Climbs 447
Rocktype Limestone
Altitude 75m a.s.l
Faces SW
fred on some 8a boulder problem i think. © DEvans
Crag features
A stunningly beautiful crag set in the Charente just south of Angouleme boasting some magnificent routes of varying degrees of difficulty. Routes range from 3 to 9A with "Hugh" and "De L'autre Côté du Ciel"! Most routes are 5 and above but there is plenty lower in the grade if you do a tour of the valley.
All routes are bolted with one or two exceptions which are A0/A1. The bolts are generally good, spaced nicely and there are chains or double bolts in situ for a lower off / abseil. Alternatively access to the top of the crag is good although take a machete in the summer months.
* The valley boasts 28 separate blocs / Buttresses each described in the climb list with their climbs below. The blocs are numbered from right to left but for each bloc the climbs are described from Left to Right parking is at bloc 10.
The updated guidebook (2012)lists 42 separate blocs, the total number of climbs is still around the 450 mark. The 2012 guide also numbers the blocs from left to right along with the climbs on the bloc, parking is located at the base of bloc 21.
Approach notes
Popular with runners and cyclists alike, parking is good but it can get quite busy at weekends. The new guide mentions where access should be 'respected'
The blocs are now numbered from left to right with the climbs continuing to be described from Left to Right. Parking is at bloc 21 adjacent to the noticeboard. Beyond the parking area is the access road to the paper mill - no further parking is available and there is no turning space.
Access to bloc 19 is up the marked track to the west of bloc 18 and not the newly trodden direct path from the road. The beret-wearing gentleman from the paper mill with the flailing arms did suggest that we used another path...
Guidebook available from the tourist office in Angouleme and the local Decathlon store.
| I visited this place in August 2013 and really liked it. The rocks are beautiful and most bolts are in excellent condition.
Many of the climbs on the largest rock (at the large parking) are quite hard due to the tough overhang at the foot at the rock. Be sure to check the smaller blocs hidden behind the trees along the road out as well, especially if you want to avoid the direct sun in summer.
To get there, ask for the 'Moulin de Verger' in Puymoyen or set your navigation device to 'Rue du Moulin du Verger 1'. The signs claim the road in a rather wealthy neighborhood was a dead end, but it turns into a country trail and brings you to the rocks, about 400 meters after the last house. dfsp_spirit - 31/Aug/13 |
Climbs at this crag
| Name | Grade | Stars | Type | Logs | Partner Ascents |
|---|
These climbs you have climbed by seconding or top-roping.
These climbs you have Dogged.
These climbs you Did not Finish.
Climbs are waiting to be checked by a crag moderator, and may not be accurate. Climbs can't be verified by a crag moderator, and they need more information to confirm it. Climbs are no longer climbable.
Moderators Updates to this page are checked by UKC volunteers Pcox81 and Thomas Millasseau