Coombs | Grahamstown

Joe Maclennan traversing over from the top of the slot on Heartbeat ~ 1978/79. Photo thanks to Joe Maclennan collection.

Climber climbing at Coombs on Mama-Mut (21). Photo thanks Derek Marshall.

Joe Maclennan leading up the overhanging slot above the cave on Heartbeat ~ 1978/79. Photo thanks to Joe Maclennan collection.

Ben Maclennan on the delicate moves below the final prow of Heartbeat, belayed by Joe Maclennan ~ 1978/79. Photo thanks to Joe Maclennan collection.

Climber climbing at Mama Cave, Coombs, climbing on Mama-Mut (21). Photo thanks Derek Marshall.

Climber climbing at Mama Cave, Coombs, climbing on Mama-Mut (21). Photo thanks Derek Marshall.

Joe (L) & Don (R) Maclennan in the cave at the beginning of Heartbeat ~ 1978/79. Photo thanks to Joe Maclennan collection.

Joe Maclennan tiptoe-ing on the edge of the abyss to the delicate moves below the final prow of Heartbeat ~ 1978/79. Photo thanks to Joe Maclennan collection.

Don (seated) & Ben Maclennan at the top of Heartbeat Buttress after the first ascent of Heartbeat ~ 1978/79. Photo thanks to Dave Maclennan.

Gavin Stewart (L) & Dave Maclennan (R) on the top of the eastern end of the climbing area looking across the gorge ~ 1978/79. Photo thanks to Dave Maclennan collection.

Climbers at Mama Cave at Coombs. Photo thanks Derek Marshall.

Gavin Stewart belaying Don Maclennan up a climb in Coombs Gorge ~ 1978/79. Photo thanks to Dave Maclennan.

Climbers at Mama Cave at Coombs. Photo thanks Derek Marshall.

Don Maclennan (seated) & Gavin Stewart taking a tea break down in the valley in Coombs Gorge ~ 1978/79. Photo thanks to Dave Maclennan.

Gavin Stewart watching a ripped Don Maclennan check out the start of a new route ~ 1978/79. Photo thanks to Dave Maclennan.

Terence Trevaskis at Cave of Hands in Coombs Gorge. Not sure what he is smoking, but it smelled like black-jack. Photo thanks Derek Marshall.

Terence Trevaskis checking out a nice overhanging face in the upstream section of Coombs Gorge. Photo thanks Derek Marshall.

Dixon Cave, Derek Marshall exploring Coombs Gorge. Photo thanks Derek Marshall.

Terence Trevaskis checking out the hand prints in Cave of Hands at Coombs Gorge. Photo thanks Derek Marshall.

Natural arch in Coombs gorge. Photo thanks Derek Marshall.

The hand prints in Cave of Hands at Coombs Gorge. Photo thanks Derek Marshall.

Wild bush at Coombs in about 1999. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Climbers in Mama Cave at Coombs in about 1999. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Derek Marshall climbing at Coombs in about 1999. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Derek Marshall climbing at Coombs in about 1999. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.