A complimentary breakfast after an extended sleep (forgot to put the clock forward to Spanish time!), then stepped outside to be greeted by blue skies and palm tree. A fine start to the day!
Feeling fed and rested, we se out onto the open road in our sporty little hire car.
For an extra two euro, we have been upgraded to a very nice car, with racing seats and lots of 'tech' which bleeps a lot! After a fruitless search to find an open shop (a rare thing in Spain on a Sunday), we left town and set of for the mountain village of Guadalest. It's most noted for it's cliff top castle, but it's the actual cliffs that are more the attraction to Clare and I.
We passed by the city limits of Stag-Do City, marvelling at the skyscrapers and urban skyline, before weaving our way up hill in search of some sun kissed limestone cliffs.
It didn't take long to locate some!
Very excited to be climbing on warm rock in the sun and even more excited to by trying out some new rock shoes. Canary Yellow; guaranteed to help you climb harder!
There were a few suspect old bolts about, but mostly the crag had been re-equipped and all the route names painted helpfully at the base of the climbs.
The views from the cliff were fabulous and we could see the sea in the distance.
Best of all, for our first day was the short walk in to the cliffs! We put our harnesses on at the car, then just had to cross the road!
There was a coolish breeze blowing, but generally it was nice and warm. The climbing is superb - and steep!
We did a few multi-pitch climbs as well as some shorter ones.
Just before sunset, we checked into our apartment, which is small but very comfy.
Today, also happens to be our anniversary. Eighteen years ago, we climbed a route called 'The Direct Route' on Glyder Fach in Wales. Happily, things were much warmer today, but climbing together was just as much fun!
As there are no food shops in the village, we finished the day by going our for dinner at the village bar. Very friendly and delicious too - real treat!
Guadalest Climbs: Castillo Main Cliff:
(all fantastic, but be warned - they are pretty tough for the grade!)
- Tirant lo Blanc, 5+*
- L'Ham de Foc lo Blanc, 5+, 6s**
- La Muixeranga, 5+***
- L'Espill o Libre, 6a+***
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