Went on a little adventure inland today to the amazing cliffs near Sax. This is one of the reasons to travel to these continental sport climbing areas - for fantastic climbing on large, smooth sweeps of limestone, covered in tiny pockets, holds and plenty of bolts. Oh, and bathed in plenty of winter sunshine!
The last part of the drive there got the Sat Nav a little confused and the hire car driver a little nervous, but it was actually all ok and not the 4x4 track it looked like it might turn into! Rock climbing really does take you off the beaten track!
The rock is simply brilliant here. And warm enough for skins too! Pure pleasure.
Comfy belay ledges too.
And you get to finish on a little summit! Unusually for bolted climbs, you have to walk off the side of the peak, but it only takes a few minutes and someone has even cemented a few foot holds onto the scrambling section!
We climbed several routes, all of top quality. Never desperate, but all requiring some thought and nice moves.
The views were far reaching above the almond tree orchards.
Most of the routes have been well bolted, but there was traces of older times - including some wooded wedges in the cracks and the odd old piton - don't think I'd like a hanging stance off either thanks!
The car was parked down by the orchards where the blossom was in full bloom.
It got cold quick once the sun left the crag and by the time we walked away, we were back in down jackets again. It was well worth the drive, but late by the time we were back at the coast; but not too late for a celebratory drink!
Sax - Penas Del Rey;
- Blanes 4+,4+***
- Tupungato 5,5+***
- Amor Brujo 6a*,5+*****
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