Western vs Eastern Arthurs

[ryan77munro]

Hi All,

I am interested in people's thoughts on the difference in exposure between the Eastern vs Western Arthurs.

I completed the Eastern Arthurs traverse back in 07 and thoroughly enjoyed it and now I'm planning to complete the Western Arthurs traverse. I found parts of the southern traverse and climbing up Geeves window pretty full on but in the end completed it without any issues.

How does this compare with to say the descents down Lake Oberion or Mt Capricorn?

Thanks

[DaveNoble]

I assume you are taking about climbing exposure rather than exposure to the elements?

I think the section you mention on the Southern Traverse is worse that anything you will find in the Western Arthurs (unless you go off route - which does happen). Most WA exposure is more like what you get in the Four Peaks or at the top of Luckmans Lead. Parts of the traverse near Mt Capricorn and the Pegasus are a bit exposed.

Dave

[hobbitle]

I agre with DaveNoble.
Some of the descents are very very steep and slow but there was only one time where there was a fairly serious downclimb with not much to save you if you were to slip and fall backwards. And even so there was a fair bit of vegetation in your way.
WAs was totally amazing, just keep a sharp eye out for cairns and rocks blocking the old portions of the trail. If you miss these you could end up in some hairy spots


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[ryan77munro]

Thanks Dave, Yes talking about climbing exposure etc..

[roysta]

Through the Beggary Bumps is the place for the exposure

[north-north-west]

Descent of Capricorn and the split rock on Taurus were the worst for me. Beggaries didn't bother me - maybe just because it was foggy enough for me to not see how exposed it was.

[biggbird]

I remember going up Pegasus + coming down Taurus (split rock as NNW mentioned) were the more exposed bits for me. Buggeries weren't too bad, just sustained. We did manage to get lost briefly on The Dragon though, picking the wrong descent gully, which turned fairly slippery fairly quick, and essentially was a chute to nothing... Bit of fun climbing back up the muddy sides!

Personally, I didn't mind coming down off Capricorn too much, though it does look very improbable when looking back at it! Probably helps that I am 6'4"ish, with consequently longer legs than others. Taurus wasn't so much exposed as that it just required us to take off packs and lower them, with some fairly easy downclimbing. Others may be more comfortable with packs on.

[pazzar]

I remember going up Pegasus + coming down Taurus (split rock as NNW mentioned) were the more exposed bits for me. Buggeries weren't too bad, just sustained. We did manage to get lost briefly on The Dragon though, picking the wrong descent gully, which turned fairly slippery fairly quick, and essentially was a chute to nothing... Bit of fun climbing back up the muddy sides!

Personally, I didn't mind coming down off Capricorn too much, though it does look very improbable when looking back at it! Probably helps that I am 6'4"ish, with consequently longer legs than others. Taurus wasn't so much exposed as that it just required us to take off packs and lower them, with some fairly easy downclimbing. Others may be more comfortable with packs on.

So I'm not the only one that had route finding issues on The Dragon!

I found the Pegasus ascent a little tricky, but I was solo, and the rock squeeze is tricky with a pack on. I wasn't worried by any of the Beggaries, just allow plenty of time. Capricorn was fun - I imagine it could be quite precarious in bad weather, but it was dry when I came down it. I found the whole traverse much easier than the Eastern Arthurs though (I did cross from Hanging Lake to Stuart Saddle in a hail/snow storm though, and injured my back in the process). Western Arthurs are definitely up there with the best multi-day walks I have done in Tassie - enjoy it, and hopefully the weather gods are with you!