Eneko and Iker Pou have completed the first ascent of their third difficult route on Peña Santa de Castilla (2.596 m). The project of the two brothers from the Basque Country dates back to 2020, when they established "Rayu," one of the steepest multi-pitch routes in the Picos de Europa.
Six years, three routes: the Pou trilogy at Peña Santa
In the midst of the Corona pandemic, the “Hermanos Pou” started their major project on Peña Santa, the highest peak of the western Picos de EuropaBack then, the two Basque climbers, together with Kiko Cerdá, established "Rayu" (8c/600 m). The elaborate setup of the route took five weeks, while the first free ascent took only one day. The line has since been repeated by Sasha DiGiulian, Brette Harrington and Matilda Söderlund, as well as Siebe Vanhee and Sébastien Berthe.
Four years later, in the summer of 2024, the Pou brothers established themselves with “Truenu“(9a+?/600 m) probably the most difficult line of their Peña Santa trilogy. However, they haven't yet been able to free climb the crux pitch – and therefore deliberately leave a question mark on their suggested grade.”
The Pou brothers during the first ascent of "Relampagu" | Photos: Hermanos Pou
“Relampagu”: Free access is still pending.
Six years after their first ascent of “Rayu”, Eneko and Iker Pou She has now presented her most recent difficult route on Peña Santa. Like its two predecessors in the trilogy, the line is around 600 meters long and grades approximately 8c.
“Relampagu,” like its two sister routes, is an absolutely spectacular line. The first 300 meters are relatively straightforward, but it gets really tough in the upper wall.
Pou Brothers
The two Basque climbers still need to confirm the difficulty level, however, as a free ascent of the entire line is still pending. This makes "Rayu" the only one of the three routes that the Pou brothers have managed to free climb entirely. With "Truenu," they only missed the crux for a free ascent; they climbed "Relampagu" ground-up and, where possible, free.
Our style is traditional, staying true to the spirit and history of mountaineering.
Eneko and Iker Pou
First ascent of "Relampagu" | Photos: Hermanos Pou
Those who know Basque might almost think that Eneko and Iker Pou dedicated their trilogy to the Norse gods: because Truenu means thunder, Relampagu and rayu Both can be translated as lightning or heat lightning. "We had a lot of fun with this trilogy, but admittedly also with the route names," said the Pou brothers.
That might interest you
- Eneko and Iker Pou: First free ascent of “Vicios Ocultos”
- Pou brothers open new difficult route: Rayu (8c, 600m)
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Credits cover image: Hermanos Pou