The adventure began even before take-off, with the important reminder that EasyJet check-in opens 30 days prior to departure - a detail some members appreciated more than others. Fortunately, Vicky’s excellent people skills ensured the final two participants made it onto the flight, averting pre-trip disappointment.
Meanwhile, the advance party of Michael, Daniel B, Catriona, and Conor were already established on Spanish rock as the rest of us were boarding. During the flight, an additional safety protocol was observed: while we can’t officially confirm that Paul G is a nervous flyer, his decision to wear a climbing helmet for both take-off and landing speaks for itself. Safety first. Dignity second.
Upon arrival, hire cars were organised, followed by a brief but essential stop at a 24-hour garage for supplies. The main group reached the Orange House just after 22:30, perfectly timed to commence the extended celebrations for Gemma L’s birthday - apparently a week-long affair.
Day 1 – Sella
For most, our introduction to the region was the fantastic crag at Sella, with some nice easy routes to get back into the feel of limestone. Come evening, a few of us headed into Benidorm for food at the local Taco Bell. If you’ve never driven in Benidorm, you need to know that they love their roundabouts, a fact that led Vicky to describe Benidorm as “the Craigavon of Spain”. I’m not sure who should be more offended – Benidorm or Craigavon!
Day 2 – Sierra de Toix
Under blistering heat, teams set off for a day of multipitch climbing. Ashley and Rob embraced some traditional climbing, including Espolón Limaban, a three-star 5a with a memorable 30-metre layback finale. It provided equal parts challenge and satisfaction—depending on one’s tolerance for pump.
The view out to sea from Sierra de Toix
Day 3 – Guadalest
A great crag with plenty of shade until you climb above the treeline. It seemed only right that we should all climb the fantastic Irlanda del Norte and then give it 3 stars to up its profile. This day will be remembered for the unfortunate series of rope casualties. Daniel L, Gemma K, and Michael all made unplanned sacrifices to the limestone and needed to cut lengths from the ends of their ropes whilst Richard delivered a moving eulogy straight from the Rockfax guidebook - the closest thing we had to a holy text.
We are gathered here today to remember some very expensive ropes……
Meanwhile, Paul G misplaced his helmet for most of the day, providing an interesting contrast to his in-flight safety strategy.
Day 4 – Rest Day
The washing machine entered its ultra-endurance phase while the group split: half went for a relaxing spa day; the other half opted for a cultural tour of “Beni,” which is essentially the opposite of a spa day.
Maybe Paul K's hardest challenge of the trip
At lunchtime, Paul K ordered what can only be described as the largest paella available in Spain, tackling it with a determined style best summarised as “dogged, with rests.”
A highlight of the day was Richard’s delight at acquiring a €2.50 Carrefour rope bag, proof that budget gear can spark more joy than a full set of tri-cams!
Day 5 – Echo Valley
Ashley identified an excellent crag featuring some outstanding 6a routes. The standout experience was Arandelon, a long flowing slab that climbed beautifully, although half way up, all you could hear was Sir Alec Guinness whispering, “These are not the jugs you are looking for.”
The view across Echo Valley
Day 6 – A Series of Misadventures
Every trip has one day when nothing quite aligns. This was ours.
Richard and Ashley inadvertently took a Magical Mystery de-Tour, extended their outing with a 15-metre traverse past the belay on the 3rd pitch. Upon returning to the car, they discovered it had been run into, causing £700 of damage. There was also the emotional rollercoaster of finding some great crag-swag, only to discover it had been left by Rob the previous day.
Ashley abseiling into Magical Mystery (de)Tour
Elsewhere, Gemma L and Louisa abseiled confidently into the wrong section of rock and enjoyed an unplanned mini-epic to escape. Meanwhile, Michael and Gemma K spent most of the day completing a full orienteering course around, near, beside, and occasionally directly past the crag they were meant to be climbing.
Everyone regrouped for a fantastic meal in Finestrat, where stories were exchanged and a competitive debate began on who had the worst day.
Day 7 – Guadalest and Sella
Most of us returned to Guadalest for a nice easy final day. However, Michael had other plans and headed off with his most trusted aides to El Goleró in Sella to smash a 7b+ project.
He first climbed the route on top rope to try the moves, then rested before doing his proper send attempt, which he got clean with Gemma K belaying, naturally, because you always send when she’s on the rope! He left it rigged because others wanted to try it, but everyone else could only manage a few moves, so it fell to Michael to climb it again to clean the route.
When he got back on, he realised he was completely wrecked. Peter belayed and took in as much as possible while Michael unclipped the draws on the way up, but at the top Gemma pointed out the problem: on such an overhang, he should’ve also stripped the gear on the way up. Now hanging at the anchor, he was too far from the wall to reach anything.
The only solution? He had to climb the whole thing again, his fourth go, just to rescue his draws. To help, everyone started hauling on the rope while Peter took in slack, which repeatedly swung everyone into a bush. Was this how Michael really climbed his 7b+, being dragged upward by four people on top rope?
Sevan celebrating with Bethani his final day send of Pericana Sense Gana (6b)
In summary, the 2026 Costa Blanca trip delivered everything a climbing holiday should: excellent routes, varied adventures, memorable mishaps, and excellent company. The perfect blend of challenge and humour—just as any good club trip ought to be. So, same time next year?
Final team photo before heading home