Intro to Rock Climbing and Via Ferrata in Spain

In Europe, via ferrata routes are graded based on their difficulty, with factors such as physical demands, exposure and technical skill required. Although there are variations in grading systems depending on the country, we use the Hüsler scale, named after the Swiss alpinist Eugen E. Hüsler. This is a widely used grading system across Europe. It ranges from K1 (easy) to K6 (extreme). "K" stands for "Klettersteig", the German word for via ferrata. The grades in this system are as follows:

• K1 (Easy) Suitable for beginners. Mostly walking with short, protected sections. Few vertical sections, minimal exposure. Requires little to no climbing skills.

• K2 (Moderate) Some short steep sections. May have a few vertical climbs with steel rungs or holds. Protection is good, with ropes or ladders. Minimal exposure.

• K3 (Somewhat Difficult) Longer, more vertical sections. Increased exposure but still well protected. Requires good physical condition and head for heights.

• K4 (Difficult) Steep and sustained vertical sections. High exposure. Requires good upper body strength and climbing skills. Sometimes fewer artificial holds.

• K5 (Very Difficult) Very steep, sustained vertical or overhanging sections. High exposure with more demanding technical climbing moves. Limited artificial holds and protection. Requires excellent physical fitness and climbing experience.

• K6 (Extremely Difficult) Extremely exposed, vertical or overhanging sections. Demands significant upper body strength and technical climbing skills. Few or no artificial holds, making the route very challenging. Best suited for expert climbers.

This trip goes up to a maximum of K4, which can be attempted on the upper section of the ferrata de Redovan. This section is optional, leaving the rest of the trip spread across K1, K2 and K3 sections.

You'll spend most of the day at the crag, heading there after breakfast a quick 10 minute drive from your pensión. You'll have 3-4 climbing guides depending on the group size, your guides will give you a run-through of the climbing manoeuvres and techniques that you'll be doing and will set up rope lines for the group to practice on, with varying levels of difficulty to cater to different ability levels within the group. In teams you'll practice rope climbing (top rope), followed by some abseiling techniques. Top rope is a very secure and safe way of climbing and is the perfect introduction method. If you were to fall from a route or need a rest, you simply hang from the rope at the point of the fall, where you can either resume the climb or be lowered to the bottom. You'll also learn communication protocols and self-rescue manoeuvres, and your guides are on hand at all times to help you with your technique and to step in if you get stuck at any point. The day is structured loosely to give you plenty of rest in between bursts of effort while testing yourself on the different routes at the crag. There is a mountain hut a short walk away where you can have a rest and grab drinks, or you can rest up at any point of the day at the crag watching your fellow adventurers attempt routes on the wall. The group will break for a leisurely picnic lunch, and there will also be sundowner drinks watching the sunset over the Aitana range. In total you'll likely be actually climbing for 3-4 hours depending on how you feel. You are welcome to do as much or as little as you like.

The selected routes are all suitable to try out as a beginner and range from very easy up to intermediate grades. Most of the routes have plenty of good hand and footholds, but as you go up the grades your strength, technique and route planning will be tested. Your guides will keep you updated with which grade route you are trying at any time, and will assess at all times which ones you are capable of tackling.

You will need to bring your own climbing shoes. If you don't have a pair already, these can be bought for around £30 from Decathlon or similar. You should buy those that fit comfortably in the shop - don't follow advice for them to be extra tight or a smaller shoe size than you would normally wear - your feet will swell with the heat on the trips in early Autumn and late Spring on this trip anyway, so finding a pair that fit like normal shoes and no tighter is important.

In the rare event in this part of Spain where the conditions affect the ability to climb or do via ferratas, your host knows the area incredibly well and can pivot to alternative activities. If for example, conditions on Monte Ponoch don't allow for the summit to be safely reached, you may do an extra half day climbing at the crag after a hike lower down in the mountain.

The tap water in Alicante province in Spain is safe to drink. You can fill up at the pension throughout your stay, taking bottles to the climbing crag and with you to the via ferrata excursions. We recommend bringing along 2 litres worth of carrying capacity in reusable water bottles and/or bladders.

There will be two main guides throughout the trip, both for the climbing day at the crag and for the via ferrata excursions.

This trip has a single-centre base, so your luggage can remain with you in your room while you head off for adventures each day.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion and are non-compulsory on this trip. Of course, if you feel that your guides provided an exceptional experience then you are welcome to tip as much as you feel is appropriate. You should factor in tipping 10% on top of the bill in any bars and restaurants during the trip.

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