In need of a rest day we decided to explore the crags in Finale “proper”, though taking the gear just in case we got inspired. Another scorching day meant seeking shade, and I spotted an unusual option in Grotta dell’Edera. A few bits of info off the web suggested that this sector of Dementicata is contained INSIDE a cylindrical cave. Had to be worth a look.
After a bit of bush wacking we were unable to find the entry to the cave, but with a bit of lateral thinking we changed tactics and scrambled up to the top of the crag. Sure enough we found ourselves looking down through a window into a 20m diameter cylindrical cave, about 30m deep, with a couple of dozen bolted routes up the walls! Rapping in we were clearly entering one of those special climbing places – like the feeling you get abbing into the Leap for the first time. Awesome!
The climbing was excellent too – we did a couple of 6as and a 6b – perfect pocket pulling on vertical white walls which would be great routes anywhere, but simply stellar in this setting. There are a bunch of harder things to go back for, including some great tufa lines.
Saving the best bit to last, we made our way out by heading DOWNWARDS….