Looking for variety and to include some skills and climbing, we formulated a plan that would give lots of time on rock, lots of ascent, and lots of descent whilst consolidating skills.
Less than an hour after leaving Alicante airport we were geared up and walking towards the huge via ferrata on El Cid. This was chosen partly due to its shady outlook (very hot day). About 300m of vertical ascent with traverses and lots of rock moves, we topped out on the summit and back into the full sun, with the mountains casting mystical shadows over the Spanish landscape, sublime.
We took the scenic drive back to Llosa de Camacho and some downtime in preparation for day 2.....
Day 2 had been a toss-up between a variety of amazing ridges in the area. We opted for The Toix Integral ridge near Calpe. This gave us about 200m of easy grade rock climbing and lots of top quality and at times very exposed scrambling. All in an amazing setting high above the sea and with views over to El Penon d'Ifach.
Day 3 was set to be a little more leisurely but equally fun. I think it lived up to expectations.
The Barranco del Pas de Tancat isn't exactly easy to find, but once you know where it is, you're sure to visit more than once, spectacular scenery in abundance sums it up. Plenty of jaw-dropping moments, with huge cliffs above and beautifully sculpted water worn rock formations all around. With about 10 full equipped abseil stations, starting with the really very small and becoming progressively longer, it's the perfect venue for getting to grips with abseiling.
Along with nights out in Pedreguer and Denia, this short stay has packed a lot in and I think we bid fair wells to a couple of tired climbers this morning, always a good sign.
Thanks to Andi and Michael. Hope to see you again soon.
Also thanks to Kate, Kim, Jenny, Tricia, and Kay for joining on some of the days out.
Mark
