Name of venue

Struben's Valley, Johannesburg

Information courtesy of Grant Rens andwww.climb.co.za/wiki/index.php/Strubens_Valley

Brief summary of venue

This is a small crag near Johannesburg with an astonishing number of climbs - over 100 short sport routes and the odd trad line. Access is easy and grades range from easy to moderate, making it ideal for beginners and for training.  It’s usually quite busy on weekends.

Permit/ permission info

The crag is on public land, but due to security reasons there is an MCSA sponsored car guard with a panic button and security company support. Otherwise this venue is open to the general public.

Approximate travelling time from Johannesburg

The crag is situated in Roodepoort on the West Rand about half an hour’s drive from the general Randburg, Sandton area.

Parking information

Parking is on an open piece of ground 5 minutes walk below the crag. It is situated on Witwatersrand Road in the Strubens Valley area. Generally the area is safe during daylight hours on weekends, but care must be exercised when after hours or nearing dark as it is an open access piece of land. There is an MCSA sponsored car guard with a panic button and security company support present on weekends and public holidays. There is a nominal fee for his presence - currently R15 (2012).

Info on walk in

It’s a 5 minute uphill walk to the crag.

Accommodation

None available.  This is a day crag.

Availability of water for drinking

None available, so bring your own.

Climbing route guide

There is an internet route guide available on:www.climb.co.za/wiki/index.php?title=Strubens_Valley

There is also a print version: Crags of Gauteng published in 2003, but this may not be 100% up to date.

Climbing information

Strubens Valley consists of an upper and lower sector which have over 60 bolted and some less inspiring trad lines between them:

• Routes on the lower band are generally short with plenty of bolts, making it an excellent beginners’ crag.
• Among the Upper band crags, those that are overhanging at the base generally host the most strenuous and highest (thought never higher than 12 metres) routes.  Some of the lines on this band are traditional climbs.

Being almost east facing, the crag sees some sunlight in the morning but is usually shaded in the afternoon.

Note: There’s also a bouldering area close by, online guide:www.climb.co.za/topo/pdf/Strubens%20II%20Boulder.pdf

Child friendly

Generally this is a child friendly venue, but it is only a rock strewn hillside, so some care needs to be taken and children will have to be kept entertained.

Swimming

Camp fires

Dangers

Care needs to be taken to ensure that one is not there at dusk and that you are not the last climber at the crag, as this opens up opportunities for criminals.