Aristoteles Puig Campana
It was this time last week we'd been climbing the massive Espolon Central on Puig Campana. That was a big day! And today we're back on this magnificent mountain again, for an equally impressive route that goes at a similar grade.
Aristoteles - HS/VS 4b and about 365m gives 6 pitches of good, but wandering climbing in its lower half. These pitches are well worth doing, but it's the upper section that gives this climb its character.
Once above the half way ledges a pitch of about VS leads up and across a delicate slab, this provides great climbing throughout the pitch. Above this the route joins an arete, the climbing becomes a little easier again, but the exposure is phenomenal and it is these final pitches that make the route brilliant and memorable.
The climb terminates on top of a huge pinnacle with massive drops on all sides! A number of abseils brings us safely down off the higher ground, but there's plenty of entertaining scrambling before we're off the mountain, and this all adds to the fun of a day on Puig Campana.
This was the first time Joe has climbed on Puig Campana, so it was worth savouring the experience and we took our time, having a leisurely ascent. With perfect conditions, great rock and a great route, with nobody else on the route or even on that part of the mountain, I think it's fair to say Joe was pretty happy with his experience on Aristoteles Puig Campana.
We waiting a while once off the climb in order to enjoy the glorious sunset too. Even if not climbing on this mountain, it is worth the walk up to the base to enjoy the early evening light on the rock.
We climbed 13 pitches and made 3 abseils. The route is doable in 9 or 10 pitches, but rope drag would be more of a problem. It is also possible to make only 2 abseils to reach the scrambling terrain, but 2x60m ropes would be needed for this and we only had 2x50m.
Another brilliant day on the Puig Campana, thanks Joe for joining me on this adventure. For loads of fun and adventurous days out in the region check out our New Cicerone Guidebook 'Costa Blanca Mountain Adventures'
Mark
