Walking in La Pedriza national park (photo by Julian)

After a few days spent chilling out at the beach I feel refreshed .

On the weekend we have some climbing friends to meet up with in La Pedriza national park nearby Madrid.

Despite knowing the weather forecast is for lower temperatures and rain we make the 5 hour drive.

It's unfortunate for our friends who only have the weekend.

Pilar walking in the rain (photo by Julian)

They all agree that it's nice to escape the city.

La Pedriza is a stunning  with lovely pine trees and autumn colours of the deciduous trees, plus the jagged shape of granite rock.

There is Pilar, Caroline, Richard and Julian from London plus David and his partner Lily who live in Madrid.

Saturday is a washout so we go to catch up and have a tapas lunch.

Sunday's weather is perdition is much better and a plan is hatched for multi- pitched trad route.

Robin and Caroline walking to the climb.

Pilar and Julian both are nursing injuries and decide on a long walk .

We split into two groups, I decide to join Pilar and Julian on the walk.

The temperature overnight is barely 2 degrees and Sunday turns out to be a bright and very crisp day with chilly winds.

Great day for a walk but not so warm for the climbers.

Pilar and Julian

After saying our farewells Robin and I decide to move on also due to the freezing temperatures in La Pedriza we're not going to get any climbing here, but it's definitely on our radar.

Heading further south and about 40 minutes from Valencia is Chulilla. A pretty little village of white houses surrounded by walls of limestone as far as the eye can see.

Robin Checking out routes

Chulilla's Limestone

There is masses of routes mostly 6b upwards in different sections around the Chulilla area.
All within about a 20min walk, routes closer to the car parking are rather polished but you just need to walk a little further for the best routes.

The Oasis area