Below is a book review I had published in Mountaineering Council of Scotland's quarterly publication, The Scottish Mountaineer in 2010.
Being predominantly a Scotland based climber, the series of Rockfax Guidebooks hadn’t crossed my path frequently, however last year, once the autumnal rains had set in, and the prospect of dry rock seemed a while away, I looked to get away, and so, with the venue of El Chorro chosen, all I could do was to wait until Rockfax printed their new guidebook to the area.
Being predominantly a Scotland based climber, the series of Rockfax Guidebooks hadn’t crossed my path frequently, however last year, once the autumnal rains had set in, and the prospect of dry rock seemed a while away, I looked to get away, and so, with the venue of El Chorro chosen, all I could do was to wait until Rockfax printed their new guidebook to the area.
Fortunately over the festive period, the guidebook landed on my doormat, and first impressions were quickly established. I think I speak for a large number of El Chorro guidebook users, in that I really felt that one of the biggest flaws is the front cover. The old cliché goes ‘you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover’, and whilst I’m sure the climber in question is overjoyed that she’s managed to gain pole position within the guidebook, it just misses the essence of what’s available in and around the magnificent gorge of El Chorro.
Despite that, and moving on to the all important content and layout, the guidebook reflects the hard labour, which Mark Glaister has poured into this publication. The tried and tested layout of Rockfax, works well, providing just enough information about each route to still give a healthy degree of adventure. The photo topos when combined with clear and simple maps, used throughout, enabled ease of route (and sector) finding, particularly when trying to navigate around the extensive Frontales crags. A number of outlying crags are also detailed in the guidebook, allowing climbers the welcome change of scenery.
It must be noted that the greatest challenge found within the guidebook, for some, may well not be a redpoint attempt on Orujo, weighing in at a hefty 9a+ at Archidona, but in finding the 20 bulls, hidden, sometimes with ridiculous obscurity throughout the guidebook, something for those rare wet days…
If heading out for some winter sun, Rockfax’s El Chorro Guidebook should be high on any climber’s list, and having met plenty of local and international climbers out there, all using this guidebook, it would seem that this guidebook has become the number one choice.
