Scotland Opens New Via Ferrata Climbing Route
You might be tempted to look up the kilts of some of the inaugural climbers on Scotland’s new Via Ferrata, but you definitely don’t want to look down. Via Ferrata, Latin for “Iron Way,” is the name for bolted climbing routes that were first introduced in Italy during the first World War. These safe, iron holds make steep and thrilling alpine climbing routes accessible to even the most novice of adventurers—at least the brave ones.
Scotland’s Via Ferrata opened this month, at the site of the third highest waterfall in the country, the 90-meter Grey Mare’s Tail in Kinlochleven, near Glencoe. The route features 450 meters of metal staples and cable bridges. The route is accessible but very challenging, and is only offered as a guided adventure; climbers are attached to a cable to make the route as safe as possible, while still being an exhilarating trip.
Via Ferrata routes are becoming more popular because they allow even non-climbers or beginner climbers to experience all of the excitement and adrenaline rush of climbing big, sheer walls in a safe environment. In Telluride, Colorado a renegade Via Ferrata was constructed on public lands by intrepid local climbers who used it in secret for years, before the Forest Service found out about its existence, and ultimately granted the route a reprieve, agreeing not to tear it down. Telluride’s Via Ferrata takes a high line across the east end of the San Miguel River Valley, and the steep face of its “Main Event” section is enough to make your knees weak. If you like that sort of thing.
Andy Turner, a member of Great Britain’s Ice Climbing Team and one of the top climbers in the UK, helped with the opening ceremony at Via Ferrata Scotland. Turner cut the ribbon and celebrated with fellow climbers, many of whom dressed in kilts for the occasion. “I was delighted to be asked to open such a fantastic addition to the UK’s climbing scene,” said Turner. “The Via Ferrata will provide novice climbers the opportunity to experience the challenge and exhilaration that climbing can bring. Plus, experienced climbers will enjoy the opportunity to access what was previously an unreachable climbing spot. The view is stunning at the top.”
The beta: Via Ferrata Scotland is available for guided trips only. Trips cost £65 per person with discounts for families and groups. Climbers must be 10 years old, and over a meter tall. For more info visit www.viaferratascotland.com.
Category: Travel
Looks scary!
Hi there, I’m interested in the Via Ferrata in the English Lake District, originally from there, I now live in Australia and work as a Trek Training Coach for a company based here in Sydney called Wild Women on Top where we train women for treks around the world……..next year 2015 I’m planning on taking a group to do the famous Coast to Coast and thought I’d include your Via Ferrata in the Itinerary.
If you could forward me the details for this I’d be most grateful, there would be 12 of us so I presume this would class as a group.
Regards
Wanda Nicholson
Wild Women on Top…..Sydney Australia
Wow. A guided, safe trip sounds so attractive to me, a non-climber. What a kick that would be.
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