Naranjo de Bulnes - Picu Urriellu, 2519 m, Climbing Spain
Naranjo de Bulnes, Picu Urriellu in Asturian, is a well-known Spanish limestone peak located in the Macizo Central region of the Picos de Europa, Asturias. First climbed in 1904, Naranjo de Bulnes is especially renowned for its western face with a vertical wall of over 500 meters long. Saying "Cara Oeste" (The Western Wall) in Spain almost automaticly for most climbers refers right to this western Picu Urriellu wall.
The Western Wall itself was first climbed by the famous duo Alberto Rabada & Ernesto Navarro in 1962 and it was really a tour de force. Their journey has become a huge classic. It still carries their names Rabadá/Navarro and is about 750m long (MD+, 6a A1, 6c+). In the 70´s the wall attracted dozens of climbers who added several important climbs. Moreover, each climb of the wall is significant. Leading figures of this period were Murcian climbers led by Gallego brothers. In 1973 Miguel Ángel made the first winter ascent kinds of ways Rabadá-Navarro and a year later added a highly technical winter first ascent of the geodesic Directísima (500m, 7b ,6a A2).
November 4, 2023 – Val Verzasca, Switzerland – The Verzasca Dam, an engineering marvel nestled in the picturesque Val Verzasca of Switzerland that stands 220 meters tall, became the stage for the climbing elite. Red Bull Dual Ascent, now in its
second edition, attracted 24 of the world's best…
In the winter of 1983 José Luis García Gallego added a famous and daring „Sueños de Invierno“ (Winter Dreams) route with classification A4. At that time, it was something totally unique and unprecedented. With his companions, they were hung on the wall for 60 days! From winter to spring :) The route saw the first winter recurrence after 18 years and still has perhaps only two successful winter repetitions. In 2009, the brothers Iker and Eneko Pou climbed the Western Wall by one of the most difficult routes in the world - Orbayu (500 m, about 8c +). Famous superheavy route is also known Pilar del Cantábrico (500m, 8a +). Often searched and popular is also the southern wall, which is much shorter with lighter routes.
Right under the wall you can find „Refugio de Urriellu“ (Delgado Úbeda) chalet with very friendly staff and amazing atmosphere (as in 2008). Rates for overnight stays are very decent. In the chalet´s vicinity there is a perfect space for several bivouacs. From the cottage to the foot of the Western Wall expect approximately 30 minutes.
Situated in the north of Spain, the location can be travelled from the cities of Gijón and Santander (80 miles from both). The biggest city in the area is Bilbao which is about 200 km (130 miles) west of the spot. The place is situated in the north-eastern tip of Parque Nacional de Los Picos de Europa. Pico Urriellu is best reachable from north, from the village of Sotres, where you can park your car. There are several chalets in the mountain area providing accommodation for climbers and hikers. Find the place on the map of Adrex.com Locations...
Adam Ondra dominated the bouldering scene again and won a gold medal in the second World Cup competition in Salt Lake City. He took second place in the qualification and proceeded to the finals from the same position. This time, he was surprised by the victory and admits that a little luck was…
Adam Ondra completed today's finals in Meiringen, Switzerland, and won a gold medal in the first competition of this year's World Cup. He kept first place in bouldering continuously from the qualification until the very exciting finals. He was satisfied with his excellent form and appreciated a…
