Crag features

A huge bulk of limestone. The south face of Peñas del Prado spans well over one kilometre from east to west above open, expansive meadows on this quiet area of the Cordillera Cantábrica. With such a vast amount of rock available, more than three dozens of routes have been established across the breadth of the mountain, with an average length of more than 200 metres. Fixed gear and belay stations will be found on all itineraries, but a trad rack will also be necessary on each and every climb. 

CONDITIONS: the south side of the Cordillera is significantly drier than the northern side. Climbing in León is always a good option when it is too wet in Asturias and Cantabria. The south facing aspect of Peñas del Prado makes this venue a great place to climb in spring and autumn, winter is also viable on sunny, still days (provided it is free of snow), whereas summer will most likely be unpleasantly hot.

DESCENTS: Option A) The western half of the south face presents an amphitheatre of sorts half way up the face. There is a characteristic V-notch on the summit ridge above the amphitheatre, clearly identifiable from the ground. To the right of this notch there is an abseil station, from where a 60 m. abseil reaches the upper ledges of the amphitheatre. It is possible to complete the descent from here, scrambling down grassy ledges, trending east and following cairns.

Option B) Follow the summit ridge east to a grassy col above a grassy gully. Cairns on the upper reaches of the gully are visible from the col. Descend the gully, which is also visible from the car.