4th June 2017

El Bandido de un Brazo – 6a – Lead
El Culo – 5c – Lead
King of Quint – 6a+ – Lead
Pasion Interminable – 5a – Lead

Just down the road from Valldemossa (4k to be precise) is a series of crags right alongside the road. There’s a convenient parking area at the bridge, although it gets busy, so arrive early or late.

We picked this venue for its proximity to Valldemossa. As it turned out they were a great bunch of climbs. Not easy to locate at first, but I suppose that’s the case whenever you go to a new place.

I had prepared myself for a bit of polish, knowing Mallorca was a popular destination, but S’Estret wasnt too bad in the sector Pasion, probably because it was a bit further from the road. My favorite of the four was El Culo strangely enough, if only because it was just a full on balancing act right from the beginning. But Interminable gave it a good run for its money with the cheeky groove and top flake.

I think S’Estret is typical of the crags in Mallorca. There are a few with polish (normally the three star jobs) but mixed in there are some great routes which are challenging at the grade.

A couple of German climbers turned up, borrowing a few drawers so they could complete El Bandido. It was probably through their prompting that I gave the 6a+ a go. I thought it was all about a long reach to jugs. This done there is actually a hard move later which I found worse than the haul. Always nice when a climb throws a surprise at you.

The rain then pushed in with a thunderstorm so we retreated back to the flat for some pasta.