Tel: 07971 622616
Mountain Journeys - Guided Walks
  • Home
  • Activities
    • Family Adventure Days >
      • Family Adventure Days - More
    • Rock Climbing
    • Classic Rock
    • Pillar Rock - High Man
    • Rock Scrambling
    • Abseiling
    • Gorge Scrambling
    • Esk Gorge - The Big One
    • Guided Mountain Days
    • Intro to Mountaineering
    • Winter Mountaineering
    • Guided Walking
    • Trail & Mountain Running
    • Sunrise & Sunset
  • Challenges
    • 8 Peaks Challenge
    • Lakes District challenge
    • Welsh 3000's challenge
    • Yorkshire 3 Peaks
  • Courses
    • Navigation training
    • Mountain Leader Refresher
    • Rock Climbing Instructor
  • Spain
    • Guided walking - Costa Blanca >
      • Walks in Costa Blanca
    • Rock Climbing -Costa Blanca
    • Multi activity holiday - Costa Blanca
    • Canyoning week
    • Via Ferrata week
    • GUIDES AND INFORMATION >
      • Canyons / Barrancos
      • Ridge traverses & easy climbs
      • Via Ferrata
      • Costa Blanca Rock Climbing
  • About
    • FAQs
    • About Us
    • Testimonials
    • Gallery
    • Prices
    • Gift Vouchers
    • Family climbing venues
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Lakeland place names
    • Lake District Rock Climbs
    • Gorge Scrambles of the Lake District
  • Canyons
  • Blog
  • Contact

Sea cliffs in the sun - Costa Blanca

2/2/2020

0 Comments

 
#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
0 Comments

Multi-activty adventures in Costa Blanca

5/4/2018

0 Comments

 
#toixridgescramblecostablanca
Jo & Steve scrambling on Toix Este
Wow, it's been quite a week here. Warm sunshine and blue skies everyday is always a good start.
We welcomed 4 friends from the UK: Jo, Steve, Aramis, and Jen. All were keen to check out the wilder side of Costa Blanca. I think it's fair to say that's exactly what happened!

With some travel issues at the start of the trip, it was just me, Jo, and Steve on the first day. We traversed the Toix ridge. Starting at Toix Este and a 130m rock climb followed by scrambling, then a short walk over to the continuation of the ridge and more fine climbing, some of which Steve led. A great start to the week.

By day two Aramis & Jen had arrived. We all set off to the Barranco del Pas Tancat near Bolulla. This canyon is well hidden and surrounded by massive cliffs. It's well worth seeking out for the scenery is outstanding, some of the finest in the region for sure. About 10 abseils in total, with a couple of really big ones and plenty of scrambling along the way to keep us entertained. This day was a good taster for adventures to come.

With one canyon already under our belts, we set off on day three to the regions star canyon, the mighty Barranco del Infierno. With around 10 abseils and 1km length this is a pretty big undertaking. Everyone was up for the adventure. We walked in from the pretty village of Fleix, taking in some amazing scenery during the approach walk. Once in the canyon though, the scenery goes right off the scale, proper jaw-dropping stuff all the way. By today all the team were keen to get more involved in setting up the abseils and contribute to rope-work. It's always so encouraging to see this.
A few tired bodies after today, best get plenty rest in preparation for tomorrow then............

The iconic Bernia ridge was to be our fourth day out. A big day, mostly spent at about 1000m above sea level on a very exposed fin of rock. It's easy to see why this has become a classic. Easy access, wonderful looks, great rock, and loads of brilliant scrambling and climbing. What's not to like!

To round the activities off and give a proper 'full-on' challenge we headed to the Toix sea cliffs for our final day. Magical Mystery Tour is in one of those places that you'll never forget. The atmosphere is exciting, electric, and intimidating all at once! With a 40m free-hanging abseil high above the sea, even the approach is mind blowing!! But once down at the crag and able to look around and absorb the surroundings, that's when realisation comes along.....where am I? ;-)
Easy climbing to start with, though a couple of impressive caves, then to the first tricky section, a wild traverse with nothing but the crashing waves below! The grade of this pitch is only about f4 but it feels so much more than that. The following pitch is steeper and longer, with some beautiful rock formations, this leads to a fairly spacious ledge and a belay station. The crux pitch then leads to the top. With only about 6 bolts protecting 30m of climbing, it feels exciting, and a few of the moves really are tricky. The whole team climbed well, with everyone feeling suitably challenged in a nice way. Faces often show that sense of relief when topping out on a sea cliff, everyones face was showing this today, and that's the beauty of such a climb. These memories will last forever. Such a brilliant day.

To help with guiding during the last 2 days we were joined by a Mountaineering Instructor friend Vicky Foxwell. Thanks so much to Vicky for all your help, support, and expertise which enabled the days to run super smooth. You're a star :-)
 
Thanks to Jo, Steve, Aramis, and Jen. It's been a complete pleasure to know you and climb with you all. Hope to see you again before too long.

Happy climbing

Mark

#canyoningspain
Deep in the Barranco del Pas de Tancat
#canyoningnearbenidormcostablanca
Dramatic scenery in the canyon
#barrancodelinfiernocostablanca
Wow factor scenery in the Barranco del Infierno
#canyoningcostablanca
Barranco del Infierno
#berniaridgecostablanca
Magnificent surroundings on the Bernia ridge
#rockclimbingcoursespain
Mega exposed rock climbing on the Magical Mystery Tour
#climbingholidaycostablanca
Jo topping out on Magical Mystery Tour
0 Comments

Rock improvers course

26/2/2018

0 Comments

 
#rockclimbingcostablancasonjannika
View from the cave belay on Sonjannika
Over the last few days we've been introducing Sarah to the delights of climbing on real rock, outdoors, in the sunshine, in Costa Blanca.
Having climbed lots indoors and a little outdoors in the Peak District, Sarah was now keen to get a good dose of mileage on the rock and where better to be for that.

We started off at our local crag of Alcalali, here we climbed 8 routes from grade 3+ - 6a, so a nice steady introduction to the rock and the area. We covered a variety of basic skills, but mostly focused on lots of climbing.

I could see there was plenty adventure in Sarah, well being a Kiwi it's sort of standard! So that evening threw in a few more adventurous options for day 2. As expected, Sarah seized the opportunity for a big sea cliff adventure climb.

Sonjannika at the Morro Falqui crags never ever disappoints and today was no exception. Utterly fabulous in every way. Even the approach walk down the canyon is a blast. But once on the rock, this place really delivers by the bucket-load. Excellent rock that's super-sharp all the way. Sonjannika is a bolted 'sport climb' but thankfully the route equipper kept the bolts well spaced quite a few metres apart, so the feeling of an adventure climb is retained.
There were some guys behind us and we chatted a little on the big 'picnic ledge'. They were locals from Cocentaina and Catalonia. Super friendly too and hopefully some good info gained from them re some of the inland Costa Blanca crags...watch this space.

For Sarah's final day here she choose another sea cliff route. This time the uber classic Rowlands Magical Mystery Tour on the Sierra de Toix sea cliffs. As Sarah hadn't abseiled before, we stopped off at the Toix Oeste crags to go through the skills and techniques required for this, climbing a route whilst there too.

After that box was ticked, it was off to the seaside for us.
Linking all 3 of the in-situ bolts for the abseil, we got ourselves prepared and had a bite to eat. A couple of other climbers turned up and instead of using our rope that was all ready to go, they set up there own, only attaching it to a single bolt and another rusting bit of iron!!!! They didn't even bother to equalise these, absolute madness!

They were climbing in the newly developed sport climbing area in the caves at the bottom of the abseil. A few other teams were already down there too. Thankfully nobody else was on our route.

A couple of scrambling pitches followed by 3 glorious pitches of climbing on the weird and wonderful rocks of Candelabra del Sol. A cool breeze help regulate our temperature and made for near perfect conditions. Topping out to that mid afternoon view over the sea to Altea, Albir, and Benidorm is sublime, the thought of lunch was pretty good too!

We finished the day with a lead for Sarah back at Toix far Oeste. 

Glorious weather and a great few days on the rock. Thanks to Sarah, may you have many great days in the mountains :-)

Mark

#rockclimbinginstructorcostablanca
Sarah on pitch 3 of Sonjannika
#magicalmysterytourabseil
The dramatic abseil into Candelabra del Sol
#costablancaclimbinginstructor
Enjoying the superb positions on Magical Mystery Tour, Sierra de Toix
0 Comments

Magical Mystery Tour, Calpe

26/12/2016

0 Comments

 
Sunset-over-Benidorm-from-Toix
Sunset over Benidorm
Recently i've been thinking more and more about why I go rock climbing. Why venture onto precipitous cliffs, enter into  potentially dangerous situations, and climb big (or small) lumps of rock.
We'll no doubt all have slightly different answers to this. Of late i've spent time observing others more closely to understand their climbing needs.
I've found my answer, why do I climb. Yes, it's partly for the movement over rock, the satisfaction of climbing a route and reaching the top.
But there are overhelming factors to a fantastic day out on the rock:
1) The people we are with
2) The places we explore

Grades are simply unimportant, and it's repeated plenty times that the best climber is the one having the most fun. This is so true.  
​
Todays route was on the Toix sea cliffs near Calpe. Magical Mystery Tour is a 5 pitch route with a max grade of 5. So the climbing is never particularly tricky, but there's so much more to this place than the climbing and I was reminded of that today. Sharing amazing experiences and places is what it's about, thank you Miguel & Mila for joining me on this today and sharing your enthusiasm for wild places.

Mark

Improvers-rock-climbing-holiday-Spain
Loving the adventure
Lead-climbing-courses-Costa-Blanca
Miguel leading pitch 4
0 Comments

Magical Mystery Tour, Costa Blanca

8/12/2016

0 Comments

 
Abseil-into-Magical-mystery-tour-Toix
Preparing to abseil into the route
Today four of us went to the coast in search of sunshine and warm rock to climb. We found both and had a brilliant time on the Candelabra del Sol sea cliffs below the popular Toix Oeste rock climbing area.

We climbed Rowlands Magical Mystery Tour 5+. This is a route I have done many times previously, whilst for Vicky, Edd, and George it was their first time on the crag. The abseil approach sets the tone, this is a serious and commiting venue with no easy escape, making it all the more fun and involving.

We whizzed along the scrambling pitches in no time at all, had a rest then got on with the climbing pitches. Thankfully these are all now bolted, so there's an added feeling of security on what actually looks like very friable rock (although it mostly feels very solid).
The climbing here is always a delight, with fine moves in dramatic situations, culminating in the final fabulous pitch leading back up to the path.

Vicky & Edd were always close behind, catching us up at every belay, so it was a nice social trip too. Enjoying lunch whilst admiring the wonderful view out over the sea from the top is a very special time. A fine route with good friends.
Thanks George, Vicky, and Edd.

Mark
Abseil-into-Magical-mystery-Tour-Toix
Vicky on the free-hanging abseil
Magical-mystery-Tour-Toix
Edd leading the 2nd climbing pitch
Top-of-Magical-mystery-tour-Toix
Vicky at the top of the route
0 Comments

Multi activity holiday - Costa Blanca

23/2/2016

0 Comments

 
Walking-holiday-Spain
It's been a really busy week here on the Costa Blanca, and thankfully the weather came up trumps yet again.

The week started by teaming up to work with 'Climb Costa Blanca' who were putting on an action packed itinerary for Jane, Pam, and Dave.
After a gentle introduction to the area at Echo valley, including an ascent of the nearby barranco, the following day things moved up a gear, or two!

The Barranco del Infierno is a regional classic and a journey not to be missed by any visiting adventurers. Words don't do this one justice, but photos give you an idea of the magic of this place. About 10 abseils, lots of scrambling, and masses of jaw dropping scenery make this a day to remember forever.

By Wednesday there were aching muscles amongst the team, but all were super keen for the Bernia ridge. Setting off nice and early, we were able to walk to the start of the traverse in the shade, thus keeping nice and cool. Once on the ridge a northerly breeze still kept the heat of the day off and was very welcome. With abseils, climbs, and a huge amount of spectacular scrambling this ridge is a cracking day out high above the coastal towns and villages of Costa Blanca. We opted for the scree run descent and everyone took to this really quickly bringing much fun and laughter. Finishing the day off with coffee at the Bernia restaurant whilst the sun dipped behind the ridge gave us a perfect end to the day.

Thursday brought with it more adventure, this time on the Toix sea cliffs for me, Pam, and Jane, whilst Kim & Dave tackled the Toix ridge traverse.
Magical Mystery Tour: grade 5 - this adventure begins with a 40m+ free-hanging abseil to just above the sea. This really sets the scene and often causes a few wobbles on first acquaintance! Pam & Jane were cruising though.
The initial pitches are easy, but through outstanding scenery. I've climbed this route many times now, and every time the adventure level still feels really high, brilliant. The final 3 pitches are super exciting, with exposed traverses, steep walls, and a sharp top out, all making this a memorable experience, one of my absolute favourites.

A farewell evening filled with curry & beer with plenty of laughter and plans being made for next year.

Big thanks to Kim at 'Climb Costa Blanca' - Jane, Pam, and Dave for great company and climbing. Hope to see you all again for more adventures in the sun.

​Mark  
Activity-holiday-Europe
Ridge-scrambling-Bernia-Ridge-Spain
Guided-sea-cliff-climbing-Spain
Rock-climbing-guide-Spain
0 Comments

Multi-activity fun in Costa Blanca

27/1/2016

0 Comments

 
Calpe-Penon
Calpe and the Penon from Toix Este
The climate here on the Costa Blanca is about as good as it gets. Warm sunny days, low rainfall, and sheltered from harsh  westerly winds. And of late the weather has been behaving particularly well with near perfect conditions every day, split or what!

We've been making the most of these great conditions and have enjoyed a few big adventures.

Segaria ridge:
A few weeks ago I completed a traverse of the western section of this fine ridge: ​www.mountain-journeys.co.uk/blog/segaria-ridge-traverse-part-2  --  and now was time to finish it off by climbing the eastern section in full.
A short walk under the steep eastern face leads to rough ground and the initial traverse pitch. This is easy, but exposed and it's nice to have a rope on. Once in the notch it's a case of follow the wide ridge until an abseil station is reached (20m). More easy climbing leads out of this deep notch along more of the ridge to reach another significant notch. Here it's necessary to climb leftwards along a platform (not to the right as described by Rockfax) below very steep ground, as this eases (about 10m) follow a ledge system back right towards a fixed rope and belay above. From here easy scrambling leads to the summit cross.
Soon after this is a very narrow section of ridge, this is really exciting. Once beyond this the ridge widens considerably and easy scrambling and walking remain to reach the wide col. We turned left (south) here and headed back to the car.

Puig Campana:
The plan was to repeat Epsilon Central (HS) on this massive crag. However, even though we started out early, there were already 3 teams on the route, and 2 more teams arrived shortly after us!! Plan b, a slightly easier route called 'El Moro' (Severe). This is about 350 - 400m and contains a fair bit of scrambling too. We had the route to ourselves which is always nice. We didn't have the base of the route to ourselves though! Goats, a whole;e herd of them, came to see us. They particularly liked our climbing kit. It was a privilege to be so close to these animals and for them to clearly not be afraid of us. A beautiful start to the climbing.
About 10 pitches later we arrived at the top of the route, briefly considered a summit dash too, but thought better of it as our water supply was by now very low. The descent into the huge gully was easier than I remembered it, thankfully.

Toix Este - Horst:
This is a favourite of ours and a route we've done many times with many people, it's always a pleasure. Starting high above the sea and with views across to the Penon, it's a wonderful setting. The 1st pitch of climbing is the most difficult, but the rest of the route (4 more pitches) are still very worthwhile and on super sharp rock that's nice and solid. The route terminates at what looks like a small quarry. Walk left here (looking in) to gain the continuation ridge above, this leads up to the Mirador at about grade 1.
From the Mirador it's easy to finish off and head to town for a beer. Or, why not walk to Toix Oeste and climb Cilber up to the Toix ridge and finish with a full traverse of this, again finishing back at the Mirador. Then you've really earned that beer!
On this occasion we cut it short and called it a day after the Toix Este route.

Via Ferrata - Ponoch:
A regular trip for me, a re-visit after 4 years for Kate, and a first time for Leanne. Much fun was had by all on this metalled, vertical playground.
Cloud rolled in and shrouded us, but later cleared to show the full scale of Ponoch. Note to self - must get more routes ticked on this mountain.

Magical Mystery Tour, Toix sea cliffs:
A magical expedition to a dramatic sea cliff. The 40m free-hanging abseil sets the tone for this serious adventure. Whilst the initial climbing is easy (about grade 2), this soon changes and the challenges come thick and fast.
As with all the very best routes, the hardest pitch is saved until the end, with 40m of grade 5 and only about 6 bolts protecting the whole pitch, keeps things interesting that's for sure. A simply brilliant route.

Thanks to: Kate, Leanne, Joe, Ann, Kim, and Susie for joining in these adventures.

​


Segaria-ridge-traverse-Costa-Blanca
Ann & Kim on Segaria ridge
Puig-campana
Morning light on Puig Campana
Puig-Campana
Goats on Puig Campana
Via-ferrata-costa-blanca
Kate & Leanne on Ponoch Via Ferrata
Magical-mystery-tour-Toix-sea-cliffs
Magical Mystery Tour, Toix
0 Comments

Scrambling & mountain adventures - Costa Blanca

15/12/2015

0 Comments

 
Puig-Campana-Costa-Blanca-rock-climbing
More busy times here on the Costa Blanca and more clear blues skies to enjoy.

Back on Monday 7th December Kim was guiding Joe & Sang on the amazing Magical Mystery Tour on the Toix sea cliffs. This all starts with a dramatic 40m abseil into the crag and follows with 5 pitches of increasing brilliant climbing. Joe & Sang enjoyed this so much, they have already requested to do it again in February, great news.

On the same day we welcomed Dave from Fresh Air Learning. Dave was here to sample the fine scrambling on offer nearby. We began with a short barranco ascent in the Echo valley. This initially follows a dry river bed and finishes on a nearby summit with amazing views all the way out to sea.
The following day me & Dave traversed the Toix ridge. After an initial climb, this becomes a knife edged arete that requires a steady approach. Dave breezed across this and soon we were once more on a summit offering fine sea & mountain views.
By Wednesday the weather was a little more uncertain and we changed plans to fit with this. Going to the nearby Olta mountain we found a fine scrambling route towards the plateau, from where we could join the path over to the summit. As we descended a little rain also descended!!! Thankfully not very much and we all stayed pretty dry, phew!
Home time for Dave on Thursday, hope to see you out here again soon.

On Saturday we met up with a local climber, Miguel. We went North to a Via Ferrata near Gandia, Las Marujes. This turned out to be brilliant and we discovered a nicely bolted crag on our return walk, bonus.
The Via Ferrata begins with a Tibetan bridge over a ravine, then a long and steep climb to the top of the main crag, followed by a shorter climb to the summit. A well maintained track leads back to the parking area in Tavernes.

Sunday was a big mountain day. Aristotle on the mighty Puig Campana. 10 pitches of traditional climbing followed by 3 abseils to descend, so quite a day.
The climb is split into 2 distinct sections (lower & upper) and it's possible to escape at the top of pitch 5. The lower section is quite difficult to route find, but does contain some fine climbing. But it's the upper section where the main fun lies. Pitch 6 is about VS4b and above this the whole route follows an ever narrowing arete, culminating in pinnacles at the top. With a few hundred metres of fresh air below, this is a mighty fine place to be, mega exposure!
The descend is initially by abseil, about 10m into a notch, then about 35-40m from new looking bolts (2015) towards the barranco, and finally about another 30m from old pegs (these are now looking pretty knackered)! Once in the barranco a lot of down-scrambling brings you to the base of the mountain just next to where Epsilon Central starts.

Monday saw us enjoy another big multi-pitch route. This time on the nearby and iconic El Penon de Ifach. There are many climbs on the huge rock, and most are very hard. We choose one of the easier lines, a VS / 5+ known as Via Valencianos. 8 pitches including the notorious 'slippery corner'. After the initial couple of pitches we arrived at the slippery corner, this requires basic aid climbing due to the intense polish the rock now has, but this is fairly straightforward to do. Above here the route really starts to shine, the upper slab is around 70m high and contains brilliant climbing in an increasingly exposed setting, the top belay is right on the edge of an arete giving fines views back down to Calpe. 3 more pitches complete the route and end very near the summit.

All of these routes and many more can be included into a climbing / scrambling / multi-activity package. Please get in touch and we'll make the arrangements.

Big thanks to Kate, Kim, Miguel, Dave, Joe, and Sang for making this last couple of weeks so great.

A few photos below showing some of the places we got to. 

​
Rock-climbing-Spain
Rock-climbing-Penon-Calpe
Abseiling-Costa-Blanca
Rock-scrambling-Costa-Blanca
Via-ferrata-Las-Marujes-Costa-Blanca
Via-Ferrata-Costa-Blanca
0 Comments

Ridges, Sea Cliffs, & Lead climbing on the Costa Blanca

24/12/2014

0 Comments

 
Abseiling
Setting up an abseil
Sea cliff climbing - Magical mystery tour
More absolutely fabulous days have been enjoyed here in Spain. Rest days were shunned in search of more adventure and how much could be crammed into a few short days. Never enough time.

On Sunday everyone completed a full traverse of the Toix ridge. Our variation on this includes a multi-pitch climb of around 250m starting from Toix Este. So this is a very big extension to the day, and well worth it. The climbing is mostly straightforward, but the whole time the atmosphere builds as we climb higher and higher above the sea.

After lunch at the Mirador, we continued our journey by venturing onto the main Toix ridge. This begins with more straightforward climbing, leading to a scrambling section which is extremely memorable. Narrow and space below your feet come to mind. Everyone did really well on this mentally and physically challenging day. Photos of this day are below.

The star of these days for me was without any doubt the 'Magical Mystery Tour' on the Toix sea cliffs, Calpe.

Only 1 of the team had abseiled before, so we engineered a practice session into the day. This was essential as access to the sea cliff is by a 40 metre free-hanging abseil!!! So a warm up to this was needed. The practice session and the real deal all went without hitch, with everyone arriving in the big caves at the bottom of the abseil looking and probably feeling a little awe-struck.
The temperature on the cliff was high, with no wind, full sun, and reflection from the sea, everyone was soon feeling hot and bothered.
No worries though, for this is an awesome place with plenty to occupy one's thoughts!

Straightforward scrambling soon leads to the climbing, but the transition isn't at all gentle, suddenly there's a 30 metre drop straight into the sea and you need to step over the void to make the move, spicy it certainly is.
From now on the climbing is continually interesting and the crux is fittingly near the top. Everyone emerged triumphantly at the top of the cliff, relieved, elated, inspired, refreshed.
A wonderful experience.

Photos from the sea cliffs are above.

Rock climbing Costa Blanca
Ridge scrambling - Costa Blanca
Rock climbing Costa Blanca
And the final day of the course had to come, sad times indeed.

We spent it well, with a visit to Toix TV for some quality single pitch cragging with beautiful views over the coast and to the mountains.
Routes in the 6's were being cruised by all, and some very smily faces as a result (and aching muscles). Some sensational leads by both Edd & Lauren on 'Gufelwufel' (5). This is at the top of the grade and both cruised this on lead. Really pleased with this and the smoothness of transition from indoor to outdoor leading for both, well done.

Photos below show Genevieve on Gufelwufel, and below again is the view from the crag.

What a place to climb. What a week has been had. All in the company of such lovely people.

Thanks to: Edd, Nicola, Genevieve, Lauren, Jules, Chris, Kate, and Kim. You made it a fantastic week.


Rock climbing Costa Blanca
Guided walking - Costa Blanca
0 Comments

Sea cliff climbing, Costa Blanca

12/12/2014

0 Comments

 
Magical Mystery Tour, Calpe
Candelabra del Sol sea cliffs
After a rest day yesterday for Anna & Colin, we were back in full flow today. The rest day had been important, for today we were visiting the Candelabra del Sol sea cliffs near Calpe.

This is an imposing place, not for the faint hearted and a head for heights is obligatory.

After a pleasant and scenic walk of around 20 minutes we arrive at the abseil station, now the fun begins. About 40m of free-hanging abseil takes us down to ledges above the sea. The ladders nearby were used by fisherman to access these same ledges and so they would fish for the best catch. Climbing up or down the ladders would require nerves of steel and a suicidal mentality!!

The sea was choppy today so we had the pleasure of crashing waves for the whole time, this is so calming, Being so close to such a powerful force as the sea can give a surprising sense of calm.

The initial section of the route is a traverse and is little more than scrambling, albeit in an impressive setting. But soon enough the moves become more difficult, the exposure mounts, and we're having lots of vertical fun.

Each of the 3 main pitches brings with it unique challenges, but the overwhelming factor is the sea below, reminding us the only way out is up. What a sense this is, absolute magic. And the name of the route?

Magical Mystery Tour.

A fitting name if ever there was. 

The photo below shows the Puig Campana framed by a Pricky Pear. This is during the approach to the Candelabra del Sol.

The photo above shows the sea cliffs. And the top photo is of Colin & Anna on the belay after the first pitch of proper climbing.
Puig Campana
0 Comments

    RSS Feed

    Picture

    Categories

    All
    150 Jupiters
    1st Aid At The Crag
    3 Peaks Challenge
    8 Peaks Challenge
    95 Ole
    Abseiling
    Abseil In Langdale
    Activity Week Costa Blanca
    Advanced Scrambling Skills
    Adventure Day
    Adventure Week
    Adventure Yogi
    Aixorta
    Alcalali Crag
    Alcalali Intro To Sport Climbing
    Alcoy
    Alertacall
    Almond Blossom
    Alpine Training
    Ambleside
    Ambolo
    Anchors
    Angle Tarn
    Angle Tarn Beck
    Angle Tarn Pike
    Arista Al Forat De La Forada
    Aristotles
    Aventador
    Barranco Cucales
    Barranco De La Canal
    Barranco Del Curt O Pas De Bandolers
    Barranco De L'Estret
    Barranco De Les Viudes
    Barranco Del Infierno
    Barranco Del Llidoners
    Barranco Del Lliset
    Barranco Del Llosar
    Barranco Del Parent
    Barranco Del Pas De Calvo
    Barranco Del Pas Tancat
    Beda Fell
    Belay Systems
    Benicadell
    Bernia Ridge
    Bernia Walk
    Beyond Benidorm - Multi Activity Costa Blanca
    Black Crag
    Black Sail YHA
    Blake Rigg
    Bolting New Climbs
    Bolulla
    Bolulla Raco Roig
    Bolumini Cave
    Borrowdale Climbing
    Borrowdale Rock Climbing
    Bosigran Ridge
    Botterill's Slab
    Bouldering Costa Blanca
    Bovedas Crag Gandia
    Bovedon
    Bowfell
    Bowfell Buttress
    Bram Crag Quarry
    Brant Fell
    Brown Cove Crags
    Buckbarrow Crag
    Buttermere Skyline
    Cabezon De Oro
    Cadair Idris
    Cala Moraig
    Cam Crag Ridge
    Camping And Caravanning Club
    Candelabra Del Sol
    Canyoning
    Canyoning Costa Blanca
    Carillo-Cantabella
    Carrock Fell
    Castell De Castells
    Castellets Ridge
    Castell Helen
    Castle Rock
    Cathedral Quarry
    Cavall Verd
    Caval Verd
    Caves Of Costa Blanca
    Caving
    Central Buttress Of Scafell
    Central Fells
    Challenge Walks
    Church Beck
    Classic Rock
    Climb Costa Blanca
    Climbers Traverse
    Climbing Grades
    Climbing In Series
    Climbing Near Javea
    Climbing With Kids
    Clogwyn Yr Oen
    Club Moss
    Coastal Walks Costa Blanca
    Cockley Pike Ridge
    Col De Rates
    Cold Pike
    Coledale Horseshoe
    Coll De Rates
    Colwith Force
    Commando Ridge
    Coniston
    Coniston Old Man
    Coniston Scrambling
    Copt Howe
    Cornwall Climbing
    Corporate Day
    Corvus
    Costa Blanca
    Costa Blanca Climbing
    Costa Blanca Guide
    Costa Blanca Mountain Walks
    Costa Blanca Ridges
    Costa Blanca Scrambles
    Costa Blanca Via Ferrata
    Costa Blanca Walking
    Counter Balance Abseil
    Counter-balance Abseil
    Cova De Dalt
    Cova De La Garganta
    Crag X
    Crescent Climb
    Cresta De Al-Azraq
    Cresta Del Canelobre
    Cresta Del Castellar
    Cresta Del Maigmo
    Cresta Del Migdia
    Cresta Dels Bardals
    Crest Of Benicadell
    Crib Goch
    Crinkle Crags
    Cwm Silyn
    Cyfrwy Arete
    Deepdale
    Derwent Water
    Diedro UBSA Penon
    DMM Pivot
    Dos Hermanos
    Dow
    Dow Crag
    Duddon Valley
    Eagle Crag
    Easy Gully
    Echo Valley
    El Castellets
    El Cid Via Ferrata
    El Dorado
    Electric Blue
    Eliminate A
    El Peñon D'Ifach
    El Realet Ridge
    El Realet Ridge Traverse
    Elterwater
    Ennerdale
    Ennerdale Horseshoe
    Equalising Anchors
    Escaping The Belay System
    Eskdale
    Esk Gorge
    Espolon Central
    Espolon De La Pared Negra
    Evening Climbing Langdale
    Fairfield
    Family Activities Costa Blanca
    Family Activity Day
    Family Adventure Day
    Family Climbing
    FeGoo
    Fell Running
    Fire In Duddon Valley
    First Ascents On Scafell
    Font D'axia
    Forada Ridge
    Fred Whitton Challenge
    Fresh Air Learning
    Froggatt Edge
    Ghyll Scrambling
    Giant's Crawl
    Giants Crawl
    Gillercombe Buttress
    Gimmer Crag
    Glaciated Slab
    Goat's Crag
    Gogarth
    Gordian Not
    Gorge Scrambling
    Gowder Crag
    Granadella
    Great Gable
    Great Knott
    Greenhow End
    Gritstone
    Grooved Arete
    Guadalest Crag
    Guided Climbing
    Guided Running
    Guided Running Costa Blanca
    Guided Walking
    Guided Walking Lake District
    Guided Walks Costa Blanca
    Half Hitches
    Hard Rock
    Harrison Stickle
    Harter Fell
    Haste Not
    Hawkshead
    Haystacks
    Helmet At The Crag!
    Helvellyn
    Helvellyn In Winter
    Hen Party
    High Man
    History Of Rock Climbing Scafell
    Hodge Close
    Holbeck Ghyll
    Idwal Slabs
    Ill Crag
    Improvised Rescue
    Intro To Climbing
    Italian Hitch Abseil
    Jack's Rake
    Jack's Rake Scramble
    Kettle Crag
    Kilnshaw Chimney
    Kipling Groove
    Kirkus's Route
    Lake District
    Lake District Climbing
    Lake District Family Activities
    Lake District Walking
    Lakeland Challenge
    Lakes 3000's
    Lakes Challenge Walk
    Lands End Long Climb
    Langdale
    Langdale Horseshoe
    Langdale Pikes
    Langstrath
    Larks Foot
    Las Cerezas
    Learning To Lead
    Learn To Lead Climbing
    Levers Water
    Leyva
    Lingcove Beck
    Lingmoor
    Link Cove Beck
    Little Chamonix
    Little How Crag
    Little Langdale
    Llanberis Pass
    Lliber
    Llobet/Bertomeu
    L'Ocaive
    Lockdown
    Loft Crag
    Long Scar
    Longsleddale
    Loughrigg
    Lower Scout Crag
    Low Water Beck
    Magical Mystery Tour
    Malafi Ridge Scramble
    Malafi Walk
    Mallada Del Llop
    Marin
    Mascarat Gorge
    Merino Buff
    Mickledore
    Middlefell Buttress
    Moelwyns
    Monte Ponoig
    Montesa
    Morro Falqui
    Mosedale
    Moss Ghyll Grooves
    Mountaineering
    Mountaineering Costa Blanca
    Mountaineering Lake District
    Mountain Leader Refresher
    Multi Activity Week
    Multi-activity-week
    Multi Pitch Climbing
    Multi-pitch Climbing
    Murcia Climbing
    Murla Crag
    Napes Needle
    Navigation Course
    Navigation Skills
    Needle Ridge
    New Routing Costa Blanca
    North Lakes Guided Walks
    Ogwen
    Orienteering
    Orihuela
    Parallel Gullies Rib
    Parle
    Pavey Ark
    Peak District
    Penon De Ifach
    Penya Migdia Ridge Scramble
    Pepsi Crest
    Pike O'Blisco
    Pillar Rock
    Pinnacle Ridge
    Pirates Of The Caribbean
    Pla De La Casa
    Pleasure Domes
    Pluto
    Ponoch
    Problem Solving Whilst Canyoning / Abseiling
    Prussik
    Puig Campana
    Raco De Las
    Rap
    Raven Crag
    Raven Crag Langdale
    Raven Crag Yewdale
    Redovan
    Red Screes
    Red Tarn Winter Skills
    Red Tarn - Winter Skills
    Rhoscolyn
    Ridges Costa Blanca
    Ridge Scrambling
    Ridge Scrambling Costa Blanca
    Ridge Walks Costa Blanca
    Rock Climbing
    Rock Climbing Borrowdale
    Rock Climbing Calpe
    Rock Climbing Costa Blanca
    Rock Climbing Course
    Rock Climbing Duddon Valley
    Rock Climbing Eskdale
    Rock Climbing In Borrowdale
    Rock Climbing In Langdale
    Rock Climbing Langdale
    Rock Climbing Refresher Course
    Rock Climbing Scafell
    Rockfax
    Rock Improvers Course
    Rock Scrambling
    Rock Scrambling Costa Blanca
    Rock Scrambling In Langdale
    Roldan's Notch
    Rope Skills For Scrambling
    Ruthwaite Cove
    Sadgill Wall
    Scafell
    Scafell Pike
    Scafell Pike In Winter
    Scout Crags
    Scrambling
    Scrambling Costa Blanca
    Scrambling On Scafell Pike
    Sea Cliff Climbing
    Segaria
    Segaria Ridge
    Self Rescue For Climbers
    Sella
    Serrella
    Shepherds Crag
    Sierra Aitana
    Sierra De Toix
    Sierra Ferrer
    Single Pitch Climbing
    Skiddaw
    Skin Repair Balm
    Sky Running
    Slab & Notch Route
    Snail Shell Crag
    Snowdonia
    Snowdonia Climbing
    Snow Hole
    Sonjannika
    Sour Milk Gill
    SPA Refresher Course
    Sphinx Ridge
    Sport Climbing
    Sport Climbing Equipment
    Sport Climbing Holiday
    Stacked Abseil
    Stag Party
    Stake Gill
    Stickel Tarn
    Stickle Barn Crag
    Stickle Ghyll
    Stickle Ghyll Hydro Scheme
    Stickle Tarn
    Stockghyll
    Stoney Cove Pike
    Stoneycroft Ghyll
    Striding Edge
    Sunrise Walks
    Swimming Wild
    Symphony Crack
    Talisker
    Tarbena
    Tarbena Crag
    Tarn Crag
    Tarn Crag Scramble
    Team Building
    Teambuilding Day
    The Bell
    Thorn Crag
    Tilberthwaite
    Toix
    Toix Este
    Toix Ridge
    Toix Sea Cliffs
    Tophet Wall
    Trad Climbing Costa Blanca
    Trad Climbing Course
    Trail Running
    Trail Running Costa Blanca
    Trail Running In Spain
    Tremadog
    Troutdale Pinnacle
    Tryfan
    Tyrolean Traverse
    Ullscarf
    Ullswater Lakeshore Path
    Un Assisted Hoist
    Un-assisted Hoist
    Upper Scout Crag
    Vall De Gulabdar
    Via Esther
    Via Ferrata
    Via Ferrata Callosa De Segura
    Via Ferrata Costa Blanca
    Via Ferrata Les Marujes
    Via Ferrata Penya Figuerta
    Via Ferrata Redovan
    Via Ferrata Relleu
    Via Gene
    Via Pany
    Via Valencianos
    Villena Via Ferrata
    Viudes Crag
    Waist Belay
    Walking And Scrambling Costa Blanca
    Walking Costa Blanca
    Walking In Spain
    Walks From Ambleside
    Walks In Costa Blanca
    Wallowbarrow
    Wansfell Pike
    Wasdale
    Water Skiing Costa Blanca
    Wearing A Helmet
    Welsh 3000's
    What To Take Sport Climbing
    White Ghyll
    White Ghyll Edge
    Why We Climb
    Wild Flowers
    Wild Swimming
    Windgather
    Winter Climbing
    Winter Day In Grisedale
    Winter Mountaineering
    Winter Skills
    Winter Skills Course
    Wodens Face
    Women Week Costa Blanca
    Xmas In Spain
    Yoga
    Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge
    Yorkshire Three Peaks
    Zip Wire

    Archives

    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.