Blow Me Down, affectionately called Jabo by locals in the remote community of Francois, stands as a striking 1,280-foot granite dome rising steeply from the edge of Devil’s Bay. This south-facing cliff delivers a blend of raw natural beauty and demanding granite ascents that create a climbing experience both invigorating and accessible for a range of skill levels. The clean, solid granite face is a beacon for climbers seeking a true wilderness challenge on the southwestern coast of Newfoundland.

Reaching Blow Me Down requires embracing its remoteness—ferries connect you from Hermitage or Burgeo to Francois, but the final leg to Devil’s Bay demands a boat charter, weaving you through the rugged coastal fjords that frame the climb. This isolation means climbers encounter powerful quiet and unspoiled wilderness, with the crashing sea as an unshakable soundtrack.

The climbing routes spread across about 20 established lines, offering grades from 5.9 up to 12c. The spectrum invites both confident intermediates looking for technical challenges and advanced climbers eager to push their limits on demanding routes like Betrayer of Hope, Leviathan, and Lucifer’s Lighthouse. Each route tests precision on the textured granite, rewarding those who respect the rock’s natural features and subtle grip changes.

The best climbing window stretches from July through September when the weather is most stable and fog minimum, providing warm, dry rock to grip. May and June can be climbable, but persistent fog and dampness often cloak the area, so timing your trip with weather forecasts is essential. July through September bring crisp days where sun warms the south-facing face, allowing for long days of climbing before the chill of evening sets in.

The approach itself is part of the adventure — navigating small boats through remote waters into Devil’s Bay immerses you in untouched Atlantic wilderness. Once onshore, hikes to the base of the dome are short but require careful planning to ferry gear safely across the bay’s shoreline.

Blow Me Down's granite is famously clean and smooth, demanding solid footwork and finger strength. Protection is primarily sport bolts, but bring a versatile rack as conditions can vary. The striking vertical lines and occasional bulges require endurance and technical finesse. Descending is typically done by rappelling; climbers should be prepared for multi-pitch rope management and safe anchor setups on this exposed dome.

Safety-wise, the area's isolation means rescue options are limited and weather can shift quickly, so climbers must carry emergency communication devices and plan thoroughly. The small community of Francois supports a welcoming spirit but climbing here is for those prepared to be self-reliant in a wild setting.

Classic climbs like Betrayer of Hope (5.12), Leviathan (5.12a), and Lucifer’s Lighthouse (5.12c) carry the reputation of being demanding but well-bolted challenges, sparking excitement for climbers hungry to test themselves on clean high-quality rock.

Whether you’re looking to journey into a quiet corner of the world where the ocean meets vertical granite or to push your grades on steep, exposed face climbs, Blow Me Down offers a true North Atlantic climbing experience framed by spectacular views and a connection to nature few places can match.

Pack thoughtfully, plan your transport carefully, and prepare for a wild climb where every handhold on this soaring granite dome reminds you that adventure here is earned.