Spanish Rock: Climb 4
Forada
Petorri 3+ (3c) seconded. De los Cuatro * 4a lead. De Joan 3c seconded
Another hot day. And unfortunately all the climbs in the shade were too hard! We had an extra long walk in as there was a barrier to the gravel road so we had to walk from there. Excellent friendly crag.
Spanish Rock Climb 3
Salema
R 2 Dedos 3c lead Xeroxi 4a * lead
Today was very very hot! Feeling very pleased with my climbing though. But hard work in the heat!
Puig Campana
Puig Campana 1408m
D: 17.49km. El: 1097. T: 5hrs 45mins ( 8 hrs 25 mins )
Today we decided to have a walk up the Puig Campana. Which is the big hill we can see from our apartment. It was quite windy and we did wonder if we would be able to get all the way to the top. But we did. It was the longest and most elevation I have done this year. We were very weary when I got back to chris’ van.
Spanish Rock Day Two
Today we went to Sierra de Toix. The forecast was to rain later on in the afternoon so we made an effort to get out early. It was over cast and at time threatening rain but we were lucky and heavy rain did not appear. A lovely cliff over looking the sea and across the bay to the impressive Penon de Ifach.
We intended to climb George grade 3 a 4 pitch climb. But in fact we ended up climbing the first three pitches of George and the top pitch of Juan grade 4. – which by the way was lovely.
I learned the procedure for abseiling down. Which was very good. Sadly the rope got stuck when we tried to pull it down and so I climbed back up on prusseks and tiring the rope on my harness by a carabiner. So that was all a good learning curve for me.
Spanish Rock Day one
Vall de Guadar
Espolon Alderton. Grade 4 (HS) lead
I arrived on a late flight so by the time that Chris and I got to the apartment it was nearly 2am on Monday morning. So we did really well to get out and have a climb at all. My first sport route outdoors. The sun was hot! We just did one single pitch route which was excellent but a little harder than I was expecting. At the top in order to lower down the procedure is:- At the top there is a ring. Clip into the ring with a sling. Untie. Thread the climbing rope through the ring and retie. Then save to be lowered down.
After this climb we decided to go to a climbing shop we had found near by. Chris wanted to look for boots but also needed rocks as Jane had taken hers back by mistake. I got a new belay devise and a couple of short slings.
By the time we got back to the apartment it was late. Chris cooked tea.
I was very pleased with how I climbed and am getting my head around this sports climbing malarkey
First Hill in Knoydart
Sgurr Coire Choinnichean 796m (c)
D:13.75km El: 825m T: 4hrs 1 min (5hrs 42mins)
https://www.strava.com/activities/6864602373
After a wonderful few days away in the van I headed for Knoydart by ferry, a quick visit to see Kenny. My legs were pretty knackered after 3 hill days and a day skiing but the weather stayed fine and the hill Joe and I abandoned due to bad weather and wrong clothes back in September was calling me. So I just had to go for it. What an amazing hill it was – definitely my most interesting solo hill to date. The ridge was superb. My legs even survived 200m descent of the most hummocky grass ever!!
A Two Graham Day in Glencoe
Meall Mor 676m (g) Sgorr a’Choise 663m (g)
D: 14.89 km El: 906m T: 5hrs 4mins ( 8hrs 16 mins)
https://www.strava.com/activities/6855552794
We stayed in the van at the Signal Rock car park in fact we stayed two nights, Dot and I had a really nice meal at the Clachaig Inn after the walk. But first the walk, we thought we may only manage the one hill but even after a wee detour towards the wrong hill Anne and I managed both including a very steep descent. such great views of the bigger hills.
Second day in Braemar
Carn na Drochaide 818m (c)
D: 10.28km El: 507m T: 2hrs 58 mins ( 4hrs 32 mins)
https://www.strava.com/activities/6843019695
Second day walking in Braemar, a night in the van which was a bit chilly and the day not as sunny as forecast but it stayed mostly dry, a few paths and a fair bit of heather, we got a soaking coming down from the top but the wind dried us out before we got back to the van. A nice pot of tea and cake in Braemar after. And I called in at my outlet in Braemar to see how things were going.
Creag Bhalg
Creag Bhalg (g)
D: 10.55km El: 317m T:2hrs 49 mins (4 hrs 5 mins)
https://www.strava.com/activities/6841901389
I drove over and met up with Janet at the Falls of Moy car park which was to be our sleep spot for the night. We set off up Creag Bhalg at mid morning, a lovely little path along the river turned in knee deep heather nightmare but eventually we found a track and the rest was easier going. Nice veiws from the top of other hills – some climbed and some not.
A chilly night in the van – remember to pack a winter sleeping bag to go with the duvet. Day one of a highland van trip.
Second Day with the Ladies
Meall Odhar 656m (g)
D:11.23km El: 541m T3hrs 15 mins ( 4hrs 56 mins)
https://www.strava.com/activities/6818492109
The weather forecast was for rain and wind and low cloud – to be honest it wasn’t that appealing but as it happened the day was much better than forecast. Feeling more comfortable with the group today we had a nice communal meal last night. I think I would like to join this group and so will concentrate on fulfilling their requirements.
We decided to go up Meall Odhar a cheeky Graham that a couple of the others climbed yesterday. It was good and we got views from the top
Mountain Days and Photo Nights 