The Sharaf sector is growing from strength to strength with this new sport climbing spot, the Reef, just a stone's throw from Wall of Shadows and Birkat Al Sharaf. The north-facing wall offers a wide range of routes on rock that's very grippy without being too abrasive, with the exception of some picot sections. There are around 15 well-equipped routes between 15 and 30m, ranging from IV to 7b, with quite a few accessible 6a/6b. The view, though less aerial than Wall of Shadows, is still very pleasant and the area is quiet, away from the road. A nice spot to discover, in warm weather to avoid the cold of the 2000m col in winter.
Technical summary
Type ✦ Rind climbing
Location ✦ Sharaf Al Alamein
Region ✦ Al Hamra, Western Hajar
Country ✦ Oman
Difficulty ✦ IV to 7b+
Max route ✦ 30m
Orientation ✦ North-East
Rock ✦ Limestone
Interest ✦ ★★
Access to the place
From the Ibri Nizwa road, turn towards Bahla and then towards the town of Al Hamra. From here, take the road north towards Hat and Bilad Seet via the Sharaf Al Alamein pass. Just before the pass and the high-altitude hotel, take a track to the left for around 100 m to park. This is about a quarter of an hour from the Reef spot, which you can't see from here.
Itinerary description
Hiking to the start 15'
From the parking lot, head east. You'll soon find cairns pointing the way. In fact, you arrive at the bottom of the wall where the routes are located. You'll have to climb down a little before you reach the start of the sector and follow it from left to right.
Course Les voies
They all face north and are perfectly equipped, with rappelling relays. They can also be top-roped if required. Some long routes require 15 quickdraws if you want to clip everything. The routes we tested are described from left to right in the topo (extract from the Elstyx website).
Gotama (25m, 6b)
Very nice length, perhaps more in the 6a+ range. 2 or 3 fine steps in the upper slab.
Run with the flow (27m, 6a)
A long, varied and continuous route. Finishes on picots after the small pitch, aggressive for fingers and feet.
The 3 musketeers (25m, V+)
1 harder step above the small overhang to recover. The rest is easy. Good warm-up route.
Crakling Fire (25m, V+)
1 fine step under the bulge, then good holds to get out above it. A pleasant climb.
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