Welcome to Malhamba - Into the unknown.

Sand Bay Area - Brae Boulders

By Nic Ward

Situation

The boulders are situated half a kilometre south of Sand Bay car park, in a stunning setting looking across to Raasay and Rona. GF 686 487.

Approach and Access

Heading north towards Sand Bay from Applecross Village, the road drops to a car park firstly, then a hideously steep brae ensues. 50m before the top of the brae, park on the left and ensure your car is not encroaching on the road too much. In future, should popularity grow, parking may have to be at the car park below, and approach up the hill.

The Boulders

There are currently 2 boulders on which there are documented climbs. They consist of Torridonian Sandstone. The upper of the pair is a huge roof which is comprised of disappointing rock on the underside, but above the lip is good. The lower boulder is an obvious block 20m south which consists of perfect rock and climbing to match. On the up-hill side is a slab, and facing the road is a 10º overhanging wall littered with small sloping breaks. Nothing is highball in nature but a pad is essential as the ground is somewhat broken and spotters are few and far between!

Upper Boulder

1. Braelle Trail – V4 6a; Start at the obvious low jug 3m from the right hand end of the roof. Traverse leftwards along the lip toward the arête and top out staying just to the right.

2. Braece Yourself – V2 5c; Near the right hand end where the space under the roof begins to increase again, there is a jug at the back. Start here, pull to the jug on the lip, and turn the roof to top out.

Lower Boulder

The problems are described from left to right.

1. Braerut – V3 6a; Start toward the left hand end of the slab. Start lying-down. Pull on using small crimps and cunning heel work to finish slightly right via a large obvious hold at the top.

2. No Braener – V3 6a; Sit start with hands and feet on the obvious large jug right of the arête. Climb the arête on its right and top out.

3. Braeby Back Ribs – V4 6a; Brilliant. Sit start with hands on the same large hold as the previous problem, and right foot further back on this feature in a heel-toe cam. Pull over and climb the wall on a series of sloping breaks, avoiding the arêtes, finishing on the jug on the lip. An eliminate of this is described as follows;

4. Holy Braeil – V5/6 6b; A great problem if slightly contrived. Start on the same hold, see the bottom diagram for the numbers. Finish on the same jug.