What is a Via Ferrata?
Taken from the Italian language, Via Ferrata (considered a connection point between hiking and climbing) is a term that literally means ‘Iron Path’ and is a climbing route that uses steel cables, rungs, and ladders, that are secured into the rock. As we climb the route, we use a harness and lanyard (an energy absorbing device) to secure ourselves to the fixtures, which helps to limit any fall.
By using the Iron rungs placed into the rock, along with carved out steps, bridges, ladders, and zip wires, we are able to climb on otherwise dangerous routes without the risk of unprotected scrambling or the need for technical climbing skills and equipment.
How difficult?
Each route has three grades which are based upon the type of terrain encountered on the climb (Terrain), the amount, frequency and type of equipment installed on the route (Safety), and what physical ability the climber requires (Ability).
| Grade | Terrain | Safety | Ability | |||
|
K1 |
Flat to steep, mostly rocky or interspersed with rocks, exposed passages possible |
Wire ropes, chains, iron clamps, individual short ladders. Ascent is largely possible without the use of safety devices |
Steady footing and a head for heights recommended | |||
|
K2 |
Steep rocky terrain, some small steps, exposed sites |
Wire ropes, chains, iron clips, stepping pins, longer, possibly vertical ladders |
Steady footing and a head for heights, good condition, some power and endurance in arms and legs | |||
|
K3 |
Steep to very steep rocky terrain, mainly small steps, longer potentially very often exposed passages |
Wire ropes, iron clamps, stepping pins, longer or over hanging ladders. Clamps and pins can also be further apart |
Steady footing and a head for heights, good condition, power and endurance in arms and legs | |||
|
K4 |
Vertical, often overhanging terrain, mostly very exposed |
Wire rope, iron clamps and stepping pins are often far apart. On exposed and steep places often just a wire rope. | Enough strength in arms and hands, as longer vertical to overhanging areas and smaller climbing areas | |||
|
K5 |
Vertical to overhanging, exposed throughout, very small steps or slab climbing |
Wire rope, iron clamps and stepping pins are often far apart. On exposed and steep places often just a wire rope. Often combined with scrambling | A lot of strength in hands (fingers), arms and legs, increased level of condition, mobility | |||
|
K6 |
Primarily overhanging, exposed, very small steps or slab climbing |
Wire rope, iron clamps and stepping pins are often far apart. Combined with scrambling | Good climbing technique is imperative, a lot of strength in hands (fingers), arms and legs, increased level of condition, mobility |
Climbing Routes
| Location | Route | Grade | Price per | |||
| Person | ||||||
| Comares | Fuente Gorda | K1 | ||||
| Cueva de la Ventana | K2 | €55.00 | ||||
| Puerta del Agua | K3 | |||||
| Cuevas de San Marcos | Falla del Camorro | K2/3 | €75.00 | |||
| ? | ? | |||||
| Sierra de Loja | rhs | K3 | ||||
| middle | K3 | €90.00 | ||||
| *combi tour | lhs | K3/4 | ||||
| Villanueva del Rosario | Hondonero | K1/2 | €50.00 | |||
| Zafarraya | 1 | K1 | ||||
| 2 | K2 | €65.00 | ||||
| 3 | K3 |