The MRCC is always active looking for new opportunities to develop this sport we love, on this rock-rich island we also love. The latest finding is a totally new crag in Mosta Valley (where just traces of trad activity remained from Andrew Warrington’s youth ?). Profiting from the good spring weather (finally), 3 routes have already been bolted and equipped with chains: “The Scimitar of Damocles” 6A (technical), “The tufa boss/moss” 6B (if you know the tricks, otherwise harder) and “The Lord of the Underclings” 6C (very nice moves all on reverse holds, as the name says). The latter two can be combined into one pitch or climbed separately as two pitches, see the picture on the side.
Several more route possibilities will be developed in the near future, ranging from the low 5s to the 7s (French grading). The name of the new crag is “Cats’ Arches”, due to the nearby arches of an old bridge and to the cat-like surname of at least two participants in the crag development.
Text: Nicola Gatti
Pictures: by participants of the crag development
