Climb Catalunya is pleased to be able to offer special trips to Montserrat, the cradle of Catalan climbing and one of the world's great climbing areas.
There are literally thousands of climbs to be found in this labyrinthine and dramatically beautiful massif, ranging from state of the art sports routes to classic big wall adventures. Even the most well-travelled climber cannot fail to be dazzled by what Montserrat has to offer.
As we drive towards the massif from Barcelona the unmistakable saw-tooth profile of Montserrat rises out of the heat and haze of the plain. Looking up at the towering rock formations it is easy to see the inspiration for the outrageous spires of Gaudi's still unfinished Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Thousands of needles, massed together in the most improbable manner, break the skyline in two. The sight is so impressive and at the same time so unlike anything that you have seen before that it is hard not to feel impelled to climb.
As we get closer, the individual shapes that so characterise Montserrat become more apparent, the final approach providing perhaps the most unforgettable view of all: a continuous wall of big-faces and needles stretches across the horizon. The only question is where to begin: the sunny bowl of impeccable sports climbs which goes to make up The Red, the friendly slabs of the Gorros domes, the 8-pitch towering spire which is the Cavall Bernat, the orange overhangs of the Devil's Wall, the intimidating blankness of the great Paret de l'Aeri, or the jagged vertical expanse of the Moor's Face?
Most people choose to start at one of the scores of excellent and endlessly entertaining sports sectors on the sunny south side, giving themselves an opportunity to get used to the rock and the style of climbing before moving on to more serious challenges. Happily, modern sports routes come at all grades, from F5 to F8c+, and are extremely well bolted allowing you to push yourself (safely) as much as you want. Multi-pitch slab routes tend to be semi or fully equipped (although sportingly bolted and tremendously atmospheric) while classic lines up cracks, corners and flakes are fiercely protected giving us some of the best and most committing trad routes to be found in the whole of Spain.
Wherever you do decide to climb during your trip, you will find the finest conglomerate rock in the world and superb technical climbing, on fantastic edges, intricate pockets, slabs, cracks and flakes. Whatever type of climbing you love, Montserrat is a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
To make the most of what Montserrat has to offer our 8-day holidays are based round spectacularly situated refuges in the heart of the mountain.
The enchanting and spectacular Montserrat Massif offers incredible climbing opportunities along with great weather. Easy access from Barcelona airport and exceptionally cheap flights from London make it the ideal choice for a long weekend climbing break.
Climb Catalunya offers breaks from Friday lunch-time (we pick you up around noon and get you on the rock just an hour later!) to Monday evening allowing you to take just 2 days holiday while packing in an amazing 3½ days climbing.
You will stay in a beautifully situated refuge at the foot of Montserrat's most imposing faces, giving incredibly easy access to a variety of superb sports sectors and classic multi-pitch routes. Big breakfasts are provided in the refuge, whilst quality packed lunches mean you can make the most of each day's climbing without going hungry. In the evenings we eat out in excellent restaurants, sampling local specialities and drinking good local wine. And that's all included in the price!
Over the course of the whole stay you will receive excellent route advice. We will guide you to the best sectors and climbs appropriate for you. So, whether you are looking for state of the art sports climbing or long trad lines, you won't waste any time.
Long weekend trips are available any weekend from March through until the end of November and can be organised to suit you.
Prices include: all transport once in Spain, accommodation and full board, and expert route/sector advice each day.
Cost for long-weekend:
-
Groups of 2 - £300.00 per person
-
Groups of 4 - £275.00 per person
-
Groups of 6 - £250.00 per person
If you want to improve your skills, a wide range of well-crafted, practical hands-on courses are also available as bolt-ons or as part of a great value long weekend instructional package.