Climbs 41
Rocktype Limestone
Altitude 10m a.s.l
Faces S
Garcia Walls DWS Crag, Portugal © loz01
The atmospheric venue of Ponta Garcia, just a few kilometres outside Sagres, was Portugal's first DWS discovery, with routes established between 2001 and 2006. Garcia offers two distinct features: the wacky Fossil Cave, with tufa jugs and steepness guaranteed; and the three-piece Garcia Wall, with more jug-fests on superb rock. It is a great venue.
Expect the tide movements here to be less than a metre. Your main concern is the ocean movements; avoid climbing on rough days, and be aware of currents. The rock is generally dry, but allow for a little dampness when deep in the Fossil Cave.
From the roundabout at the Fortaleza, follow signs for 'Beliche Praia' (Ponta Garcia's very excellent local beach), heading west out of town. Drive out of Sagres for about 3km, pass a small beige building on the left, and park on the start of a 'twin track' dirt road on the left. Walk along the rocky, wide road southwards for 150m until it closes down, then hang a right down a narrower continuation. After 150m of that section (ignoring 2 small leftward tracks) the path takes you gradually leftwards, to the head of a distinct valley.
Follow a smaller trail down the centre of the valley, dropping down to a carved-out niche after 150m or so. This is the main gearing-up ledge, and from here you can easily see the Garcia Walls (the Fossil Cave is out of sight, around to the right).
An amazing crag with very steep climbing on great jugs. At least 6 routes that don't require swim / boat access. Potential for strong currents so keep some energy in reserve for the final swim out of the day! loz01 - 18/Sep/12 |
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