We were up and out early again today for our final climb in the Ailefroide Valley. We did one of the classic routes that had a bit of ‘everything’ on it. Some steep overhangs, smooth slabs, exposed stances, wild traverses and hanging belays!

Having climbed the route before in 2011, I think we were both expecting an easy ride, but finding ourselves padding out above an overhanging drop at 07:30 in the morning, felt and bit of a shock and all rather serious to our sleepy heads. At the first belay we were both a bit ‘on edge’ as we got into the flow. After the tricky (straight forward but very exposed) traverse pitch, there’s a hard move through a small overhang. Once we’d pulled through this, we knew that a series of slabs led the way. It was exciting stuff (although not always in a good way)! When I clipped the bolts of the third belay, my mouth was so dry I could hardly swallow, I’d been so focused on the climbing. It was an intense experience, but a wide grin spread across my face and sweat burst from my fingertips as I gave the signal to Clare that I was safe.

As the village woke up below us, we made good progress to the higher pitches.

After six rope lengths, there is the option of an escape route off to the right, but we choose to continue up the final two pitches after having our ‘lunch’ (at 09:15) while sat on a big ledge as we were both pretty tired – a mix of the early start and general climbing fatigue from the past month. One very steep but very well bolted section was quickly dispatched, then finally some more delicate padding got us up the slabs. We arrived at the top tree, covered in chalk and sweat, but giggling with adrenaline and exhaustion.

Our last climb completed and with a nice path to walk down from – not even any abseil drama to contend with!

By 11:30 we were back at the pad for late morning coffees followed by a short snooze – Packing and cleaning the house soon followed.

Having met one of my uni friends at the start of the trip, Clare got a text out of the blue from one of her university friends to say she had just arrived at the campsite in the valley, so we drove down and spent a lovely afternoon catching with each other’s news.

Then to round the day (and trip) off we made it back up the hill to watch the some outdoor live music at the Guide’s Festival that had been on all day in Ailefroide.

We cashed in our last euros for our first crepe of the trip (worth the wait!), had a little dance as it got dark, then took ourselves home together organised for the next day’s early start…

Ailefroide Climb:

• Chaud Biz, 5b, 5b, 5c, 5c, 4c, 4c, 5c, 5c+**