EL TORCAL

The small National Park of El Torcal sits at an elevation of 1300m and forms the summit and slopes of a large limestone peak, around 10km to the south of the town of Antequera. The summit area of the peak is a broad plateau that has been heavily eroded to form some fantastic limestone ‘karst’ scenery - a geological curiosity. The karst formations present an amazing climbers' playground, set amidst a myriad of spectacular pinnacles and spires. The shallow grassy valleys and hollows between the pinnacles make lovely picnic and sunbathing spots making El Torcal a very pleasant place to visit. A good deal of the plateau has been climbed on over the years but a ban on some of the areas adjacent to the Visitor Centre has been imposed, however, the areas described in this chapter are all without restrictions and are well worth seeking out. Much of the climbing is highly technical and, although often less than 15m in height, the pitches are sustained and in magnificent surroundings.

Routes

57 sport routes (5...8c) Graded List of Routes List of First Ascents