Aspect and Weather
Pipe Bridge is north facing so should receive sun all day, but the sides of the gorge cast long shadows in the morning and afternoon which serve as great times to climb. In winter when its cold, the warm sun makes being at the crag totally bearable. A good place to climb when its overcast but not in the rain.
Climbing
Most routes at Pipe Bridge are vert and technical, requiring a person to stand on their feet and hold crimps. This is all but the left-most routes that go through the two metre roof which are more powerful but still have a large technical aspect.
Base
The base is generally quite flat and comfortable. The river that runs next to the crag is perfectly drinkable. This area has been overrun by wattle in recent years, please feel free to destroy them
This area of Van Stadens is significantly wilder than the rest of it. Keep a lookout for small antelope, porcupine and other wild animals.
Please do not relieve yourself near the water-source.
Approach
From the parking follow the dirt road passed some houses on your left, the road turns to a 4x4 track. Follow this track into the gorge as it turns to a steep concrete road. Walk down the road, passed the water pump-house and down the stairs. Head upstream up a small ladder and onto a small dam wall. Follow the wall left, turning right off the wall onto a narrow track and follow this track staying left of the river for around 200m. Climb the 3 concrete steps on a rocky slab and then cross the river after about 10m on some large rocks. Track right of the pools and up the right side of the slab ramp. After another 30/40m keep an eye for a path on the right side that traverses up the large hill in front of you. The path takes you up a hill that overlooks the dam to your left. Follow the path over the hill and down the other side until you reach a pipe carrying bridge. Scramble down toward the bridge and then down a small ladder. At the riverbed go up river crossing it once. Pipe Bridge will be on your right after about 150m.
Descent
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