We finally solved the accommodation conundrum by checking into the campsite at Ager, a fairly bustling village at the foot of the Montsec d’Ares. Famed for its hang-gliding and observatory, there’s also a tonne of climbing here. There’s only one other team on the whole site, and guess who we should bump into in reception – Spuz, who’s out for a three week trip with his mate John. Small world! 

Monday dawns clear but chilly, and there’s clag on the crags high above Ager (at well over 1000m), so we decide to leave them for another day. Instead we headed to Os de Balaguer, which turned out to be a great decision. 

The climbing is in a tight gorge, with routes on the south and north facing sides. With temperatures struggling to get above 10C it was the south side for us! The climbing is excellent, on vertical rock with plenty of positive if sharp holds, and some great natural lines. Kin-Matao was a great 6b+ up a blunt rib…

And Fanatic  (7a) and Vasectomia Al dia (6c, and I didn’t make the route name up!) taking intricate lines up the orange bulging wall.
Shame it got chilly when the sun went below the northern rim of cliffs. We settled in for beers in the van and watched the setting sun turn the Montsec d’Avers flaming red.