Last weekend a climber discovered a loose bolt on the route Thin Ice at Hillwood.  He was easily able to remove the bolt and its sleeve by hand.  The same climber discovered another loose bolt on the anchors of the route Jugs r Us. Over recent months a group of local Launceston climbers have been engaged in replacing bolts at Hillwood as there were several instances of missing bolts and bolts without hangers.  Mostly this has occurred on the Chessboard and Leviathan crags.  It now appears that the problem is more widespread. 

Anyone climbing at Hillwood over the coming months should take note of the following:

-       Always inspect each bolt before clipping. 

-       Don’t under any circumstances lower from only one anchor bolt.

-       Avoid pulling directly out on any suspect bolts.

-       Be aware that rebolting may be taking place.  If there are signs indicating rebolting is underway on a route please do not attempt to climb, there may be freshly glued bolts that need time to cure.

-       Beginners or people new to leading should only visit Hillwood if accompanied by an experienced partner or guide. 

It would also be great if anyone who notices a faulty bolt emails details to the following address: thorpben@hotmail.com

Please take this warning seriously.  In 2009 a climber was killed in the Blue Mountains when a faulty bolt pulled.   Please take care out there folks!