Free Topos - Climbing, Ridges, Via Ferrata

We try to include routes that have no English language guidebook or whose topos and route descriptions are difficult to come by. Please note that the topos and route descriptions below are for your information only and do not imply any right of access.

Also note that rock climbing and scrambling are risk sports with an element of danger of injury or death and that sound mountaineering judgement should be used in conjunction with the information contained in the topos and route descriptions.

The grades quoted in the topos and route descriptions are subjective and routes may be more difficult or easier than the grades stated. Any fixed gear on the routes should be used with caution as it will change over time and should be thoroughly inspected before use.

Fancy hiring a guide for one of these routes/trips? Contact us for more details.

Bernia Ridge topo and route description

The Bernia Ridge is 3.5 km ridge which runs between Pinos and Bernia in the Costa Blanca, Spain. A traverse of the ridge requires a minimum competency of scrambling at grade 3. There is one short section of technical rock climbing at F4+ which is fully bolted and can be aided at A0 if necessary.

Parties should allow 7 hours for a full traverse, if travelling unroped on up to grade 2 scrambling terrain. The ridge is most easily followed from East to West as many of the difficult sections can be bypassed by abseiling.

View the Bernia Ridge topo in pdf format.

El Cid via ferrata topo and route description

The El Cid via ferrata is the most challenging via ferrata in the area. It is not as amply equipped with rungs as the other via ferratas in the area and therefore it is necessary to have some climbing skills.

View the El Cid Via Ferrata in pdf format.

Ponoch via ferrata topo and route description

The Ponoch via ferrata is near the town of Polop on the Costa Blanca. It is on the biggest cliff in the area which boasts many superb traditional and bolted rock climbs up to 16 pitches long. The route finding while on the via ferrata is very straightforward – just follow the rungs.

The descent is well signposted but requires two 30m abseils which are possible with a 60m rope (the signs at the top state a 30m and a 35m abseil but this is not the case!). Allow a half day to complete the journey at a leisurely pace, although those moving quickly could do so in a couple of hours.

View the Ponoch Via Ferrata topo in PDF format.

Aristoteles (F4+ 9 pitches), Puig Campana, Costa Blanca

Aristoteles is a excellent long route on Puig Campana. It offers an excellent shorter alternative to the popular Espolon Central.

View the Aristoteles topo in pdf format.

Villena via ferrata topo and route description

In 2008 the Villena via ferrata was upgraded. A new section has been added below the original and provides a worthwhile extension. The Via Ferrata at Villena is relatively short and straightforward compared that of The Ponoch and is a good introduction to Via Ferrata.

It is easily completed in a leisurely half day and could be combined with some rock-climbing at the nearby cliffs in Sax or a drink in the bar at the La Cruces monument, which overlooks the town of Villena.

View the Villena Via Ferrata in pdf format.

Pirates of the Caribbean Sector, Toix sea cliffs, Costa Blanca, topo and route descriptions

The Pirates of the Caribbean sector is a fantastic, new climbing area on the Toix sea cliffs on the Costa Blanca, near Calpe. The first ascentists are Paul Storky Thorburn, Rich Mayfield and Marijne Lekkerkerker. 

The climbing here ranges from the fantastic expedition of Parle (F6a+, 3 pitches) to harder, one pitch projects above the water's edge. All of the routes require a brilliant, atmospheric freehanging 60m abseil. The rock here is of excellent quality and it is a great crag when conditions and weather can be poor elsewhere.  Most of the routes stay dry in the rain and the crag is south facing, catching all the sun that's going.

View the Pirates of the Caribbean topo in pdf format (thanks to Paul Thorburn for this topo).