Climbing in Montanejos, from a first route to a nine-pitch wall.

Montanejos is one of the sport-climbing areas of the Comunitat Valenciana: hundreds of routes on the limestone of the Mijares canyons, from beginner to ninth grade, and equipped or semi-equipped multi-pitch routes, slab and crack. If you have never climbed, a guide sets everything up and all you have to do is climb.

Three ways to climb with a guide

The introduction is for people who have never touched rock. It lasts three hours, from 9:30 to 12:30 or from 16:00 to 19:00. The guide sets up easy routes with the rope secured from above (top rope), so that, as the company says, falling is not possible: if you let go, the rope holds you. You start with the easiest and move up in difficulty. The minimum recommended age is 8, so it can be done as a family.

The multi-pitch route is a wall of several pitches, with belay stations between them. Máxima Aventura runs them at Montanejos as half-day (4 to 6 pitches) or full-day (7 to 9), and names areas such as the Maimona ravine and the Risco del Morrón. It is not for beginners: it asks that you lead climb comfortably at V+ and be at least 12. Two climbers go per guide at most.

The courses have five levels: sport climbing on single-pitch routes, equipped multi-pitch routes, traditional climbing with removable protection, aid climbing and self-rescue. They are 20 hours, two days of eight on rock and four of prior work, with a minimum of two students.

What it costs

The introduction costs €40 per person in groups of one to five, €37 for six to twelve, €35 for thirteen to twenty and €33 from twenty-one. It includes harness, helmet and climbing shoes, the guide, civil liability insurance and a photo report.

On the half-day multi-pitch route, one person alone pays €160 and as a pair, €90 each; on the full-day one, €200 and €110. The personal equipment needed is sent by the company in writing. The courses cost €350 for one person, €200 per head as a pair and €185 with more than three students. Lunch is not included in anything.

The rock and the season

Visit Montanejos highlights the quality of the rock and a Mediterranean climate that allows climbing for much of the year. Máxima Aventura offers climbing here in both summer and winter: in July and August, the morning shift is better; in winter, the middle hours. The Maimona ravine, with its reddish walls above the village, is also one of the area's walks, along the Bojera path.

Where you meet

At the Máxima Aventura office, at calle Carretera de Valencia, 14, in the centre of Montanejos, with parking. From there you go to the sector the guide chooses according to the day. For climbing independently, Visit Montanejos refers you to the Destino Climbing sector guide.