Perles & Canelles

Perles is yet another of Lleida’s unsung gems, popular enough with local climbers (though rarely busy) but virtually unknown beyond the borders of Catalunya. The rock is superb and the setting one of utmost tranquillity. Of its sectors, the 500m long, 90m high Roc d’en Solà is by far the most striking — a magnificent wall of limestone offering technical and fingery face climbing on immaculate rock. The right-hand side of the cliff, together with the Agulla de l’Alba (a free-standing pinnacle just in front of the face) offers some of the best lower-grade climbing in the guidebook, as well as several excellent multi-pitch outings. Of the remaining sectors, Roc d’en Betriu and Sector dels Roures offer a fine selection of routes, mainly in the 6s and 7s, while the beautiful rock arch of Pont de l’Arc hosts one of the most stunning looking hard climbs in the region: the amazing Esclatamàsters (9a). Perles is a perfect mid-winter destination, its south/ south-easterly orientation attracting the sun’s rays for much of the day. Good climbing conditions can also be found in spring and autumn, when the majority of sectors go into the shade by mid-to-late afternoon. Just behind the ridge of Perles lies the incredible valley of Canelles, displaying vast swathes of beautiful rock. Our coverage is limited to just two magnificent sectors here — Safari and the awe-inspiring cave Espluga de Cels.