Barranc de L’Olla de Mel

Barranc de L’Olla de Mel near Saldes is a dry, vertical canyon with 9 rappels, the longest being 35m. It requires two 40m ropes and no wetsuit. The 45-minute approach from Coll de Bauma involves following a track and then a shortcut to the canyon bed. There are no escape routes during the descent. The canyon quickly enters a boxed-in section. The first two rappels (12m and 6m) can be linked into a single 15m drop. R3 is a short, destreppable 3m rappel. Subsequent rappels include a 14m drop under a large rock bridge and a curious 13m rappel that leads out into the open. Anchors are generally parabolts, though some are noted as being too close together. The exit of R6 (25m) is described as somewhat uncomfortable. The return walk is 45 minutes, and a car combination is optional, with parking at Gresolet recreational area for the lower car.