Things are looking up... on a climbing holiday

IF your idea of the high life is climbing a mountain or a very big hill then you’ll never be satisfied with a beach holiday – that much is clear.

But where once it was an uphill task to find the climbing holiday you wanted now there is a wide range of activities for the avid hillclimber or mountaineer.

And guess what, you don’t have to forego going to the coast either.

Rock & Sun give you both with their seven-day Sport Climbing Holiday (Costa Blanca). You will get five days instruction and seven nights shared accommodation (Rooms 2:1 max) regularly through- out the year. From £725 (€750). You will get airport transfers (Conditions apply), transport to crags and all equipment. Visit www.rockandsun.com, contact (0044) 2033 900 351.

Climbingholidays.eu offers rockclimbing courses with a pro. See Poland’s many charms from high up with a trad course in Jura. With this five-day course from August 27-31(€300) you will get more than 30 hours of practical lessons.

Among the skills you will be taught are placing traditional protection, belaying leader and second, using different rope systems, building anchors and belay stances, abseiling off, climbing techniques and emergency skills.

The €300 costs will cover your course fee, equipment, aiport transfer, hotel, breakfast and dinner.

Flights to Poland are from €120 return (check Ryanair). Fly to Katowice and the holiday provider is happy to pick you up.

Contact (0044) 7780114024, email office@climbingholidays.eu or visit climbingholidays.eu.

Of course you don’t have to go abroad for a good oul climb. Donegal is known for its hills.

Uniqueascent (www.uniqueascent.ie/rockclimbing) offers a range of courses: Taster Sessions, Introduction to Rock Climbing, rock Climbing Essentials and Learning to Lead.

Now, things are looking up... it’s just a matter of getting out there and get climbing.