Lucy - ‘A Christmas Climb’

Some summer sun…

About six weeks ago before Christmas a friend asked if I fancied going rock climbing for the holidays. I'm someone who's always up for an adventure, but I'd never been away from home for Xmas before so I wasn't sure. But, after thinking about the warmth and of course climbing everyday I was quickly sold on the idea. Not the least because it wasn't too expensive

We decided to camp, so minus the flights, there wasn't much else to pay for and Spanish food (and wine) is pretty cheap. We were off to El Chorro, near Malaga, for 10 whole days: not a snowman in sight! 

It gets better! The campsite had a swimming pool (perfect for us hardy British winter swimmers), yoga studio and a kitchen. This made up for the sloping, rocky tent pitches. 10 days of outdoor life commenced. Short walks to the crags, sport climbing in the sun and beer and board games to finish the day.

My favourite climbing day (being a trad climber at heart) had to be the 250m multi-pitch called 'Lluvia del Asteroides' (meteor shower) up the main crag, Frontales. Some really high quality climbing, a fun scramble at the top and a real sense of satisfaction looking up at the imposing rock afterwards. As the guide book says, 'a brilliant.. expedition"

So, despite a couple of days of debilitating sun stroke (yes, in December), the lack of a Christmas roast and a questionable tent pitch)...

I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND El Chorro as your next winter climbing destination. I think I'll be going abroad every Christmas to climb from now on.

Tent Top Tip

Wedge rolled up clothes under your mat to create a flat ledge if you're camping on a hill.