Feel like living a different adventure? Then go for the world of vias ferratas. These vertical and horizontal climbing routes will allow you to discover spots you can’t reach on foot or by bike. With the use of iron climbing ladders, dowels, suspension bridges, handrails and cables, you will get along the rocky walls and overcome the obstacles you will find on the way. All that minimizing the risks thanks to the presence of professional guides who know it all about the place!
Ready to challenge gravity? Just go for the vias ferratas, then! An adventure sport that is halfway between hiking and climbing. Read about these 5 guides climbing routes you can do in Catalonia.
Roca de la Creu (Ripollès)
Located in the heart of the Eastern Pyrenees, Via Ferrata de la Roca de la Creu or Via Ferrata de Ribes de Freser, in Ribes Valley (Ripollès region), is a perfect option to start with: this lovely, well-equipped and intuitive route is quite easy and can be done in about three hours in the company of a guide from Guies Ama Dablam.
Any person aged 7 and older can do it, so this is an original option for families, which will have the opportunity to enjoy some wonderful views of the Pyrenees all the way through and to live new adventures crossing Nepalese and Tibetan bridges. A genuine naturexperience ! As Via Ferrata de la Roca de la Creu is located quite near Barcelona, you can even reach it by public transport!
Torre de Cledes (Aran Valley)
The second via ferrata we offer you is Torre de Cledes, in the village of Les, in Aran Valley. Despite being the shortest of this post, it is one of the most original ones, as it makes you climb the walls of a tower. It takes about one and a half hour to do and has few aerial sections, so it’s perfect for a start with the kids. In addition, you will be accompanied by a mountain guide from Roger Mountain Guide, who will adapt to your skills and meet your group’s expectations.
After climbing the wall of the ancient tower of the power station, you will cross a spectacular Tibetan bridge and climb up through vertical walls and slopes until Mal de Cledes, a fantastic viewpoint overlooking the Baix Aran region, with incredible views of the village of Les. From there, you will go for an idyllic walk through the forest, down to the beginning of the route.
Tossal de Miravet (Alta Ribagorça)
Another via ferrata you can do with Roger Mountain Guide is Tossal de Miravet, which straddles El Pont de Suert and Aragon. This route is divided into three sections, the first of which is the easiest, along the river and then up to the rock of Tossal de Miravet. The two Tibetan bridges (optional) you will find on the way make it ideal for families. If you decide to cross them, you will walk through an aerial crest. The route finishes on the top of a little peak, with wonderful views of El Pont de Suert.
Once you get a bit of experience in vias ferratas, we invite you to go for the second and third sections (medium-advanced level), which offer splendid views of Boí Valley and host a 25-metre zipline! And if you are left hungry for more, Roger Mountain Guide offers a wide range of climbing routes for all levels.
Olmo Soler (La Noguera)
Corçà, in La Noguera region, hosts a series of vias ferratas you can go for accompanied by the professional guides of Zenith Aventura. Olmo Soler Via Ferrata, also known as “La Pertusa”, is easy and fun. Its main charms are the views of Canelles lake and the chapel of Mare de Déu de la Pertusa ; a perfect excuse to visit this Romanesque temple and to enjoy the splendid views from the top of the crest.
The route has no vertical passes and is equipped with chains and cables. Although one of the sections is a bit more complicated, with parts that may give vertigo, the views are really worth it. The itinerary finishes at the chapel, where you can write down a few lines in a notebook and share your experience with other adventurers who will go for this via ferrata in the future.
Teletubbies (La Noguera)
The natural beginning of Olmo Soler Via Ferrata is Teletubbies’, a name that says it all! Teletubbies Via Ferrata is a very short route that is equipped with a wide range of elements and ends up with on a crest that gets more and more narrow until the beginning of Olmo Soler route. This simple and funny itinerary is great to introduce kids to this world, thanks to both the colours of the first holds and to the names of the different sectors: Tinky Winky, Po, Dipsy and Laa-Laa. As you can see, La Noguera region gives free rein to imagination!
So, which of these guided vias ferratas of Catalonia are you going to go for? Or which other options do you recommend? Please send your comments!
