Category: Costa Blanca Climbing - Mountain Journeys - Guided Walks

Sea cliffs in the sun - Costa Blanca

2/2/2020

#parle-costa-blanca

The middle pitch of the ultra classic Parle 6a+

On Thursday I as showing Wayne around the fantastic sea cliffs of Sierra de Toix.
Best known for lots of fine and easy access low - mid grade climbing, Toix is situated on the outskirts of Calpe. We know the crags there really well, having visited many many times. For those in search of more adventure, a walk under the main crags and down to the sea cliffs are in order. That is what Wayne was looking for today, and not one but two of these magnificent routes.

I predicted Parle would offer us more morning shade so despite this being a much more difficult route, we started with that.
The abseil into these climbs is for many the most memorable part of the day, each time I look at the Parle abseil I see why. It's crazy!!
Wayne took this in his stride, and once he was back in the swing of abseiling on a GriGri came down super smooth. We alternate led the route, with Wayne taking 2 pitches while I just led the middle pitch. I don't know how long we took, but not long.
After lunch we walked the very short way to reach the abseil for Magical Mystery Tour and Candelabra Del Sol. Another wild abseil onto ledges above the sea. There was already an abseil rope in place, but this had not been properly equalised so we set up our own using 3 bolt anchors.
After the initial scrambling we climbed the route in 3 pitches, all of which are bolted these days. The belay ledges were sociable as we kept meeting up with a couple of friendly climbers from Benidorm. It was noticeably hotter on this route and we were glad of the easier climbing and even happier to emerge back at the top where cool drinks and comfy shoes waited for us.

Both these routes make for a fantastic day out as does doing them during a single visit. Both a in very atmospheric settings and offer wonderful climbing on excellent quality rock. Both are extremely exposed though, so if that isn't your thing, it would be worth getting more used to exposure prior to a visit.

These are bolted routes, just don't expect a bolt every couple of metres, the well spaced bolts make sure the adventure element is well and truly retained.

Locating the abseil stations are probably the most difficult part of climbing on a sea cliff. These ones are relatively straightforward to find, but can still give some confusion. If considering having a go at these routes but feeling unsure about route-finding / logistics, why not hire a guide for the day. We know these and many more routes really well, will deal with rope management and setting up the abseils, leaving you to simply enjoy the journey.

Thanks to Wayne for the climbing and to all those reading :-)

Mark

#magical-mystery-tour-costa-blanca-spain

Cruising up Magical Mystery Tour on the Toix sea cliffs

Via Gene - Cabezon d'Oro

19/1/2020

#climbing-course-costa-blanca

Kate on the first pitch of Via Gene

This week is starting to feel quite intense, what with a 100km ride over the mountains on the bike, then a big climb up to the summit of Puig Campana, and today a 7 pitch mountain VS on Cabezon d’Oro. Muscles are most definitely starting to have a little grumble!!

But hey, it’s absolutely fantastic and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

It has been a few years since I first climbed on Cabezon d’Oro, leading 2 friends up the classic line of ‘Via Gene’ a 7 pitch VS going all the way up to the summit ridge. But Kate was yet to climb this route and rather keen, so today we set off south in search of 7 pitch mountain routes.

An easy approach walk is always a good start, especially so after Puig Campana yesterday! 30 minutes on good tracks to reach the start, sweet. And no need to remember where the route starts, the name is scratched onto the rock, just gotta love Spain for these fine touches. As a back up I did have a route description with me, but once on the route I recognised it all. The pitch lengths in the Rockfax guide are incorrect and in brief are much closer to:
30m; 35m; 40m; 40m; 35m; 35m; 40m
And the abseils off the back: 35m & 25m

I actually made the effort to measure most of these with a degree of accuracy, but they won’t be 100% so if doing this route have either a 70m single of 50m half ropes as an absolute minimum.

For the first 3 pitches we were in the shade and with a strong wind blowing were freezing! This wasn’t a good start and not how we imagined the day to pan out. Thankfully, during pitch 4 I climbed into the sun and wow did that made a world of difference, probably doubling the temperature. This was perfect timing as at the next belay ledge we meet all the other climbers on the crag (2 more parties and 5 more climbers in total). This led to a backlog and quite a wait for us. In the warm sun this was no hardship, just gave us time for a food and drink stop and some rest whilst we watched the others on their chosen routes above.
Our route veered abruptly leftwards taking us well out of the way of the other climbers as we traversed into a prominent groove which proved a delight to climb. Another pitch above gave some fantastic exposure whilst following an arête up to big ledges just below the summit ridge. An easy pitch to finish where we found a newly installed abseil station, always a nice sight.

As we were climbing on 50m half ropes we just needed 2 abseils to reach the scree gully, so all easy peasy. The descent down the scree is not so pleasing, it is very steep and very loose so great care is needed and still falling over is almost certain! Once beyond the horror show scree it’s back to nice tracks and an easy stroll back to the road.

What’s good about this route?
It is a long mountain trad route with only a few bolts at belay stations and a few old pegs to mark the way, so traditional leader placed protection is required. This instantly makes for a more interesting and memorable day out.
Any route of this length is committing and requires forward planning as well as route finding skills, all of which add to the adventure.
An abseil descent always leaves a little uncertainty right to the very end and what is an adventure if not a little uncertain. Will the ropes behave or will they decide to become one with a tree/rock/bush? Thankfully our ropes were kind to us and there were no dramas.
Walking out from the climb at the end of a great day out, we get to look back up and pick out the line of the route. This is something I really love doing, to remember where we were and playback the feelings in my head.

Cabezon d’Oro, thank you for a great day out and thanks too to Kate for her good company and much rope sorting and flaking during the day.

We offer guiding and instruction in the Lake District and Costa Blanca. If you have a route in mind or want to develop your climbing and mountain skills, get in touch and let’s make a plan.

Thanks for reading.

Mark

#mountain-skills-course-lake-district

Ropes flaked and ready to go

#guided-climbing-costa-blanca

Kate nearing the top of pitch 5

#cabezon-d-oro-spain

The huge southwest face of Cabezon d'Oro

Puig Campana - Roldan's Notch

18/1/2020

#mountaineering-puig-campana

South face of Puig Campana

The South East summit of Puig Campana

Upon seeing the huge Roldan’s Notch on the Puig Campana during my first visit to the Costa Blanca, it was firmly on the ‘to-do’ list to pay it a visit. Anyone even remotely interested in mountains will know why as soon as they see it.
Firstly, the Puig Campana is the most dramatic and shapely mountain in the region, although not quite the highest, that accolade goes to Aitana, its neighbour. Puig Campana, or just ‘The Puch’ as many refer to it, has masses of fantastic rock climbing to offer, and these aren’t little climbs, but generally in the 200m+ category with one route in particular taking in around 1650m of actual climbing as it weaves an intricate route from the very base to the southeast summit.
We’ve done a few routes on these massive faces, and there is still lots more for us to explore on this mountain. This week we added another route to the ‘done that’ list. The Edwards Finish to Espolon Central. This route covers around 500m of ground including some fantastic scrambling terrain as well as 3 fine pitches of climbing at around VS. On previous visitis to the top of the main climbs we’ve always been either too tired or it’s been a little too late in the day to continue and get this route done.
So that all changed this week, as we hatched a plan to stand on the southeast summit and more importantly, stand in Roldan’s Notch – if you’ve seen the notch you’ll just know, if you haven’t please do have a Google of it – the absolutely massive gash in the top of the mountain. This is just a wow place, I was struggling for words and still am.

So what was the route like?
The Edwards Finish – Very Severe
We started from the top of Espolon Central and scrambled over pinnacles for about 200m. These took us to very exposed terrain and for this reason we roped up and moved together in Alpine style. The pinnacles could be avoided on the right, but this would be missing the point, on mountain routes it’s the positions that make the day, so get in the best ones, always. Towards the end of this scrambling section, the exposure became quite breath taking, I think possibly the most exposed place I have ever been, and there have been quite a few!
Now for the climbing. An easy but wildly exposed pitch to start and takes us up to a big chock stone. The next pitch tackled a clean wall of fine rock before following a blunt rib, this was difficult to follow. The final climbing pitch was another good one, up a wall at about 4a/b to easier ground and a levelling. From here onwards we soloed up to the southeast summit and took our first close up glimpse into the mystical notch, wow! It was actually a bit scary and certainly very humbling to be so small in such a massive feature.
An easy path led us into the notch and at last we stood at the base of it, dwarfed and insignificant, but feeling pretty amazing.
Looking inland we spied the Castellets ridge, which was far below and looked tiny, as did the crags of Sella. Only the massive walls on El Divino and Aitana looked at all impressive from up here.
During our descent we happened upon a bivi spot which looked really nice. 1 abseil of 25m took us onto easier terrain leading into the big gully which we joined for the epic descent.

What a day, they don’t get as good as this very often. Big thanks to Neil for joining me on this adventure.

Mark

#the-edwards-finish-espolon-central

Neil on the initial pinnacles

#roldan's-notch-puig-campana

Roldan's Notch

Moving on in sport climbing - Costa Blanca

18/11/2019

#lead-climbing-course-costa-blanca

Cruising a route at Toix Oeste

Over the past couple of days we’ve been introducing Marco & Marjolein to the delights of multi-pitch climbing. Both already accomplished sport climbers whom had already been on an outdoor climbing course with our good friend Vicky Foxwell.
Now ready to move on from single pitch sport to longer routes, including those with abseil approaches and descents. There are a lot of new skills needed to move on to bigger climbs in a safe way, but with a good skill base, two days is enough to get things started.

We spent both days on the crags of Sierra de Toix on the outskirts of Calpe. With a wide selection of low – medium grade climbs up to around 100m and many involving abseil descents, this makes for a perfect crag for anyone looking to progress to multi-pitch climbing.

As mostly Marco would be the lead climber, we focused on setting up belays based on block-leading. This means using a sling to equalise the bolt anchors and usually belaying directly from the ‘master point’. As well as repeating this a number of times during the climbing day, we managed to fit in 3 abseil descents, one being a multi-stage abseil.

Day two revisited some topics from yesterday, then built on them. We began building belays using only the rope, so a more complex procedure, but well worth knowing and very useful. More abseil descents again, with Marco and Marjolein taking control to set these up. As the day progressed some crag rescue scenarios were introduced so the couple have a base of knowledge in case things don’t always go to plan. Dealing with a jammed belay device, ascending a rope, simple hauls, releasing a ‘Reverso’ type belay device and more all being covered.

We didn’t quite get the standard warm Costa Blanca weather, but the sun did join us and when the wind abated it really was more like t-shirt weather. The mix of sun, cloud, and mountains really is glorious from this crag too.

Big thanks to Marco and Marjolein for joining us, it’s been a pleasure and lots of fun. And thanks to Vicky for pointing these lovely people in our direction.

Happy climbing
Mark

#rock-climbing-course-spain

Equalising belay anchors using the rope whilst on a 2 pitch climb

#climbing-holiday-costa-blanca

Climbers enjoying 'Cliber' 5+ on another sunny day in Spain

Rock climbing course - Costa Blanca

4/11/2019

#rock-climbing-javea

Enjoying fine slab climbing and a stunning backdrop at Ambolo crag

It's been super busy over the last few weeks, and over the last few days Jo and Michelle have joined us for an introduction to leading on sport climbs. Where better to do this than Costa Blanca. Perfect rock, lots of bolts, quiet crags, and lots of sunshine.

I met Jo and Michelle in the Lakes and dropped into the conversation that we also offer courses in Costa Blanca during the cooler months. This appealed, as it does to so many Brits and Northern Europeans. The promise of sunshine, blue skies, even a warmish sea, and 1000's of great climbs to try as well as great walking, running, cycling, via ferrata and more. What's not to like.

The plan was to spend most of our time at the crags so that rapid development could take place whilst climbing and leading a variety of routes around the region. Mixed in with this would be some trail running. Helps to break up the climbing and give other muscles a workout whilst resting fingers.

We spent our first day at Ambolo crag near Javea. This has very easy access and is in the most wonderful of settings, rising sharply out of the azure sea. Grades are from 4 so plenty to get us started and a feel for the rock. Today was all about seconding routes and getting a taste of the area and what's on offer. Later in the day we had a trail run over Cap de Sant Antoni to Javea finishing in a lovely little cafe with a terrace over the sea :-)

For the next day we headed inland to a more mountainous area and climbed at Cerezos crag near Tarbena. There was a progression to leading today, with both displaying good control whilst on the sharp end. Lots of practice was had threading the anchors, indeed we also spent over an hour on this before heading out today, time well spent. Whilst there was less climbing today, the mental game of leading meant both Jo and Michelle were pretty exhausted, so no running for us this evening.

Day 3 we stayed more local again, this time to the ever popular Alcalali crag in the Jalon valley. With quick and easy access, great views and a wide variety of climbs, it's easy to see why so many flock to this one. Both led a couple of the shorter routes here and really enjoyed the big holds they offer. A nice ledge system at the top makes for comfortable rethreading. We then moved on to a much longer climb and at a slightly higher grade. Both also led this in good sport climbing style. During the ascents we were able to go through quite a variety of skills for the safe ascent of any sport climbing pitch. The heat of the day meant we called time early (Alcalali can get very hot), so after a rest and dip in the pool back at base, we headed out for another trail run. This time straight from the house and up to the Tres Molinos (3 windmills) above Jesus Pobre.

Day 4 and we aimed for yet another local crag (yes there really are lots of local crags), Font d'Axia this time. This crag has morning shade so perfect for us after our roasting yesterday! 4 more routes led and probably the hardest lead of the trip, nice one Michelle. When starting out lead climbing, every route can feel exhausting, so getting 4 done in little more than a morning is pretty good going and no surprise Jo & Michelle are feeling tired by now. So back to base for some sunbathing by the pool whilst we recap on the trip and look to the future.

A bonus morning back at Ambolo. A late evening flight means more time to go climbing, and at the request of Jo and Michelle, we are back at Ambolo this morning. Just enough time for a couple of routes, one being a repeat and one a new route. Some good consolidation today, with both climbing well, leading well, and rethreading at the anchors with confidence.

Are you looking for a winter sun sport climbing trip and want to learn some skills or be shown some amazing crags and places. Or maybe it's some trail running you're keen to try, or canyoning, via ferrata, a ridge scramble maybe? If you would like any help or guidance please do get in touch and we'll put a plan together based on your preferences.

Thanks to Jo and Michelle for a grand few days in the sun and to all reading this.

Mark

#rock-climbing-costa-blanca

Another fantastic day at the crag

#trail-running-costa-blanca

Single track descent into Javea from Cap de Sant Antoni

#climbing-course-for-beginners

Leading a well bolted route at Ambolo

#guided-walking-costa-blanca

More wonderful views on our way back from a days climbing

More fantastic climbing - Costa Blanca

21/10/2019

#costa-blanca-rock-climbing

Enjoying the superb atmosphere at Ambolo crag

During the last few days we've made two visits to the coastal crags of Ambolo. I say crags in plural, as there are now more sectors. With funding from the local authorities, many more routes have been bolted, these range from 4+ into the 7's so something for everyone.
Another brilliant addition to the crags are multi-pitch climbs. I often thought it would make a good venue for this, clearly others shared those thoughts and have added a few longer routes, these are in the lower grades too, so can be enjoyed by relative newcomers to the sport.

So on the opposite side of the headland to sector Voodoo etc, there is a small path leading over the wall, this continues steeply down to the newly developed sectors. Take great care accessing these areas as the path is very exposed! The walk here offer climbs from 4+ upwards on some wonderfully featured limestone. Definitely worth a visit.

Back to sector Voodoo side of the headland, we continued all the way down to the waters edge and geared up here and stashed our bags out of sight. We then traversed (rightwards looking out to sea) over rocky ground with a couple of fixed ropes. About 125m of this fun scrambling leads to a small ledge below 'Catharsis Somital' 4+/5. There is a bolted belay station to the right of this and a name plate at the base of the route. The first pitch is 4+ and gives the best of the climbing on a long pitch of around 33m. A bolted belay station can be found at the top. From here we continued on to the upper pitch, which was slightly more difficult, but alas shorter at only 15m. With a 100m of rope it would be possible to abseil back down the line in one, as our rope is shorter we abseiled in 2 stages.

With a mix of hot sunshine and cooling breeze, waves crashing below us and jet skiers in the bay, this was a memorable climb for all the right reasons. Although this looks like the best of the multi-pitch offerings at the crag, there are more and they will be worth exploring. Watch this space for more info coming soon....

Thanks to Ann and Tricia for joining me on these adventures.

Mark

#rock-climbing-near-javea-spain

On the exposed approached to some of the climbs at Ambolo

#costa-blanca-climbing

Another sunny day at the crag!

Introduction to outdoor climbing course - Costa Blanca

17/5/2019

#guided-climbing-costa-blanca

Sierra de Toix

We're just back from a flying visit to Costa Blanca to meet up with Michelle to show her what 'sport climbing' is all about.
With 3 days to cover the basics and more besides, we had plenty to keep us busy. As always, there was lots of climbing going on too.
Starting at the coastal crag of Sierra de Toix on the outskirts of Calpe, Michelle had her first taste of Limestone and climbing outside. By the end of the day, I think she was hooked!

The next day we moved inland to the Val de Gulabdar (Echo valley) crags below the mighty Ponoch. More fine climbing with skills attached to each route and descent, Michelle was picking things up really quickly. So far we had descended the routes via stacked abseils and by the end of the day Michelle was attaching confidently to the abseil ropes and understood the mechanics involved.
We finished off by introducing the skills required to safely lower off a sport climb - ie rethreading the anchor.

For our final day of the trip we were back at Sierra de Toix. First up was a 3 pitch climb called 'Lara' which Michelle took in her stride. There followed a 2 stage abseil descent from the top of the crag.
After lunch it was time for Michelle to take the lead. For this we headed back over to Toix far Oeste crags and started with a route we had climbed on our first day out.
Leading your first climb isn't to be taken lightly and we certainly had a good chat about this before Michelle embarked. Clipping all the bolts the correct way, confidently going through the process of threading the rope through the anchor and stripping the route on the way down, this was a very happy moment for both of us. I was certainly very chuffed.
Clearly on a roll, Michelle cruised up her second outdoor lead before we called it a day and went for celebratory ice cream by the marina in Calpe.

Wow, what a trip. Seeing the confidence and climbing independence build is a big reason why this is so rewarding for us. Fantastic effort Michelle, may you have many happy years of climbing ahead, and of course we hope to see you again.

Mark

#introductory-climbing-course-costa-blanca

Michelle enjoying the sharp limestone routes at Sierra de Toix

#how-to-set-up-an-abseil

Throwing down the abseil rope at Echo Valley

#how-to-set-up-an-abseil-costa-blanca

Abseil time

#lead-rock-climbing-course-costa-blanca

Michelle leading her first outdoor rock climb. She cruised it :-)

#learn-to-sport-climb-spain

Preparing to lower off a sport climb

#costa-blanca-climbing

View from Echo valley crags over to Ponoch, El Castellet, and the coast

Via Valencianos, Ponoch

22/2/2019

#trad-climbing-ponoch-costa-blanca

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

#guided-climbing-costa-blanca

High up on the climb

#costa-blanca-climbing-course

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

Short stay multi-activity - Costa Blanca

15/2/2019

#rock-climbing-course-costa-blanca

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

#guided-walking-costa-blanca

Lunch stop during one of our mountain walks this week

#canyoning-costa-blanca

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

Parle - a total classic

2/2/2019

#guided-climbing-costa-blanca

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

#parle-costa-blanca

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

#parle-toix-costa-blanca

Neil cruising up the final moves