"Lost but Never Forgotten is a clean, well-protected 5.5 trad climb following a clear corner on Eagle Rock’s Top Shelf. With a storied past tied to local climbers, this approachable route offers dependable protection and a satisfying line ideal for trad climbers of all skill levels."
Carved into the rugged face of Eagle Rock, the trad climb Lost but Never Forgotten offers a straightforward yet deeply satisfying 60-foot line along a clean corner on the Top Shelf ledge. The route follows an obvious corner crack that demands attention not for its complexity but for its pure, accessible climbing—gripping edges and hand-sized fissures that invite steady progression and confident gear placement. For climbers seeking a solid 5.5 with well-spaced protection, this climb delivers a dependable experience backed by the security of a standard rack. The rock’s texture is firm and inviting, providing tactile feedback as you move upward through a sequence of natural rests and subtle moves.
Stepping onto the Top Shelf, you’ll feel the solid presence of Eagle Rock surrounding you—a place where the granite commands respect without intimidation. The corner itself sits at the back of a ledge that gently exposes the route to fresh air and filtered sunlight, casting warm glints on the rock’s surface. This quiet sector of New Brunswick’s climbing landscape offers a chance to connect with rock and tradition, climbing a route that bears a meaningful legacy.
Lost but Never Forgotten is more than just a climb—it’s a tribute. Initially ascended in 2012 by Cory Hall and Ian Lingley, the route lingered in obscurity due to loose debris and unkempt conditions. It was reclaimed and cleaned in late 2016 by Josh Shewbridge, who, alongside Greg Hughes and Ian Lingley, gave the climb its name as a heartfelt remembrance of Hall. That history adds a palpable depth to the climb, a reminder of the shared human spirit that animates the rock.
The approach is brief and accessible: just a short hike onto the Top Shelf ledge where this corner juts unmistakably. The terrain underfoot is stable but expect the occasional loose stone on the trail, requiring steady footing. The route’s moderate length and gentle difficulty make it ideal for climbers refining their trad skills or locals hungry for a clean, low-stress day on the rock.
Gear-wise, a standard rack covers the protection needs—cams and nuts that fit the corner’s moderate crack sizes. The placements come easily, offering security without deceptively tricky spots. Be mindful that the rock, while clean, can have occasional patches of lichen; a quick brush before leading helps ensure reliable holds.
This route rewards climbers with the quiet satisfaction of clean, purposeful climbing on solid granite, paired with the kind of history that holds the climbing community together. Lost but Never Forgotten invites you to stand on the shoulders of those before you, to climb steady and with respect for the place and those it honors.
While protection is generally solid, loose debris lingered historically—brush holds and inspect placements carefully, especially after wet weather. The ledge approach is stable but uneven; watch for loose stones underfoot.
Approach with sturdy boots; trail sections may have loose rock.
Brush the holds lightly to clear moss or lichen before leading.
Start early to enjoy soft morning light on the Top Shelf.
Carry a standard trad rack emphasizing medium-sized cams for the corner.
A standard trad rack with cams and nuts covering typical finger-to-hand-sized cracks is sufficient. The protection is straightforward, with solid gear placements throughout the corner making it a secure climb for those comfortable placing traditional gear.
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