Nothing Particularly To Do With Small Fish

Certain things drive your inspiration, compulsion and obsession. As soon as I had seen the guidebook it was on the hit list. The contents are quite sufficient to fire the imagination but it is the cover picture that is so compelling - it just had to be done.

The limestone obelisk of Aguglia di Golotitze rises 150mtrs above the Mediterranean on the East coast of Sardinia.

The majority of climbing on the island is so called sports climbing. But that's not to say it's all over-bolted 10-meter lower offs. The routes range from 7mtrs to 400mtrs, most are 'fully' bolted, and others are purely traditional or partly bolted and require a full rack to be carried. The whole island is littered with climbing areas but perhaps the greatest concentration and variety of crags is in the Cala Gonone area; an excellent base with good accommodation or camping and all the usual requirements. Most crags in this area are easily accessible and require only a short walk - well in line with latest trends. Some are more easily got to by boat; believe it or not these are the sea cliffs. Or, if you like total commitment, then 4or 5 raps just 2 minutes from the car takes you to the sea washed base of stunning 200mtr routes, just up the coast from Cala Gonone.

These cliffs must give some of the best and most exciting climbing on the island. The area is called Biddiriscottai (Scogliera) and is situated below the Margheddie routes on the landward side of the costal track: another fine hire car adventure.

If you've built up a bit of stamina from repeated ascents of the stairs at Aycliffe wall then a walk into some of the mountain crags might be for you; check out Surtana and ride the 'Trans Surtana Express'-it's a most memorable journey ! There are other super routes in this area as well. It's well worth considering camping up there for a few days to get the best out of it. On route you pass Monte Oddeu, I didn't get to climb there but it also looks the business for next time.

Back to the cover picture - this is just the half of it. The Aguglia de Goloritze rises about 150 metres above the sparkling sea just North of Baunei.It's quite a drive from Cala Gonone and then about an hours walk down to the sea from the parking spot (try and forget about the return walk back to the car).There are 4 or 5 routes up the pillar - take you pick and a good rack. It is a must and ranks with the other great pinnacles of the world.

Off you go then, cheap Ryanair flight to Alghero or as I did, overnight ferry from Genoa. Another precious stone set in a silver sea.......This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this Sardinia.(sorry Gaunty)

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Nothing Particularly To Do With Small Fish

Christopher Lane