Perched on the rugged Main Face of Flatrock along Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula, Scarlet Fever offers a sharp, one-pitch trad experience that combines straightforward route-finding with subtle technical challenges. Beginning at the familiar start shared with Yellow Fever, this route veers left and upward, tracing a line that tests steady hands and calm feet. Just before a compact roof, you’ll make a decisive move right, traversing beneath the overhang in a contained but committing section that brings you back to Yellow Fever’s path for a shared finish. The climb stretches roughly 90 feet, delivering a steady vertical push on solid granite with pockets of friction that reward precise footwork and smooth gear placements. Protection is standard—not too sparse yet requiring confidence with gear up to one inch. The natural features offer plenty of cracks and edges, but the crux comes as you negotiate the roof’s shadow, demanding balance and composure.

The granite face here holds a cool, tactile grit under your fingertips, while the Atlantic breeze carries the scent of salt and spruce from the shoreline far below. The area sits just outside the village of Flatrock, where local fishing boats drift idle on glassy waters. Hikers and climbers moving around this section will find the approach approachable yet quietly wild: a mix of mossy trails and rocky steps unfolding over about 15 minutes from the parking area. Rappel anchors wait patiently at the top, offering a straightforward descent back to solid ground.

Scarlet Fever’s moderate 5.9 PG13 rating aligns well with other nearby traditional climbs, but climbers should note the roof traverse introduces a moment that can push the grade beyond the apparent number if gear placements or calm nerves slip. This route is perfect for those looking to sharpen crack climbing skills while flowing through a scenic, uncluttered setting. Given the coastal exposure, gear choices should lean on lighter, corrosion-resistant options combined with a vigilant eye for weather shifts. Summer and early fall provide the best window for dry rock and comfortable temperatures, with morning climbs favored to avoid afternoon sun glare.

For anyone ready to move beyond sport crags and embrace Newfoundland’s granite heritage, Scarlet Fever delivers a compact but memorable slice of trad climbing. Prepare to engage focus and technique, and you’ll find this climb a solid step in building confidence and enjoying the raw character of the Avalon cliffs.