Four new routes and two retrobolted trad routes added to the selection of sport routes on Wied Babu’s West Side.

Over the last few months there’s been lots of route development going on at Babu West Side, adding a total of 6 fully bolted sport climbing routes to the range already on offer. These routes are great additions to the previously limited selection of bolted routes available, especially now that the warmer months are with us. Wied Babu’s West Side is in the shade from the middle of the afternoon, and is generally cooled by a refreshing sea breeze – just the ticket for climbing during a balmy summer evening.

Over the winter Nicola Gatti and friends from the Malta Rock Climbing Club added four routes, two of them brand new additions, and another two being retro bolted trad routes.

More recently Arpad Vas and Bence Rottar bolted another two new routes of intermediate difficulty, tackling the unlikely bouldery overhangs of West Side.

Route details as follows:

She’s Tough 6c+ / 7a, 22m, 7 titanium bolts

Upward Dog 6c, 22m, 6 titanium bolts + titanium ring lower off

Whilst we’re on the subject of West Side – don’t try to use a compass to find it, or you’ll get lost – take a look at this screen grab from Google Maps and you’ll see that the area we climbers call West Side should be called North West side 😉

As with all new routes, grades are subjective to the first ascensionist’s impressions, and may be revised with time. Needless to say, new routes are also prone to have loose rock until all the doubtful holds have been removed, so wearing a helmet is advised.

Equipment for the two new routes by Arpad and Bence was provided by the Malta Climbing Club Bolt fund. If you’d like to support the MCC Bolt Fund you can click here.