It is a well known fact within SMOG that I (Rachel) don't do rock climbing. (Too scary!) So you are probably all wondering how I could be convinced to join a sun rock trip to Spain in October? I think it was those magic words "Sun Rock". I had visions of lying on the beach enjoying the sunshine while the others toiled and struggled with the rock. Reality and my visions couldn't be further apart!

We arrived in Barcelona to the most wicked storm I had seen since leaving New Zealand. This was not a good start to the week, but we decided to head out for a walk on Sunday anyway. Our goal was La Pena in the hills above the villa we had rented. Although wet it was a good introduction to the area. Great views from the summit, in particular of the escarpments that run along the top of most of the ridges we could see.

So much for lying on the beach. As the weather was cool and there were five climbers and me, I decided to go along and act as a "lump on the end of a rope" (in technical terms a belay). While at the cliff, the climbers managed to convince me to have a go at one of the shorter and easier routes. With some serious misgivings I kitted up with harness, rock boots, and helmet.

The first couple of times I found the routes quite hard and did not make it to the top. My arms wore out too soon! Not to mention at times my courage failed too! However I persevered and was very pleased to get to the top of a route called Cutty Sark (grade 4) at Margalef.

I can safely say that I still find rock climbing quite terrifying but that with time and practise it is actually getting less scary! I enjoy the combination of mental and physical challenge, but I think it will be a quite some time before I could tackle a multi pitch route.

We climbed at:

• Margalef
• Mont-ral
• la Mussara
• Garraf Nature Park

We rented a villa near a town called Montblanc, 80km W of Barcelona. Most of the local (< one hour drive) climbing was sport climbing or cragging with routes anywhere between 12 and 30m, graded 4 to 8+. There is a very good guide book to the area called Costa Daurada Rock Fax. Further afield there is lots of good multi-pitch climbing particularly in towards the Pyrenees.

Suspense as he attempts the overhang! Dave climbing at Margalef, Spain

My First Rock Climb! Rachel climbing at Margalef, Spain

Last Updated: 13 Oct 2005	© Slough Mountaineering Group	contact us