Scurvy: A Bold Climb Along Greenlaw’s Rugged Walls

Greenlaw, Canada
undercling
technical face
single pitch
sport
traverse
ledges
quick clips
Length: 70 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Scurvy
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Scurvy offers a compelling 70-foot ascent that weaves through technical face climbing and clever undercling sequences. Ideal for climbers seeking a focused challenge amidst the quiet wilderness of Greenlaw, this route balances stiff moves with thoughtful protection."

Scurvy: A Bold Climb Along Greenlaw’s Rugged Walls

Scurvy unfolds as a single-pitch sport climb that challenges your skill with a compact yet demanding 70-foot ascent. This route threads its way up a sharply angled face within the Greenlaw climbing region, located in New Brunswick, Canada—a place where dense forest meets rugged stone and the pulse of adventure beats steadily. As you approach from the base, the large, weathered stump nearby anchors your starting point, a natural marker standing guard by the climb’s edge. The first moves test your footwork and balance on tricky face holds, requiring a deliberate approach before you latch onto an undercling flake that draws you leftward on a subtle traverse.

The climb shifts character here—gripping into underclings that compel you to move dynamically along a gently curving line, the rock’s texture shifting beneath your fingers as you edge towards a small corner. Once you crest the corner, the holds improve noticeably, inviting a steadier pace and more confident movements. A vertical seam appears to your left—a defining feature that helps orient you as you push upward and rightward to work onto a modest ledge, where quick clips mark your progress.

Anchors for the adjacent Lemonade route hover just out of direct reach on your left, a hint of the company this climb keeps within the crag. The rock, solid yet occasionally demanding precision, rewards careful placements and offers a high-quality bolt-protected experience. This climb demands respect from climbers comfortable in the upper 5.11 range, combining technical face moves with a touch of route-finding that keeps the mind engaged as much as the body.

Approaching Greenlaw itself means stepping into a quietly rugged part of New Brunswick, where dense evergreen stands cloak the landscape. The climb’s setting is serene but not isolated; it’s a destination for those eager to push their limits without losing touch with nature’s softer textures—the whisper of wind through branches, the occasional birdcall breaking the stillness, and the cool scent of forest floor underfoot.

Prepare for the ascent with solid climbing shoes that balance sensitivity with grip, and ensure your quickdraws are ready to negotiate the bolts spaced thoughtfully along the route. A tape for extending placements comes in handy to reduce rope drag on the traverse, while a calm mindset helps you navigate the crux moves on the face section. Whether it’s your first time on sustained 5.11 or your hundredth, Scurvy delivers a compact, focused experience that rewards steady technique and a keen eye for the line.

Timing your climb in late spring through early fall offers the best conditions—rock warmed by sun yet cooled by regular shade patches—and avoids the dampness that can settle in shoulder seasons. The straightforward descent by lowering off the anchors keeps things simple, letting you savor the satisfaction of a well-earned send before stepping back into the cool embrace of the forest.

Scurvy stands as a testament not just to physical challenge but also to the quiet, relentless beauty of climbing on natural stone, where every hold and movement calls you to engage fully with the rock and the landscape around you.

Climber Safety

Although bolt protection is dependable, expect the rock’s edges to test your foot placements. Wet conditions can lower friction noticeably, so avoid climbing when damp or after rainfall. Be vigilant on the traverse to maintain control, especially where holds narrow.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length70 feet

Local Tips

Start just left of the corner crack near the large tree stump to find the best launch point.

Use tape or an extended draw on the undercling traverse to reduce drag and keep movements smooth.

Plan your pace to conserve energy for the technical face moves early in the climb.

Aim to climb between late spring and early fall for dry rock and comfortable temperatures.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.11d
Quality
Consensus:Rated at 5.11d, Scurvy demands precise technique on its technical face climbing sections and a complex undercling traverse. While the bolt protection is reliable, the moves are sustained and require focused effort; it sits comfortably in the upper intermediate to advanced spectrum. Climbers familiar with similar 5.11 sport routes in New Brunswick will find it a worthy test without extreme overreach.

Gear Requirements

The climb is protected exclusively by bolts with quick-clip anchor setups. Bring a standard sport rack including several quickdraws and a couple of extension slings to manage rope drag on traverses.

Share Your Ascent

Upload your photos of Scurvy and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.

Tags

undercling
technical face
single pitch
sport
traverse
ledges
quick clips