Dave (Rochers de Neviau)
Dave, Belgium
Rochers de Neviau, for many known as Dave, is known for it's rocks with a lot of holes and cracks. The rock is sometimes compared with swiss cheese. It is one of the classic climbing areas in Belgium that is in use since the 30's. This unfortunately results in some routes that are worn out. I mean, if you like slippery grips it is no problem offcourse. But luckily it is not as bad as some of the routes in Freyr. Only some routes are worn out the first grips and feets. After that it becomes normal. In general it is a great area to climb and the grips are not to hard to find. The rock is grippe too.
Another great thing in Dave is the height. You can climb multipitch routes here with routes up to 150 vertical meters. Think of 2 and 3 rope length routes. It is not allowed to abseil the routes down. There are small paths down back to the base of the rocks. Make sure you take decent shoes up there. The path is not hard, but not great for slippers as well.
Dave has many sectors. Where most of the time a sector is 1 rockface here it seems that 1 face has multiple sectors in it, or at least they are small. We will mention only the biggest here.
- Autrichiens
This is the first area you will walk by when entering Dave. The area is not that hard in general. Multipitches can be done. Is there no downside here? None that i can think of... - Czardas
If you pass the bunker on the left hand directly go left up hill using the small path. On the right you will find this sector. Only 4 single pitch routes can be found here. 3 easy ones and one 6a. - Others to follow...
Topo
In 2023 there is a new topo available. A nice book with a lot of information and clear drawings of the routes. But fortunuatly the old topo is still available, for free as a download. Please do keep in mind that this is really old, some sectors are rebolted, some routes are closed etc. But its way better het no topo.
Download from the NKBV website (look for the "Download de topo" button).
Entrance and parking
There is a parking at the other side of the road dedicated for the area. If you are driving alongside the river Maas it is on the water side, de rock face on the other side of the road. You can enter the area using the pedestrian crossing. But keep aware of the cars since this crossing is placed in the middle of a corner. It is not possible to see the cars from a distance.
The parking is one way, look at the signs where to enter.
Permits
Most of the climbing areas in Belgium are on private property or in nature reserves. For many of these climbing areas you have to be a member of a climbing association or be invited by a member.
Non-Belgian climbers must be a member of a climbing association that has agreements with the Belgian associations. Please ask your local climbing association. As a Dutchy and member of the NKBV you must have a 'klimjaarkaart' that can be purchased through the NKBV.
More information
Spots
Area
Parking
Entrance
Autrichiens
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