[b3n99]

Heading off on a year long road trip around Europe in January  and am in need of some recommendations of lesser known, but no less brilliant areas. Think we will be mainly bouldering but will definitely do a load of sport and some more adventurous stuff too. Current plans are pretty free form but consist of the big bouldering areas starting at Alabaraccin and heading north (Pyrenees spots, Font, Swiss stuff).

Any suggestions or info is massively appreciated!!

Thanks in advance

Ben N

[kelvin]

Went to a few obscure places in Northern Spain, there's obviously bouldering everywhere but Arboli near Siurana has some nice blocs if you're in the area for the routes. It's only my opinion but don't get sucked in by Alcaniz - yes there are some amazing problems and the area is pretty cool but the rock is as soft as sand. everything just falls apart. The area is huge, beyond anything we imagined but most of it is utter choss.
Laramade was okay in the Ariege, better than expected and there's been more development lately. Alright for a day or two when passing by. There are some amazing route areas around there too. Nice in late Sept/Oct.
Swizzy is well documented but if it's a hot and you need clear mountain air, try Engelberg. It'll be in the new guidebook coming out that appears to be a Boulder Britain type affair. http://www.boulderberg.com/

Enjoy.

[jwi]

For more adventurous stuff in the spanish pyrenees/pre-pyrenees: check out Mont-rebei,  Peña Montañesa, Ordessa. On the French side (just) the routes on Pic du Midi d'Ossau are long, fairly adventurous and not stupidly loose.

None of these are in anyway obscure, but they are more or less only visited by french or spanish speaking climbers. You will need a full rack for most of the routes, but not all.