Face Mecca | E9 Trad climb at Clogwyn Du'r Arddu

United Kingdom / Wales / Caernarfon
UKClimbing.com
Contributors
duncancritchley
12 contributions since 2nd October 2025.
remus
7 contributions since 6th January 2021.
TdG
2 contributions since 3rd October 2025.

Pics + Vids

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Ascents

3 successful ascents recorded.

Climber Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
First ascent. With Darrel Crilley.

I'd practiced the crux on abseil many times, and after leaving the belay with just one krab on my belt, it flowed as in a dream until I was on the upper wall after committing through a 6b sequence (15ft above the poor lower-only RURPs and 70ft above the belay). I found moves to finish that I hadn't practiced; why?, why? In desperation, now fully here and awake, I slapped and groped with a pylon's span of rope between me and a grinning Darril [belayer]. [1]

References

[1] Dixon, N. (2004). Clogwyn Dur Arddu: Climbers' Club Guide to Wales, page 187. United Kingdom: Climbers' Club.
Second ascent.

Fearsome, snappy, technical and sustained - scared myself to death. E9, 6c. Good grade, great route, the best experience for years. [1]

References

[1] Dixon, N. (2004). Clogwyn Dur Arddu: Climbers' Club Guide to Wales, page 187. United Kingdom: Climbers' Club.
Third ascent.

It's a fantastic bit of climbing, very Nick Dixon, I used about five thumb spraggs on it and it has quite knacky manoeuvres. Glad I never tried to onsight it as I wouldn't have got very far and the finish would be gnarly if you didn't know it as the peg and rurp would rip in a fall which would give a very big fall.

I was happy to do it in a day. Pete Hurley had brought up a spare beer as well. [2]

References

[1] https://www.climber.co.uk/news/news/james-mchaffie-repeats-face-mecca-e9/

[2] https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2016/06/face_mecca_e9_6c_for_james_mchaffie-70510