We set out to climb a ‘new route’ in the valley today, only to find that it was a bit too new and still covered in moss and pine needles! Also, although the topo made it look pretty good, the climbing was mediocre and disjointed, so although it was a nice journey up the hillside, it wasn’t really much of the rock climb we’d hoped for.

On the plus side, after about four rope lengths, we got above the tree line and the views opened up.

And higher up, there was one good pitch of rock!

As well as a few hardy flowers climbing onto to life in the cracks…

Because of the rambling line, you can’t abseil back down, to we were committed to the top, where (eventually), we found some cairns that led to a path back down to the valley.

Face Sud de la Draye:

• Chui Pas Doues, 4c, 4c, 5a, 5b, 5b, 5a, 5a, 4a (210m)