Spitzberg

The ascent of Spitzberg, a mountain often graded C/D, is an exhilarating journey that truly tests your mettle. The initial approach weaves through a dense forest, gradually steepening before the rock faces emerge. The C/D sections are particularly engaging: demanding scrambles over exposed ridges, short, almost vertical pitches requiring careful hand and foot placement, and sometimes the welcome aid of fixed chains or pegs. It's a climb that demands focus, breath, and a good head for heights, but the intermittent glimpses of the valley below spur you onward.

Reaching the summit is a profound reward. A 360-degree panorama unfolds, stretching across rolling hills, distant peaks, and a patchwork of fields. The air up here is crisp, and the silence, broken only by the wind, is truly restorative. It's a moment to savor the accomplishment and the sheer beauty of nature.

The descent, often via a less exposed but still challenging trail, offers a different perspective. It allows for a relaxed appreciation of the surrounding forest, the chirping of birds, and the gentle sounds of streams. Though easier on the mind, it can still be demanding on the knees. Returning to the base, a sense of deep satisfaction remains – the feeling of having conquered a formidable peak and having connected intimately with the wild.

Location