Climbing
intro

Elsewhere we have some interesting climbing options for you... and more will be added this year all over Asia and in Europe as well as North America.

Come with us to Barcelona, Spain and spend a few days or more scaling the beautiful rock and cliff faces of the Catalan Region. Based in the beautiful Montsec Mountains of northwest Catalunya on the edge of the high Pyrenees we have everything within easy reach: dramatic gorges split by powerful rivers, peaceful lakes and picturesque villages, high mountains and, of course, endless climbing opportunities.

Our trips involve staying in 2 or 3 albergs/refuges over the course of a single visit. The idea of this is to take the opportunity to enjoy the full diversity each area has to offer while not losing any time travelling. Every place we stay has quality climbing on its doorstep - allowing us to get you on the rock each morning without delay.

There are 3 key climbing regions we are keen to introduce you to:
Each region offers diverse, exciting & challenging climbing routes. To accommodate the changing seasons; during the autumn, winter & spring we will take you to The Classic Gorges of Northwest Catalunya. The High Pyranean Granite is perfect for long days climbing throughout the summer months. For late spring & early summer, you’ll be mesmerised by the Montserrat Massif.

The Classic Gorges of Northwest Catalunya
Join us for a visit to the gorges of Vilanova de Meia, Terradets, Collegats and Mont Roig amongst others & discover the superb and varied climbing sectors of the Catalan pre-Pyrenees.

The immediate area boasts routes to suit all tastes, spanning all ranges of ability; andscores of big wall challenges up to half a kilometre high for specialists in traditional and artificial techniques.
Add to this the refreshingly mild and sunny climate of the startlingly beautiful Montsec (Dry Mountains) and you have the recipe for the perfect climbing holiday.

High Pyrenean Granite
In very few places in Europe is it possible to find granite climbing of such high quality in such a spectacular setting as in the High Pyrenees. ESC is therefore delighted to be able to offer special summer breaks to the magical Twisted Waters (Aigues Tortes) National Park in northwest Catalunya.

The 2-centre holidays we organise, based in high-altitude refuges (at heights of approximately 2000m), take in the best of High Pyrenean Granite.
With short protected boulder problems, dedicated sports crags, semi-equipped slabs and great classic climbs up beautiful and aesthetically pleasing walls and needles (up to 3000m) there is something for everybody.

Add to this the pleasure of being able to explore endless valleys and hidden corners where you can still enjoy the solitude and beauty of the fabled Pyrenees and you have the recipe for a perfect break.

So why not relax and breathe in the rarefied mountain air while we take care of everything else? With ESC, you can enjoy each day to the full with nothing to worry about except getting up and down the route of your choice!

Montserrat Massif

Come with us to Montserrat, the cradle of Catalan climbing and one of the world's great climbing areas. There are literally thousands of climbs from micro-routes to big-wall adventures to be found in this labyrinthine and dramatically beautiful massif.
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 be driven to climb.
The final approach up the winding road from Monistrol provides perhaps the most unforgettable views of all: a continuous wall of big-faces and needles stretches across the horizon. The only question is where to begin: the friendly slabs of Els Gorros, the 8-pitch needle which is the Cavall Bernat, the orange overhangs of the Paret dels Diables, the intimidating blankness of the great Paret de l'Aeri, or the broken vertical expanse of the Serrat del Moro?

So, what are you waiting for? No matter what time of year it is – whether you want a long weekend away from home or a fortnight’s break from the routine & drudgery of work – we can find you the perfect climbing holiday…

Want to expand your horizons; develop your technique; learn new climbing skills? Just ask us to take you climbing in Spain.

If you have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to get back to us – we’ll be only too pleased to help. After all, the team at ESC are passionate about our various sporting disciplines – we want you to be, as well!