Oliana — Fire Damage

News has reached us of some serious damage to the world-famous sector of Contrafort de Rumbau in Oliana. Apparently, the raging wildfires that have devastated parts of Catalunya recently, engulfed much of the cliff, rendering many routes unclimbable, either temporarily or permanently. 

In particular, the left-hand side of the wall (everything left of the route 'Mishi) is said to have been totally destroyed in terms of climbing, with rock falls occurring in the intense heat. Further to the right, the damage has been less severe, but all routes will need to be checked for dangerous holds and bolts before any climbing can begin again.

Signs at the base of the approach path have been erected to deter would-be visitors.

Fires have also raged across other parts of Lleida province, in particulare, close to the zones of La Pauta and Alòs de Balaguer. We will provide further updates as and when information becomes available.

 

Santa Linya - Cova Gran

Some news and updates, kindly sent to us by Pol Ortiz.

a) At the left-hand side of the cave, routes between Tio Calambres and Airline L1 are currently not possible to climb due to a fenced off structure protecting the archaeological dig. Although there is doorway access to the area, a signpost clearly states that climbing is not allowed. Local climbers are trying to make sure that no one abuses this arrangement, which would only lead to further prohibitions. Therefore DO NOT ENTER THE FENCED OFF AREA UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

b) A variation of the project Fin de La Tregua has been climbed. The original route went up and left to join Rollito Sharma, but the new, more logical line goes rightwards to join La Fabelita, finishing at the R2 belay of La Fabela. Done this way, the route is named Climbinpeace and is 8c+. The original Fin de La Tregua project still remains unclimbed.

c) The project Joedan has now been climbed at 9a.

d) Open your Mind L1 is now considered solid 8c+ rather than 8c/+.

e) El Koala L1 + L2 is now considered to be 8b/+ instead of 8b+.

f) La Mare del Tano is now considered to be 8b rather than 8a+.

Fígols a L'Ombra

The route Mascle Sensible (Page 408 in Lleida Climbs 3) is actually 8a+/b, rather than the 8b+/c grade in the guide. Thanks to Pol Ortiz for this information.