The Belfast Climbing Club had a very early start on Sunday to make our 7am flight! After some much needed coffee, the group took off to Malaga. The drive to El Chorro was treacherous, with the sat nav leading some of us down a tiny dirt road with a surprise river crossing. After setting down our bags at Finca La Campana, the group wasted no time and set off for Rocabella. With a very short walk-in, many people were able to get 2-3 climbs in before the head-torches came out. One of the group’s favourites was a 5c-Mascha went to the World Cup, it started off steep and pumpy and then turned into a more thoughtful climb.
On Monday, most of the group headed to Serena, the highest part of the ridge of Frontales. Serena was the perfect crag to warm up on, with friendly grades and plenty of sun! Owen and Louisa braved the freezing waters of the hostel pool to cool down after a long day of climbing.
On Tuesday the group headed to Valle de Abdalajis, a slabby crag with more trad-style climbs. Owen managed to squeeze in a quick chimney climb before the rain finally forced the group to retreat back to the hostel.
On Wednesday, Gemma and Louisa decided to set off on a huge muti-pitch. Owen headed to Frontales to knock out Sexo, Hierba y Vertical, a steep, juggy three star route. Conor, Owen, Paul, and Daniel then headed to Escalera Arabe to try another 6b climb, called El Canalillo de la Mari, a challenging corner climb. Michael sent his 7a project, and the group celebrated with a bottle of prosecco!
On Thursday, Michael returned to route after working with a mate a couple of months ago. After sending his 7a project the day before, he had no plans to climb hard that day. But Michael’s Elvis leg didn’t stop him from cruising through the crux of Cita en Sevilla(7B).
The Friday was intended to be a rest day with downpours predicted all day. However, a few of us were up for an early breakfast, and Michael suggested getting just one cheeky climb in the morning before the rain came. Ashley, Mike, and Paul didn't take much convincing, and we drove down to Frontales to try out Putiferio. It was a powerful climb, with big sidepulls and high rock-overs. Tania, Ash, Sarah, and Cillian joined later to try El Virgo de Vicentela, a 6b+ that is in the top 50 climbs in El Chorro! The rain started just before lunchtime, so the group headed back to the hostel, where the group played foosball, and then later started a ping pong competition(with Owen the clear winner!). After some dinner and some wine passed around the table, Tania broke out her famous Piggy PIggy board game.
On Saturday everyone was keen to fit in any climbs they hadn’t managed to send during the week. Ashley and Richard finished off the holiday with Rock me Amadeus. It started with a tricky undercling to then pull-up over a slightly overhung rock face. Ash and Conor finished the holiday with Edelweiss(4c), a super-exposed angeled rib. While the grade was friendly, it was sparsely bolted and quite airy at the top! When it was looking like the rain was going to start, the group packed it in and headed back to the hostel for some well deserved pizza!
The day the club left was bittersweet. It was pouring rain, so at least we weren’t missing out on perfect climbing weather! It was hard to say goodbye to El Chorro, but the good times had throughout our journey will stick with all of us!
