View Sport Climbing Sardinia 2007
For previous trips we have always gone out of the holiday season in order to minimise costs and avoid the crowds. However, In response to interest from members involved in education, next years sport climbing trip will be in the first week of Easter to south west Sardinia. Ryanair, from 3rd Oct., will be flying to Alghero from Liverpool. No fares are published yet but mega notice in advance is being given so that we can book as soon as they are available, thereby keeping the costs down. As it is Easter, it will also be necessary to book the accommodation early (so that we have some).
Sardinia is the latest venue on the hit-list of climbers seeking winter sun. The chat down at the climbing wall is all about perfect grey walls of limestone and sleepy villages with idyllic beaches; for most this means Cala Gonone (where we went last year). However, Cala Gonone is only a small area on this huge and delightful island. It comes as no surprise to discover that there are plenty more excellent crags inland offering enough rock and routes for years of climbing holidays. Two of the major inland areas, Isili and Domusnovas, really only scratch the surface of what there is on this island.
Our venue is Domusnovas which is situated in the south west of the island and is on the eastern edge of a small range of mountains (the Iglesiente) which probably contain the highest concentration of climbing in Sardinia. In addition there are multiple other crags in the area and on the coast. More routes than you can shake a quick-draw at.
Domusnòvas Area
This is a big area with some impressive peaks, spectacular valleys and delightful little villages, what you would expect from a great tourist location. However, the legacy here is one of industrial mining communities and there is little evidence of the natural beauty being exploited as a tourist destination. In amongst the contrasting beautiful mountains and deserted mines are some superb limestone walls. Crags like Ruota del Tempo and Punta Pilocca are equal to anything else you will find in Europe for quality routes.
There is a Rockfax mini guide available for download but it is quite restricted and does not include the coastal crags. The excellent, definitive guide (English language edition) "Pietra di Luna", available from www.cordee.co.uk is essential and well worth investing in as it covers the whole of Sardinia in detail.
Walking a taster
Separated by the Cixerri rift valley, the Southwest comprises two great mountain ranges cloaked in dense oak woods, the Iglesiente and Sulcis. It is a landscape of great scenic splendour, with good trails snaking through the hills and stunning vistas from the mountain tops. Particularly rewarding are the deciduous woods around the forest station Marganai and the walk to Punta San Michele (906m/2974ft). This takes about 5 hours return, depending on the route. Not to be missed is Montimannu forest west of Villacidro, a lush green haven with two beautiful rivers converging in a great depression. A pleasant circular walk begins near the forest station (caserma forestale) beyond the reservoir and takes about 4 hours.<br>
Two Sardinia walking guidebooks are available from www.guidepost.co.uk
Accomodation
Yet to be finalised but possibly Just north of Demusnovas in the hills. This is best described as a farmstay complex and looks glorious. Twin rooms available on a room only basis to full board. The restaurant seems excellent and offers organic Sardinian specialities at a very reasonable price. For goat fans, goat rearing is on hand and then they get made into gravy and you get to eat them. Alternatively, self catering at Nebida, on the coast. "A lovely village from the nineteenth century and placed on one of the most charming areas on the Iglesiente coast". Hire cars will be required. Costs shared. Those expressing interest will be informed once the Ryanair flights are available for booking.
<h1>THE ARIEGE Summer 2007</h1>
Looking even further ahead!!!!! A trip to the Ariege region of southern France, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, could be a runner for a couple of weeks in late Summer 2007. This is a great climbing area with no less than 4 climbing guidebooks covering it. Granite, limestone and gneiss crags in abundance. Sport climbing and long mountain trad routes. There are a number of bouldering areas including one of the best in Europe at Targasonne. Flights are from Liverpool to Carcassonne but for 2 weeks taking a car may be a better option as car hire will be required when you get there. Great walking and mountain biking this region has it all. Check out www.climbariege.co.uk
Lets have some names! Information from and expressions of interest to Mike Doyle please.
