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Mountaineering day - Ponoch - Costa Blanca

25/2/2019

Enjoying superb scrambling high on Ponoch

Yesterday we were back enjoying the amazing atmosphere of Ponoch. This giant of a mountain provides some of the most committing and challenging climbs in the region, with all being long and even the 'easy' climbs weighing it at E1!!

For those not looking for super long rock climbs, there is an alternative, and it's every bit as good. To start we followed the Via Ferrata, this is about 250m of vertical ascent and pretty steep. For many this is enough and the nearby and well equipped abseil stations provide a quick and straightforward way down. But for anyone looking for a bit more adventure, mixed in with route finding fun, there is a grade 3 scramble weaving a way up onto the summit plateau.

We tackled this, picking our way through the rocky terrain, exploring our route options as we go and I was leaving route finding to Jo and Steve, as they'd never been up here before. The crux lies in the upper section and is equipped with a fixed rope, but it does still feel like grade 3 scrambling and the exposure is massive.

Topping out onto the plateau just left us with an easy walk over to the abseil station that links up with the lower abseils. Again, Steve was keen to take charge of the abseils, which was rather nice.

A grand day out with lovely people and even better scenery than I'd remembered.

Thanks to Jo & Steve

Mark

On the initial ridge of the Ponoch scramble

Nearing the top, with the summit plateau now nearby

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Via Valencianos, Ponoch

22/2/2019

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The huge south face of Ponoch. Home to some of the longest and most demanding climbing in the region

For years now we've had a big climbing route on the mighty Ponoch in our sights, on our wish list. But it kept evading us, the time just wasn't right, until this week.

After some friends climbed the route a couple of weeks back, my enthusiasm suddenly gathered momentum for the route, and for a massive adventure. Thankfully another climbing friend was also very keen on the route and had also had it on his 'to-do' list for some years. A plan was hatched and the excitement began. Whilst we have both climbed big routes before, this certainly felt (to me at least) like a step up from previous adventures on Puig Campana, in fact I'd say it almost makes the Puig Campana feel tame!!

The route we had in mind, Via Valencianos, is a 500 metre E1 / 6a trad climb. There would be some easy pitches, even some walking, but there would also be some tough climbing and route finding on such a massive piece of rock was always going to be the biggest challenge. Getting that wrong up there would be serious and we both stayed completely focused the whole time.

Setting off from the car park at around 9.15am on a sunny morning all was looking well. The first few pitches went smoothly too, all was looking rosy. Somewhere on pitch 4 things started to fall apart a little. We were uncertain of the route, things were suddenly not obvious, and the climbing was a little bit tougher than we were expecting. We both clearly had doubts about what to do next.

Do we continue or retreat whilst we still can?
Whilst it was Neil leading this pitch, this was a discussion we were both totally involved in, we were in this together and had lots to consider, including our safety. What I took away from the discussions we had at that time, is the importance to support each other and to remain flexible regarding outcomes and objectives. Getting to the top is optional, returning to base is mandatory. We were both on this wavelength and that is a good feeling.

It was decided to continue and thankfully things soon improved and we were back on track, phew! The first of the crux pitches lay straight ahead of us and looked formidable. A huge traverse across a smooth shield of limestone, this was going to be amazing and I couldn't wait, I think Neil felt the same.
Neil led this pitch, cruising across with seemingly little effort. I thoroughly enjoyed the pitch too and led through up the next pitch, which was easier but less well protected and with plenty of loose rock, so felt scary. More good climbing and amazing positions followed as well as a couple of walking pitches, these linked the good bits of rock.

Neil also led the upper crux pitch, this was the hardest technical climbing on the route and even though it had some fixed protection, it felt like E1 to us. I had the pleasure of leading the final pitch up to the summit plateau. Whilst this pitch had some loose rock again, it was enjoyable and full of interest. Topping out was a very fine feeling indeed and we were both elated.

We had a pretty good idea where to aim for to find the initial abseil station to start our descent and indeed found this within just a few minutes. A 40m abseil took to to scree above the top of the via ferrata and we quickly descended to the next abseil station to take us down to the base of the mountain.

Just under 9 hours from start to finish. That was without rushing the route, but being efficient and keeping breaks and change-overs to a minimum. This felt a pretty good time for such a long and intricate route.

A couple of beers in our local bar that evening tasted ever so good :-)

Big thanks to Neil for climbing this with me, good company and climbing the whole way.

Mark

High up on the climb

On our way to the abseil station and our return to base

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Gorge Scrambling - well, it's almost summer, right!

18/2/2019

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Stickle Ghyll, Langdale

Recent warm weather and a return to colour in the mountains and valleys throughout the Lake District start to turn our thoughts towards Summertime activities and all the fun they bring.

Gorge Scrambling and Canyoning have become firm favourites amongst adventure seekers visiting the area, and with so many brilliant gorges to explore and so much fun to be had, it's easy to see why.

We have been guiding gorge scrambles for over 10 years now and know the very best places to take you here in the Lake District. The brilliant regular venues include:

Stickle Ghyll, Langdale - this offers super easy access, loads of fun challenges, plunge pools, waterfall climbs, swims, and jumps all in a gorgeous setting.

Church Beck, Coniston - this is a step up from Stickle Ghyll, with more challenge involved and more swims! We offer this one as a descent too, this then becomes 'Canyoning' and wow things are going to get very wet and splashy!! Think, abseiling down waterfalls, big jumps into plunge pools, and lots of swimming.

Esk Gorge, Eskdale - looking for wilderness, look no further. The Esk offers an unforgettable experience amongst the most spectacular scenery Lakeland has to offer, and that's saying something. There's more effort needed for this one, but it's worth every minute. Massive pools of crystal clear water coming straight off the Scafell mountain range, huge waterfalls, and eye-wateringly massive jumps for those brave enough to have a go!! The swims, the pools, and the tranquility are the big pluses of this one though, simply amazing.

Stoneycroft Ghyll, Newlands valley - a canyon descent that's equally perfect for kids and adults, meaning perfect for families. This one is close by to Keswick, so makes sense if you're staying there. With an easy approach walk of just a few minutes, and once at the start it's action time straight away with fun slides into pools, scrambles, and lots more slides. A plunge pool awaits further on down the gorge and a finale jump / dive, just to make sure everyone is properly soaked.

New Langdale venue! - The photo immediately below is of an as yet quite unknown gorge nestling deep in the gorgeous Langdale valley. The main waterfall gives an abseil of almost 40 metres, oh yeh!! But don't worry, there's a warm-up abseil for starters. So this one is very much a descent, with a small number of big abseils followed by easy scrambling to the finish. We're really excited to be offering this new activity venue for the 2019 season.

Want to try any of the above venues, give us a call / e-mail and we'll make a plan.
We provide all safety equipment and have a large range of wetsuits to help keep you warm.

All the photos in this post are our own and they have been enhanced by Mila

Mark

Big abseils in this gorge!

Wild swimming in one of the many beautiful pools of the Esk Gorge

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Short stay multi-activity - Costa Blanca

15/2/2019

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Andi making light work of a 6a route at Toix near Calpe

We've had the pleasure of welcoming back the Patchwork team this week. Looking for a break from the grey skies of Northern England but wanting so much more than relaxing by a pool, we had the perfect solution.

Multi-activity Costa Blanca style - this of course involves plenty of blue sky and sunshine, but also plenty of time out in the mountains, on the crags, and exploring new places.

Over the 3 days we enjoyed a walk to the dramatic 'Cova del Dalt' a beautiful cave with very easy access. This was part of a walk to the summit of El Crestall which lies just under the 1000m marker. For the afternoon we descended a nearby canyon, the Barranco del Pas de Calvo, so a rather full day. Plenty of happy faces at the end of that one.

Day 2 was a little more chilled out. We visited the seaside, well sort of! A day of rock climbing on the Toix crags near Calpe. These offer splendid views along the coastline. Most enjoyed 7 climbs before finger strength final got the better of us. A lovely warm day at the crag.

Day 3 was a bigger, more intense day. The dramatic Barranco del Pas de Tancat near the little village of Bolulla. This is an amazing trip with beautiful scenery to start and this gets better and better with every abseil. The biggest abseil in here is almost 40 metres and whilst everyone did really well, it's a real hats off to those with a fear of heights. That's cured now I think!

6 refreshed and happy people winged their way back to Newcastle this morning. It's been an absolute pleasure, hope to see you all again before too long.

Mark

Lunch stop during one of our mountain walks this week

The team in the dramatic 'Barranco del Pas de Tancat'

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Parle - a total classic

2/2/2019

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Neil going for the bridge on pitch 1

Earlier this week we had a trip to the seaside. Not just any bit of seaside, but the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' sea cliff area of Sierra de Toix. This is a seriously impressive piece of cliff and when looking down through the hole it seems most improbable for a 6a+ route to venture through such terrain, but it does!!

Parle is a climb I've done a few times now, including fairly recently. Neil too has climbed the route, although it was a bit longer ago. I think for both of us the excitement factor was plenty high enough, such is the drama of the abseil approach.

Once established at the base of the route we were well sheltered from any wind and in full sun, rather hot it was too. I led off up the first pitch, soon remembering what fun it was, Neil quickly followed and led through, cruising the 2nd pitch to the hanging belay. I led through for the final pitch which is slightly longer and pops back out through the entrance hole. Belaying right on the edge is best to enjoy the view down onto the route. Neil despatched the pitch rapidly and with style. Both back at the top so time for sandwiches and sea views. Whilst enjoying lunch we spotted a very large bird of prey, probably an Eagle, but couldn't get a good enough look to be sure.

For those interested to know more about this route - 'Parle' - it is a 3 pitch sport climb graded 5+ / 6a+ / 6a. Belays are well bolted but the bolts on pitches are spaced, personally I think this is a good thing as it definitely adds to the adventure. There is an abseil approach, this is approximately 55m and all free-hanging. There are no bolts or belay at the base of the route, so attaching to the abseil rope is to be recommended. With the only way out being to climb, a few self-rescue skills are worth knowing before attempting this route (or any others like it).

For more information on this and similar routes, or for more about self-rescue for climbers please don't hesitate to get in touch, we're more than happy to help.

Mark

Me lapping up the wonderful positions on pitch 2 - photo credit to Neil

Neil cruising up the final moves

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Mountaineering day - Ponoch - Costa Blanca

Via Valencianos, Ponoch

Gorge Scrambling - well, it's almost summer, right!

Short stay multi-activity - Costa Blanca

Parle - a total classic

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