Climbs 18
Rocktype Limestone
Altitude 74m a.s.l
Faces N
Crag features
There are three sectors here now - the northwest sector and two sectors on the southwest side of the valley. There is always some rock in shade. The routes are mostly overhanging, providing athletic climbing in the seventh grade. The yellow rock is something between limestone and sandstone, and very pleasant for climbing. There are still a few open projects and many other lines waiting to be bolted. However, you need to climb at least 7b to be able to open some new routes here.
Gorge of the Dead belongs to a local group of crags surrounding the villages of Xerokambos and Zakros. There are at least 10 canyons, that are close to each other and where climbing can be developed. Climbing is only just started to be developed here, with only a small number of routes opened so far, but with plenty of scope for more.
This local cluster of crags has the potential to become one of the best climbing areas in Greece and this potential is still waiting to be discovered. Our Zakros team is working hard, however, we are only a small group of climbers. We will be very happy to invite every climber to our team to help us with our effort.
The crag was discovered by Petr Fiala and Karel Hronek in 2016.
Good topo here.
Approach notes
There are three possibilities to approach the climbing sectors. The easiest, however the longest way is going from Krinakia beach in the village of Xerokambos. Leave your car at the carpark close to the beach and walk 400-500m to the crag. This route is the most comfortable of all three.
However, it was not always like this. In 2016 the path through the canyon was very difficult due to dense shrubs, and can become impassable during bad weather. The best route leads from side canyon, in whoch case, park next to the asphalt road leading to Zakros. Follow the red dots that are sprayed along the dirt road leading to the canyon. Do not forget to close the small goat gate at the entrance to the canyon.
The third road leads from the road above the canyon. You park your car above the crag and descend a very steep slope and down the scree field. This path to the rocks is the shortest one and the most difficult one. Do not choose this access when going with kids or with people without climbing experience. You need here some climbing skills. Choose access No.1 when going with kids.
Map: The easiest access is from the beach ( green), the access recommended by us is the red one from a small side canyon. If you hurry up and do not care about climbing difficulties while descending this path, go from the top ( yellow line).
| You can find more information at www.climbcrete.com. Petr Fiala - 22/Oct/19 |
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 a UKC volunteer Petr Fiala