Climbing spots of Catalonia part 3
Text and photos by Mateusz Ha³adaj
Here's the second part of the larger article by Mateusz Ha³adaj about climbing spots of Catalonia. This part includes the areas of Sant Llorenc de Montgai, Camarasa, Santa Ana and Masriudoms.
Sant Llorenc de Montgai – An option for the rain period
The Disblia sector consists of two caves with some interesting routes. Out of 50 existing lines some are combinations, still most of them are worth a try. Sant Llorenc can’t really be described as another world class area in Catalonia but it’s the only one that remains completely dry after the rain. The ceiling does not let the water through and many local climbers come here when the weather is really bad. Another good crag nearby is definitely worth mentioning – the Kurika sector, which is not described in the topo. You may search for some information at the local bar. At Kurtika (facing north, by the road to Camarasa) you will find the best 8a in the area and some more routes which look really good.
The location allows you to get to most of the best areas within 1,5 hour drive. The countryside with a big lake and mountains is attractive as fas ar many other activities are concerned...
The massif of Sant Llorenc de Montgai (photo: Mateusz Ha³adaj)
Camarasa – mainly for amateurs
In the neighborhood of St. Llorenc de Montgai there is Camarasa, an interesting destinations for those who prefer vertical walls and search for easier grades. The area is naturally divided into several separate cliffs, the best of which is the furthest (La Selva). The climbs are generally flat, from 4’s up to 8c, on pockets and edges. Nevertheless, sector La Selva offers also some continuous overhanging routes on tufas too. For those who prefer a peaceful atmosphere and pleasant surrounding it’s recommended to approach to farther sectors, as the masts of the power station might appears to be a bit too industrial… Although the season is long thanks to eastern orientation, some climbers prefer to go there in the summertime.
Camarasa (photo: Mateusz Ha³adaj)
Santa Ana – for fans of roofs
In this area, there are about 50 routes to be found, however, from below most of them do not look as attractive as on the pages of the well-made “Lleida Climbs” guidebook. The most intriguing is the roof of the main sector with some very good 8c’s on thin tufas. There is also one very interesting extreme line set by Adam Ondra i but it doesn’t seem like there’s going to be a second ascent soon.
Santa Ana (photo: Mateusz Ha³adaj)
Masriudoms – the asylum
Located near the coast, the Masriudoms cliff emerges on the horizon after 30 minutes hike and makes a fantastic impression which does not disappear after touching the rock. Reachable after about 30 minutes drive from Margalef and Siurana, it’s a great alternative for rainy days. The wall with some 40 routes on tufas and jugs is covered with a roof that protects the cliff from the rain. Most of the lines offer sustained climbing of an excellent quality and some of them consist of 3 pitches, which gives 50 meters of a climbing marathon. Great fun! Among the most significant advantages of the sector, one may list a peaceful surrounding, lack of people and temperatures that generally remain a few degrees higher than in other sectors in the area, which makes the spot good for cold winter days. One of the best in the area.
Masriudoms (photo: Mateusz Ha³adaj)
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