Iron roads of the Val d'Aran, extreme challenges in secure environments

 

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via-ferrata-largeAn iron road is a sport itinerary traced on a rocky massif equipped with wire, staples, steps and different elements to facilitate security. This is an aerial tour and occasionally athletic. To use these facilities you must be prepared physically and technically and follow the rules of use.

There are three iron roads with different routes and levels of difficulty in the Val d’Aran: Iron road of Les, Iron road of Poi d’Unha and Iron road of Cledes in Les, the latter newly opened this season.

Equipment

To access to the iron road you must wear helmet, harness, lanyard with sink approved for iron roads and gloves.

In addition, it is advisable to wear hiking boots and a backpack with water, mobile, first aid kit, headlamp, etc.

Recommendations

It is necessary to take into account the conditions of the mountain before climbing.

You must have insurance to cover own damages and those that may be caused to thirds.

It is recommended a training course in progression techniques and safety in iron roads.

Hiring the services of a mountain guide allows you to discover the pleasure of verticality in a safe way.

Iron road of Les

Itinerary

cartelleres_planol 1.inddIt is located in the municipality of Les (behind the camping Cauarca). It is accessed through the path that goes to the right, after about 100 meters after the campsite entrance. The return to the village of Les can be done by the way of Soberpèra, or the way dera Carraspa. Both have been especially recovered for having an easy access.

The total length of the facility is 450 meters, divided into two tracks: the lower only for experts, and thesuperior to all audiences. The tour also includes an 11 meters Tibetan bridge, with a drop of 200 meters. The total estimated time for the full itinerary is about 3 hours.

Although the Iron road is free, it is compulsory to wear special safety gear and have a certain technique, so it is an ideal activity to do it with a guide .

Information

Slope: 150 meters iron road

Route: 450 meters

Rise time: 3 hours

Lowering time: 1 hour

Difficulty first section:

medium-difficult

Difficulty second section:

Easy

Iron road Torre de Cledes

Itinerary

cartell_cledes.inddThe first part exceeds the spectacular Tower Cledes and leads to the large terrace, level of initiation, with 35 meters long to the bridge. Then you enter the section of the vertical tower with abundant staples, very aerial, on the edge of the tower to reach the 8 meters Tibetan bridge. The bridge, with metal platforms on both sides for comfort, leads to a vertical wall. After a small decline, ascend a nice wall to a ledge of 0 meters long.

From the large terrace, is overcoming a vertical wall of 42 meters with varied and vertical steps, and a final ramp to the top of viewpoint.

Descent: From the viewpoint to the south there is a lifeline that leads to the marked way down.

Information

Slope: 80 meters iron road.

Approach: 2 minutes

Route: 125 meters

Length: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Orientation: South West

Descent: 10 minutes.

Level: Initiation. K2 children from 110 cm height.

Poi d’Unha iron Road

Itinerary

Poi d'UnhaThe Poi d’Unha iron road has a distance of 800 meters and a total slope of 500 meters, so it is one of the longest in Spain. Among the main features of this facility there are several Tibetan bridges and a spiral staircase that makes it more attractive.

The iron road consists of three sections:

  • First section: About 150 meters long, mainly aimed at beginners in this activity, especially children.
  • Second section: In this section we find a vertical and a ladder that can be avoided through a variant. This section also has a 20 meters Tibetan bridge, which can also be avoided.
  • Third section: This section has a real wall with plaques and a 20 meters drop.

Approach and descent are marked orange and escapes blue.

The Poi d’Unha is at 2,221 meters altitude. From the top you can see the peaks of Maladeta and Aneto.

Information

Route: 775 meters

Elevation gain: 500 meters

South orientation

Approach: 25 minutes

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Descent: 1 hour

Difficulty:

First section: initiation

Second section: Difficult

Third section: Difficult

Parking Unha. 1350 masl.

Information and reservations:

Camins del Pirineu

Deportur