of The Belfry, offering climbers an intense dose of technical climbing within a single pitch. This sport route, rated 5.12a, launches you up a commanding corner where blocky overhangs push your strength and skill, demanding precision and composure. The wall leans slightly over you, creating an inviting but physical challenge as your hands grasp large, solid holds that feel both reassuring and decisive under tension. Midway, a subtle yet stiff boulder problem tests your ability to read the rock, requiring a powerful move that precedes the final bolted anchors. The route's fixed draws and ten well-spaced bolts provide confidence, while the main corner configuration makes for a dynamic texture of climbing moves ranging from smearing to locking off on chunky edges.
Located within a striking section of the Skaha Bluffs near Penticton, The Belfry offers a compelling mix of natural beauty and accessible sport climbing, wrapped in the clear air of British Columbia’s Okanagan region. Climbers arrive to find a towering wall that thrives in the afternoon sun, illuminating the rough granite and casting crisp shadows that define every jut and pocket. The trail to The Belfry is straightforward but packed with the scent of dry pine and the distant buzz of local wildlife, setting a focused mood for the ascent. Travel light but prepared—this route demands your full attention and gives back a rush of achievement when you clip the chains.
A day at The Belfry means balancing your ambition with readiness. Hydrate well and wear shoes with firm edging to navigate the steep corner and the subtle crimps of the crux. The route sits comfortably in the mid-grade sport realm but carries a raw edge that makes it rewarding for both improving climbers who crave solid 5.12 challenges and experienced senders looking to warm up or test their technique. Plan your approach to arrive in the early afternoon when the sun highlights the wall, avoiding gusts that can rise suddenly in this open landscape.
Bladerunner’s intimate length—just 80 feet—belies its character. It’s a route that asks you to engage fully with its overhangs and the delicate dance of body tension and resting positions. After sending, enjoy the crisp views of the valley below and the chance to explore more climbs in the nearby Skaha Bluffs, a hub of sport climbing known for diversity and quality. The route’s location in Canada’s vast wilderness offers both the thrill of tested granite and the peacefulness of nature, a pairing that makes Bladerunner an essential stop for climbers passing through the region.
Although protected by fixed bolts, the main overhang requires careful attention to foot placement and core tension to avoid swinging falls. The rock is solid but expect some sharp edges around the crux, so gloves and precise movement help reduce skin damage.
Aim to climb in the early afternoon when the wall is lit by the sun.
Wear shoes with excellent edging capability for the overhanging corner.
Bring plenty of water—the approach is dry and exposed.
Watch for the subtle but powerful boulder problem near the route’s roof section.
Bladerunner is equipped with ten fixed bolts and draws, ensuring secure quickdraw placements. The runout is minimal, allowing full focus on the climbing moves without worrying about protection gaps. Recommended gear includes a standard set of quickdraws suitable for sport routes.
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