A via ferrata is one of the safest experiences in adventure tourism and an ideal way to practice sports in contact with nature. It consists of a horizontal or vertical path that runs through the mountain that can be done by people who do not have climbing knowledge thanks to metal staples and other types of safety elements. There are many companies that carry out a Via Ferrata in Cantabriaso we recommend, if you do not have experience, that you have they.
The first were built in Austria in the mid-19th century and became especially important during World War I. Once their military use was abandoned, they remained as recreational elements. In Spain, the first via ferratas were installed at the end of the 20th century in Ordesa and Monte Perdido.
When you do a via ferrata it is essential to comply with certain safety measures, since although there is good signage and safety elements, a fall can always hurt you a lot.
During the entire route you are tied to a steel cable (known as Life Cable) that supports weights of more than 3 tons. You should also be equipped with a helmet, harness and heat sink, in case stones fall and be well secured, gloves to prevent damage to your hands and appropriate footwear for the activity, which is comfortable but has a thick non-slip sole. Of course, a rope is needed in case it is necessary to do some rappel.
-If you want more information, here you go:
VIA FERRATA LA HERMIDA
- Difficulty: K3-K4
- GPS position: 43.251902, -4.607492
- Total length: 5.5 km
- Time traveled: 2 hours
- Elevation difference: 800 m
- Distance: 13 km from Panes, 18 km from Potes, 26 km from San Vicente de la Barquera
It is located on the N-621 highway next to the Balneario de la Hermida.
From the reception to the beginning of the road there is a path of about 15 minutes walking until you reach the first wall. The first parts of the route, up to Jabalí Cave, are a very simple progression, and suitable for beginners. They have numerous staples and during the first two sections the wall loses verticality as you advance. After a short route marked and equipped with a life cable, you reach a third section that is somewhat more complicated than the previous ones, due to its verticality, but which is advanced safely thanks to great equipment.
Once you reach Cueva Jabalí, the difficulty increases with a short but very vertical wall and the Carla Garrido Ramp, which requires greater physical preparation: The staples are further away, the positions are relatively uncomfortable, etc From here we have two variants: "Cueva Ciloña" and "Los Puentes". If there are not many people, you can take a round trip along the bridges and continue towards Cueva Ciloña. If there are many more people, you will force others to wait for you, so it is not advisable to do so.
The Cueva Ciloña variant is more of a trekking, with a lifeline with a few small sections of wall with a lot of equipment at the beginning, than a via ferrata.
The bridges are perhaps the most spectacular variant due to their Tibetan bridge, more than 35 meters long, with drops of more than 50 meters, and the suspension bridge with planks, 100 meters long.
It is an ideal via ferrata for those who want to live the experience of feeling like a climber, in an incomparable natural setting. Although access to it is free and equipment rental can cost you around €20, if it is your first time, we advise you to hire any of our guided via ferratas, to ensure your safety and supervise you at all times.
