Via Ferrata del Estrecho de Ayódar

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Table of Contents

K3

Click to learn more about the Hüsler Scale and via ferrata difficulty rating systems.

Rated Difficulty

Overall Difficulty
Moderate
Total Distance
0 km
Elevation Gain
0 m
Bridges
0
Pendulums
0
Rappel
0

Quick Overview

Via ferrata Estrecho de Ayódar is a short but interesting route that climbs up a vertical wall next to a river in the province of Castellón. It is well equipped and maintained, and has a beautiful natural setting with a waterfall and a pool where you can swim.

The via ferrata has a difficulty rating of K3, which means it is suitable for intermediate climbers with some experience and physical condition. The via ferrata is about 200 meters long and takes about an hour to complete.

The route has some overhangs, lateral traverses, and two pendulums that add some fun and challenge. The via ferrata ends with an anchor where you can either rappel down 55 meters or walk back to the parking area.

Warning: Mountain sports are inherently dangerous and a mistake can get you seriously hurt or worse! The information we post in this blog is only meant to be a guide, and should by no means be considered professional advice. If you lack the skills or are unsure about what you’re doing, hire a professional guiding service to teach you hands-on. We will do our best to provide links to trained professionals in the area wherever possible.

How To Get There

Files & Maps

Enhance your next outing with this compilation of free resources and downloadable files we’ve created. Check them out and see what might be useful for you.

Put this file into your GPS device, navigation app or smartwatch to follow our track.

click to download GPX⬇︎

Scan or click on the QR Code to follow our trail in the Wikiloc App and give us a follow while you’re at it!

 

Scan or click on the QR Code to follow our trail in the AllTrails App and give us a follow while you’re at it!

link to AllTrails track for via ferrata del Estrecho de Ayódar

Download this PDF map of the area and print (A3 scale) or save it to your smartphone.

click to download PDF⬇︎

Trailhead

Arrival by Car

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Arrival on Public Transport

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Your feedback matters: Let us know if you have any suggestions for additional resources that would be helpful to you and others during future outings.

The via ferrata has several stages with different levels of difficulty which we will summarize into 5 stages:

  • Stage 1: This is the easiest section, it begins with a cable-equipped section that will lead you on a short traverse over the river. Then, you’ll have to cross over the river to find the continuation of the route
  • Stage 2: Once you’ve crossed the river, you will find some chains to help you up and another equipped section that will lead you to the start of the via ferrata
  • Stage 3: This section consists of a vertical climb with some short traverses that eventually lead you to the first pendulum
  • Stage 4: This is an airy horizontal traverse that ends in a vertical ascent until you reach the second pendulum
  • Stage 5: After the second pendulum, you will continue on your vertical ascent, with a couple of technical steps along the way, until you reach the end of the via ferrata

The Route

The trail starts on a path that leads you to the bottom of the riverbank, where you will find an info panel and then go on a very pleasant walk through the woods along the river. Keep in mind that you may have to cross the river several times depending on the season and water level.

You’ll find the first equipped section on the right side of the river heading towards the via ferrata. After that, you will have to cross over the river to find the second section on the left side of the river bank.

As an alternative, you can also access the start by rappelling down from the end of the via ferrata, if you have enough rope for a  50-meter rappel.

Pendulums

The pendulums are very well-equipped and perfectly safe. There is one point to mention about the first pendulum, though. In order to make it all the way to the other side without a hitch, we had to extend it quite a bit.

It seems that the installers were either really tall individuals or it turned out a bit shorter than they planned. In any case, this wasn’t an issue because we only had to hook to it with our resting lanyards extended a bit and problem solved.

The second pendulum was plenty long and allowed us to move quickly and smoothly to the other side without any issue.

The two pendulums may look intimidating at the beginning, but let me assure you that they are perfectly safe. Our advice is to hook onto it, do a hard running jump and enjoy the ride to the other side!

Rappel / Return Path

At the end of this trail you have some options to return:

  1. Walking: you can follow the path at the top and return by following the road back.
  2. Rappel/abseil: A couple of meters before reaching the end of the via ferrata you will see the rappeling anchors on the right-hand side. It consists of a chain and two rappel rings. The official data says that the rappel is 55 meters. However, we did the rappel in one go with two 50-meter ropes with no issue. 
  3. Split rappel: About halfway down there is a second rappel anchor to split it, but we can’t confirm how far down it is. If you choose this option, do so at your own risk.

Overall Thoughts and Opinion

This via ferrata is quite fun and offers some interesting challenges. The approach hike is pleasant and adds a bit of a challenge as it is partially an equipped path with the safety cable that runs along the route. The surroundings are nice and offer areas where you can swim if you feel like it.

Despite these positive points, it’s important to note that some parts of the route can be physically demanding and require a reasonable level of fitness. In addition, the popularity of this via ferrata can lead to crowded conditions at peak times, which may require you to wait to progress along the route. Despite these considerations, the Via Ferrata Estrecho de Ayodar remains a must for adventure lovers, offering a balance of excitement, natural beauty and a touch of challenge.

Another factor to consider is the water level of the river. The via ferrata starts at the bottom of the river, where you have to cross it several times. This can be a refreshing and fun experience, especially in the summer, but it can also be dangerous if the water is too high or fast. You should avoid going to the via ferrata after heavy rains or storms, as the river may become swollen and unpredictable. You should also wear appropriate footwear and clothing that can get wet.

Pros
  • Challenging sections (physical and mental)
  • Beautiful environment
  • The pendulums are a lot of fun
Cons
  • Possibility of getting wet depending on water level
  • Possibility of group traffic (waiting for people)

The via ferrata del Estrecho de Ayodar is a great option for anyone who wants to experience some adventure in nature. It is not very long or difficult, but it has some challenging sections that will test your mental fortitude. It’s also surrounded by a fantastic environment that will make your climb enjoyable and memorable.

Photo Gallery

Now it’s your turn. Have you done Via Ferrata Estrecho de Ayódar yet? Let us know what you thought about it in the comments below!

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