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In general the grades in the Costa Blanca are pretty friendly and consistently applied in
common with most other popular Spanish areas, although there are undoubtedly some
anomalies. If you find a grade that is way out then go to the Rockfax website and vote on
what you think it should be.
Trad Routes
There are a number of routes in the book which require gear to be carried to supplement the
fixed (pegs and bolts) protection. These routes have been given a normal sport grade and an
overall UK trad grade in their description. The trad grade gives the correct impression of how
serious the route is and the colour code has been adjusted to reflect this. For example, Route
7 on page 232 is given a grade of 6a+, but also E4 and a black spot. This is because it is a
relatively easy move but there is no protection making it dangerous. Such a route should be
attempted by Black Spot E4 climbers and not Orange Spot 6a+ leaders!
To help identify routes
of the correct difficulty
level they have been
allocated colour-codes
corresponding to a grade
band.
Green Spots
Grade 4+ and under
(Trad routes - Sev
and under). Good for
beginners and those
wanting an easy life.
Orange Spots
Grade 5 to 6a+
(Trad
- HS to HVS). General
ticking routes for those
with more experience.
Red Spots
Grade 6b to 7a
(Trad -
E1 to E3). Routes for the
experienced and keen
climber.
Black Spots
Grade 7a+ and above
(Trad - E4 and above).
The hard stuff!
All unknown lines are
also given black spots
although they might not
be that hard.
Murcia
Alicante Benidorm Calp
Xaló
Gandía
34
Costa Blanca Climbing
Grades
Route Grades
Sport British Trad Grade
(for well-protected routes only)
UIAA USA