GlobalClimbing

Crevillent first appeared on the scene after Nacho Sánchez put up some insanely hard test pieces. This year I spent 2 months in Valencia (for work, unfortunately) but I was able to visit Crevillente on two afternoons to check out what it was all about.

[The classic El Bancal as we know it. Mel enjoying the sandstone in the sun.]

The area is actually more famous for the fine-grain sandstone boulders of El Bancal. But since these formations are already quite polished and it was pretty warm I decided to move down to the shady roof of Cova de la Gota. And it was worth it! Here are some impressions of the first taste I got. (And a video!)

[Arriving in the desert-like landscape around Crevillent.]

[A bit tricky to find Cova de la Gota lies hidden in an old riverbed]

To warm up there is some "easy" stuff on the far left and right of the cave.

[It's quite an exotic location! Flashing Demolition Man, 7b+]

[Fantastic moves are waiting for you in El Cristo Stand Variation, 8a]

[During the 2nd go ascent of El Cristo Stand Variation, 8a - Thanks Samuel for all the beta!!!]

[Flashing another good one: La Trave del Cristo, 7c+. ]

[This is my kind of climbing! Flashing Emergencia en la Fuerca, 7c+]

[This is my kind of climbing! Flashing Emergencia en la Fuerca, 7c+]

[This is my kind of climbing! Flashing Emergencia en la Fuerca, 7c+]

Then, of course, there is Sánchez's masterpiece Insomnio, 8c. Some locals told me, that there is a standing start graded 8b. I just had to get on it and was lucky enough to link these hard moves on my 3rd attempt.

[During the ascent of Insomnio Stand, 8b]

All in all bouldering at Cova de la Gota in Crevillent was a fantastic experience! Too bad there wasn't more time and too bad it was already quite warm (late April). I'm really motivated to come back some day, hopefully in better shape and with more time!

And don't forget to check out the VIDEO!