I'm jetting off to stay in Ariege in the east Pyrranees next weekend and may try to squeeze in a bit of climbing between sessions of cheese and wine consumption.
But... I have bugger-all knowledge of the area - the only guides I've seen have been for the alpine-style stuff and comprise small pictures of big mountains with a single dotted line going up the middle! Admittedly a dose of the unknown is part of the appeal of the destination.... but I would hate to miss out on any classics...
So does anyone have any recommendations for crags or specific routes? I know Targosonne is within range for bouldering but unless it is truely exceptional I suspect myself and my mountain-loving friend will be mainly after:
- big multi-pitch days out... easy climbing up to a nice summits preferably! There are meant to be some good ones on the Quié de Sinsat and Dent d'Orlu?
- low/mid grade sport climbs. Plantaurel, Niaux, , Ax-les-Thermes, and Haut-Couserans are all supposed to be nearby... any good?
Gradewise, my friend climbs around at ~F6a, as for myself... I dunno... I boulder V6/7 on a good day and last time I did any sport (Costa Blanca last year) I was onsighting stuff in Sella and Gandia at 6b-6c, though since I didn't fail on anything (or try anything more than once) I could perhaps have pushed it higher. So recommendations of 6a for multipitch stuff and anything up to the low 7's (if worth the effort of a brief redpoint) for single pitch would be much appreciated.
Cheers
moose / luke
