10 things I learned in 10 days in El Chorro, Spain.

From the 19th - 29th of March I was in El Chorro, Spain with the Warwick University Climbing Club. I had been gradually getting more and more panicked about the whole thing since originally booking it, but spoiler! I had a fab time. A group of people managed to live with me for ten whole days without any murder attempts, I stayed fed the whole time, had a good few successful climbs, nobody swore off belaying me forever, and it was just great to get some vitamin D. Would recommend.

I learned a lot whilst I was away and here are 10 of the things that really stuck with me, and you even get a bonus one. Lucky!

1. If you lean in too close to the bolt after you have successfully clipped your quickdraw in, it is possible to quickdraw your gear loop on your harness into the bolt as well. And not be able to move at all. Watch out for this because it is very embarrassing having someone scramble up to say 'How have you even done that?!' while you hyperventilate.

2. The approaches can be way more terrifying than the actual climb - case in point the first day on a cliff edge where some rock came off in my hands and I saw my life flash before my eyes. Wear your grippiest shoes for these.

3. If you're belaying someone, and you're even a little bit in the shade, wear more layers than you think are necessary. Your climber might just take 53 minutes. (Apologies).

4. Spain has far better gluten free options than England.

5. The jugs in Bear Rock and the jugs on a real rock are not the same. Indoor holds are far friendlier.

6. Grades between crags can really differ - I led three 4c's on one day, screamed my way through a 3+ another day, and top roped a 6a on another day.

7. Other climbers can follow your progress on UKC without you knowing so BEWARE, but logging any climb is so satisfying. And the 4G is surprisingly good in the Andalusian rocks so you can do it as soon as you hit the ground. Go go go.

8. You really gotta trust the rock. And your Feet. Spread your legs and trust the rubber is not just a funny innuendo. Not quite like this though...

9. Enjoy the views. It won't be long before you're back indoors suffocating in sweat where the views are a lot less green.

10. Um cheesy, but it's the people that really make it. From tolerating my wails up the easiest of routes, to saving me from clipping disasters, to cooking for me when I messed up with the sin gluten purchases, to staying up late watching High School Musical 2, to just having a flippin' great time. Big Love.

Bonus! Rupert Grint does Easy Jet flights. He's in this photo somewhere, I promise...