El Chorro (2008)

This book is from 2008 and covered El Chorro and several crags in the near-by area.

Next edition.

Category: Style: Location: SpainAuthors: Mark Glaister
ISBN

978-1-873341-81-0

Published

December 2008

Authors

Next Edition

2018

Location

Rockfax Number

Fax28

5 reviews for El Chorro (2008)

  1. Karin Magog

    It inspired me so much I’ve already booked my flights.
    Read the full review.

  2. pascal etienne

    We used the new topo for the last two weeks in El Chorro. Very nice book, clear for the descriptions and with plenty of nice pics, really enjoyable.
    According to the details, we found several errors about route’s length, so take care, it can be dangerous while lowering off. Some grades seems wrong too, but that’s less important.
    The most important comment is about the ‘stars’ and the top 50. These routes have been overcrowded since the first Rockfax guidebook and are not as good as they used to be because of the polish. Most visitors climb these routes which are no longer the best ones. But when you know that…

    At least, good job, thanks to the author.

  3. Ken Applegate

    Being predominantly a Scotland based climber, the series of Rockfax Guidebooks hadn’t crossed my path frequently, however last year, once the autumnal rains had set in, and the prospect of dry rock seemed a while away, I looked to get away. So, with the venue of El Chorro chosen, all I could do was to wait until Rockfax printed their new guidebook to the area.

    Fortunately over the festive period, the guidebook landed on my doormat, and first impressions were quickly established. I think I speak for a large number of El Chorro guidebook users, in that I really felt that one of the biggest flaws is the front cover. The old cliché goes ‘you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover’, and whilst I’m sure the climber in question is overjoyed that she’s managed to gain pole position within the guidebook, it just misses the essence of what’s available in and around the magnificent gorge of El Chorro.

    Despite that, and moving on to the all important content and layout, the guidebook reflects the hard labour, which Mark Glaister has poured into this publication. The tried and tested layout of Rockfax, works well, providing just enough information about each route to still give a healthy degree of adventure. The photo-topos, when combined with clear and simple maps, used throughout, enabled ease of route (and Sector) finding, particularly when trying to navigate around the extensive Frontales crags. A number of outlying crags are also detailed in the guidebook, allowing climbers a welcome change of scenery.

    It must be noted that the greatest challenge found within the guidebook, for some, may well not be a red-point attempt on Orujo, weighing in at a hefty 9a+ at Archidona, but in finding the 20 bulls, hidden, sometimes with ridiculous obscurity throughout the guidebook, something for those rare wet day perhaps.

    If you’re looking to head out for some winter sun, Rockfax’s El Chorro Guidebook should be high on your list, and having met plenty of local and international climbers out there, all using this guidebook, it would seem that it has become the number one choice.

  4. Jorge

    We used the new topo for the last two weeks in El Chorro. Very nice book, clear for the descriptions and with plenty of nice pics, really enjoyable. According to the details, we found several errors about route lengths, so take care, it can be dangerous while lowering off. Some grades seems wrong too, but that is less important. The most important comment is about the stars and the top 50. These routes have been overcrowded since the first Rockfax guidebook and are not as good as they used to be because of the polish. Most visitors climb these routes which are no longer the best ones. Good job, thanks to the author.

  5. Emilio Bachini

    The Guide book covers the more accessible and better know crags of El Chorro. Most of the routes at sectors are covered in the guide but being 5 years old now much bolting and re-bolting has been done. The clear, good quality pictures are definitely the highlight of the book but errors of route direction, length and grades aren’t uncommon. Use in conjunction with the local guide if possible for a much more accurate guide to crags, sectors and routes.

    If your after a more extensive guide to the area and the huge range of rock and climbs in the area, the locally produced guide is a better option. But use the two together and your as best equipped as possible. Be sure to keep an eye on the PDF updates for the Rockfax guide to avoid getting on 6Cs that are really 7a+ and 26 metre routes that are more like 36 metres.

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