Paklenica, Northern Dalmatia

Baby and child friendly climbing in Croatia's Paklenica national park

Croatia's Paklenica national park offers hundreds of single and multi-pitch routes in a beautiful location just minutes from the coast.

Most of the single-pitch routes are to be found on either side of the narrow gorge that cuts through the centre of the park. The gorge is perfect for babies and children: there are multiple picnic areas with benches, and you can set up camp far back from the crag and you're never more than 15 minutes walk from the car.

The rock is Karstic limestone of all angles and grades, with many unusual features you won't see at your average limestone crag. Don't be dismayed if you find you don't climb to your usual grade here - the style takes a little getting used to and these are not what you might call 'holiday grades'. Perhaps Croatian's are just made of sterner stuff.

I've recently noticed there is a Neilson resort a few minutes from the entrance to the park. This means - in theory - you could deposit little ones in the kids club after breakfast, grab a couple of mountain bikes, cycle to the crag, do a few routes (or a short multipitch) and be back in time to collect them at lunchtime, then sail when the wind gets up in the afternoon.

Logistics:

Parking: Plentiful - pay at the entrance gate

Cost: Buy a 1, 3, or 5 day pass to the park (I can't remember the cost but it was reasonable)

Walk in: 5 -15 mins on a good path

Grade range: 500+ routes from f3-f8c

Baby friendly: *****

Child friendly: *****

Suitable for buggies: yes

Gear hire on site: Yes

Guidebook: Paklenica by Boris Čujić

Climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death.

Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

If an area is listed here as baby- or child- friendly it simply means that it is convenient, and does not mean the area is safe. Parents must make their own assessment of risk.