UKC

http://www.ukclimbing.com/news/item.php?id=68951

Any more specific/up to date info would be much appreciated...

Is the work still on going and are many routes off limits? Also, how was it affected the tunnel approaches to crags on the otherside of Chorro?

Cheers

In reply to liam:

I don't really understand why repairing the walkway threatens climbs or am I missing something? Currently the walkway is unsafe for most people, although last time I was there it was accesssible with care by climbers, although the crumbling concrete and rusting metal supports were scary.

It will certainly be an interesting walk! (See my profile gallery)

In reply to liam:

i am heading out there this weekend so if no one else provides feedback before then will post an update once i get the local info.

In reply to Trangia:

I don't know anything about it but I thought the argument was by opening up the walkway to the public, they don't want climbers climbing directly above the walkway. Think Cheddar?

In reply to climbwhenready:

Yes, I hadn't thought of that. Thanks.

In reply to liam:

About a week ago, I spoke briefly to a climber who had just been out to El Chorro.

Access to the walkway itself is still off limits and there is a hefty fine if you're caught. However, many climbers are still heading out on to it and a couple recently caught on it were escorted back to their nearby accommodation and given a telling off, but no fine.

I don't think access to the railway tunnels has changed. This is still illegal.

In reply to liam:

Id be really interested to know if ace ventura is accessible. It starts from the ground just before the old traverse across spikes that was used to access the walkway.

Ace Ventura (8a)

muchos gracias

In reply to Bristoldave:

Do you know id the bolts have been replaced on Ace Ventura? They were pretty old about 4 years ago when I had a go on the route. Heading out for NYE, will be interesting to see how things have changes in 4 years regarding the walkway and tunnels. I'll try and post update..

In reply to Glyn:

Nice one, any updates would be good. Though I will be out in the early NY myself anyhow.

I guess from the sounds of it, its as I expected and access has temporarily(?) been lost to routes in the gorge. Maybe sneaking in on weekends would be possible... Bit of a shame

RE Ace Ventura: I was worries this would be affected too, but as its technically not above/below the walkway you'd hope to be alright

In reply to Glyn:

Dont remember the bolts from when i had a quick look in jan so maybe they've been replaced. Thanks, and have a great trip.

In reply to liam:

Will be interested to hear if access to the gorge is still possible for early January.

Possibly an early morning tour of the camino could be made to avoid meeting anyone. Followed by a walk up to Makindromo and then return via the notch.

Any update would be appreciated.

In reply to liam:

I'm planning a trip to El Chorro in Feb, a bit of climbing planned but was going with the intention of walking the walk way. Would appreciate it if anyone has any more info on this one, as if its a no go I will probably head elsewhere!

Thanks,

In reply to liam:
Information has been appearing here recently: http://www.caminodelrey.es/ and here (facebook page) https://www.facebook.com/caminito.delrey.7?fref=nf

I'm also hoping to get out there again and redo the Camino in February with my 80 year old parents!

In reply to dereke12000:

The Facebook page makes it look like they have built a new walkway just above the old one, and it appears to start right of the railway tunnel. I wonder if this version will last 80+ years,

Chris

In reply to liam:
-- I wonder if this version will last 80+ years

That was my first thought too.
Most of the damage to the old walkway is not through bad workmanship or materials, but through rockfall.

It looks like they've nearly finished, so looking hopeful for next Feb...

In reply to liam:

One of the stages of next years Vuelta in August / September is planned to finish near the start of the Camino - to celebrate its re-opening.

In reply to Chris Craggs:


Yeah - looks like it will become "good" again in about 30 years after the enterprise goes bust and it gets forgotten again*.

*(Although I have no real problem with it being the tourist attraction it is about to become)

In reply to liam:

I was there 4-11th December and it was all off-limits according to others at the campsite. Workmen were there 7 days a week. Could get through the tunnels to crags on the far side, but as far as I know, the entire gorge is off limits.

Conor

In reply to liam:

Was there last week. Entire walkway is off limits at the moment. the building work is scheduled to be complete end of Feb apparently.

basic agreed rules - no climbing is allowed off the walkway. access is supposed to have been maintained for routes that did not climb directly of the walkway - remains to be seen - best to contact the el chorro bolt fund/tom at the olive branch for the full details.

They have basically built a walkway over the existing original one - from chatting to some of the locals here there will be glass in place on some sections to see through to the old walkway below. i imagine this will probably be on some of the more fallen down parts etc.

In reply to dereke12000:

"That was my first thought too.
Most of the damage to the old walkway is not through bad workmanship or materials, but through rockfall."

Bit like all of those lighthouses with flawless workmanship and materials that only fell over because of the high waves...

In reply to liam:

I'd still prefer to be in a concrete and steel lighthouse than one made from wooden planks and steel brackets...

In reply to liam:

Anyone know if Zeppelin is currently out of bounds? Off there later this week and packed multipitch gear hoping to get on it but sounds like maybe not...?

Cheers

Adam

In reply to adamtheclimber:

I don't know, but since access is from the tunnels not the walkway it shouldn't be any different to accessing Makinodromo etc - no more illegal than it used to be?!

In reply to AJM:

Thanks! Had it in my head it was accessed off walkway, but glad to hear i was wrong on that. Will pack the multipitching gear

In reply to adamtheclimber:

The Rockfax paper guide describes it that way, as a part of their effort to avoid mentioning using the tunnels anywhere, but the electronic update then rolls back on that and says its a terrible approach, to paraphrase.