We've been joined by Lizzie, for a week of easy rock climbing and ridge scrambling. Lizzie first visited us last year and quickly warmed to the idea of climbing on sun drenched limestone, peaceful crags, and beautiful views. Well, who can blame her!
For day one our plan was to ease in gently. After the 9th route at local crag Font d'axia we decided this wasn't quite the gentle warm-up that was planned! But still, a grand day was had and a great start to the week.
On day two we ventured inland to the 'Cresta del Castellar' which lies on the outskirts of the small city of Alcoy. A strange place to go climbing, but the views are surprisingly wonderful. As this is a fairly short ridge, we finished the day with a walk along the Barranco del Cint. The purpose of this was to see the resident Griffon Vultures. And wow did we see Vultures, loads of them!
Sunday came along and day three for us. The church bells played as we arrived in the small village of Tormos. Another ridge for us today, the 'Cresta del Migdia'. This provides 100's of metres of mid-grade scrambling along an arete. There are a few moves that are up to about 'moderate' climbing and these can easily be protected if needs be. The ridge provides plenty of entertainment and adventure, but then comes the descent! With no proper path and plenty of vegetation, this can (and usually does) provide the crux of the day. We navigated this pretty well this time.
Day four took us to the ever popular Toix crags. We enjoyed a selection of single and multi-pitch routes, all on beautifully sharp limestone and all giving us amazing sea views. Tired muscles saw us finish a little earlier today, but we still packed in plenty of climbing mileage.
The last day always seems to arrive much too soon!! We spent the day at Olta crags. These are set back above the seaside resort of Calpe and command excellent views of El Peñon d'Ifach. We rattled through 8 pitches of climbing and had the whole crag to ourselves, again.
A happily tired Lizzie flies home to the UK today. Hopefully see you again soon, for some Lake District rock.
Mark
