Clinging like spiderman to a practically vertical face of rock; looking down did not feel like a good option – the only way was up. As I pulled myself skywards, with surprisingly more ability than I had anticipated, I began to grow in confidence and realise that rock climbing had actually been a good choice of activity to experience in the name of journalistic research.
This research idea grew from a realisation that there is much to do for people living in the Costa Blanca, but as most residents move here for the sun, sand and sea, activities other than sunbathing and swimming tend to get forgotten. Surely everyone here has spent time on the beach this year, but now that beach weather is slipping away, it’s time to think of alternative ways of spending your free time. Rock climbing is perfect for a morning or a whole day out, and with expert supervision and instruction, there is no need to be scared. The winter climate here is excellent, and so long as there is no rain, the Costa Blanca offers a range of cliffs, mountains and crags to suit all abilities.
Rock climbing in the Costa Blanca has gained in popularity and the area is now the most popular in Spain for visiting climbers.
The wealth and variety of climbing in the area is truly staggering, and for every partially developed crag there are at least two other slightly less accessible, that haven’t been touched yet. But it is the variety in the climbing that keeps people coming back. The variety includes the dizzyingly high Puig Campana, but at 1400 metres this climb takes a whole day and a lot of experience.
There is something uniquely appealing about climbing a route on Christmas Day, on a superb cliff in the blazing sunshine, and having the luxury of returning home later to relax with a few beers on the beach.
Beginners to the sport, such as myself, obviously require guidance. I climbed under the watchful eyes of Sam and Rachel, two of the team who run the successful activity holiday base, ‘The Orange House’ in Finestrat, near Benidorm. They explained to me that there are various different types of climbing in existence, including free climbing, trad (traditional) climbing, and sport climbing. The difference between these types equals the difference between climbing with a rope on a sloping face, or hanging by your hands alone from a sheer or overhead outcrop with only the sea beneath you to break your fall! I was going to try a ‘nice and easy’ climb on the slopes of the Sierra de Toix, a rock face that forms an impressive ridge overlooking Calpe to the north, and Benidorm to the south. This area comes prepared by previous climbers with bolts that have been hammered securely into the rock face. These bolts make life much easier for everyone, as the leader of the climb must ascend using the bolts to hang on to the cliff with a rope. Once the leader is at the top, they secure the rope that the following climbers will use, then descend as their partner lowers them carefully by releasing the rope little by little. This practice is known as ‘belaying’, originally a French term, as sport climbing was started by the French. There is a lot of jargon involved, but it is not necessary to know it in order to enjoy climbing.
Being a little nervous about heights, I was interested to see if my legs would give way and leave me dangling in mid air! However, climbing does require a certain amount of concentration, and this essentially meant that I had no chance of becoming nervous, as the mind is focused upon locating the next foothold or handhold. It was amazing how my feet seemed to stick to the most unlikely looking foothold on the most vertical looking surface, and somehow keep me glued to the rock face – I felt almost superhuman!
The descent was great fun. As I absailed down the cliff, I felt like a member of the special forces as seen in the movies! Although I am quite sure that I looked less glamorous.  It is essential to lean back, and trust the rope and the person holding you, who, incidentally should really be heavy enough to hold your weight as you drop down. Upon reaching the bottom without breaking anything, Sam informed me that I was a natural and then made me do it all again!
Rock climbing is excellent for giving you a huge sense of achievement, not to mention the splendid views visible from the tops of the stunning mountains in the Costa Blanca. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and was awarded a fantastic 10 out of 10! I doubt I shall be able to walk for the rest of the week, but it was well worth it.

The Orange House is an excellent place to use as a base for all outdoor sports including climbing, mountain biking, scrambling and caving. Check out their website  www.theorangehouse.net or call either Sam 686 044 003, Rachel 609 680 439, or Rich 619 807 515 for more information.