Via Ferrata La Mina
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K3+
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If you are looking for an adventure that combines the thrill of climbing with the exploration of an old copper mine, then you might want to check out Via Ferrata La Mina in Villahermosa del Río, Castellón.
This via ferrata was installed at the end of 2021 and offers a spectacular and panoramic route with a difficulty level of K3+.
The equipped section is 110 meters long and divided into 5 sections that overcome an elevation gain of 60 meters. You will also have the chance to traverse a subterranean passage inside the cave “La Amorosa”, where you will need a helmet with a headlamp. The via ferrata also includes a 20-meter-long Tibetan bridge and an optional 60-meter-high rappel in the air. This is a perfect activity for those who love nature, history, and especially adrenaline.
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.
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!
Download this PDF map of the area and print (A3 scale) or save it to your smartphone.
Just before entering the town, you’ll cross a viaduct bridge. Look for a big rock wall in front of you. Go slowly over the viaduct and turn sharp right at the other side. Cross over a small bridge and park in the small clearing where there is space for about 2 or 3 cars.
There are several ways to get from Castellón de la Plana to Villahermosa del Río by public transport. One option is to take a bus from Castellón de la Plana to Villahermosa del Río. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and will drop you off at Plaça Església.
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.
Challenge yourself with the legendary Via Ferrata La Mina and La Muela, located in the charming village of Villahermosa del Río, in the province of Castellón, Spain.
The two via ferratas are directly across from each other, so keep in mind that the GPX file and Wikiloc track we provide above contains a track with both trails in a single file. Click on the following link if you want to read our blog post with more information about Via Ferrata La Muela.
This blog post, however, is dedicated to taking you through the key points and highlights of Via Ferrata La Mina.
We parked at the trailhead where there is a small clearing that can hold about 4 cars. From there you can easily walk to the village of Villahermosa del Río. You can also park in the village in case you want to have breakfast or a snack in one of the local bars or take a walk prior to starting the activities.
Access to the start of either via ferrata is via a small path and takes about 10 minutes to get there.
From the trailhead, the path to Via Ferrata La Mina is on the same side as the info panel. The path is mostly well-marked, with white flags on the trees that eventually lead you to the cave entrance where our adventure begins.
Here is a general description of what you will find in each section of this via ferrata:
This via ferrata has a lot of cool features and the old copper mine is a solid contender for coolest.
We recommend putting on a helmet with a headlamp during this section. Keep in mind that the tunnel will get narrower in the center before you come out to the cave.
In the past, we’ve seen some people enter the tunnel with all of their equipment on. However, we advise against that because the tunnel does get a bit dark and narrow and you may have to bear crawl through it. Due to this, your gear could get snagged and limit your movement.
Once out of the cave you will move up until you reach the ladder, our next point of interest.
The installers have equipped a ladder that may be a bit intimidating at first glance, but is actually much easier than it looks.
There is plenty of room underneath the ceiling to stand and the safety equipment is very well placed so you can move around and reposition yourself as needed. It is definitely a very cool addition and the views are second to none.
Past this, there is a second overhanging section a bit further up where you have to traverse left to clear it.
Once you’ve reached the top of the final vertical section, you have the option of turning left or right.
At the end of the bridge you’ll have to climb up a few meters to get back on the trail. Here, you’ll make another choice: Turn right to head back to the car, or continue on to the optional rappel.
If you’re daring enough to continue on the trail, you’ll eventually reach the rappel called “El Salto del Buitre“. Here are some key details about this rappel:
Out of the two via ferratas in this area, this was the clear winner for our favorite. All of the obstacles from start to finish are loads of fun and frankly, really really cool. As far as difficulty goes, we think the K3 rating is spot on. When you first look at it, the ladder can feel intimidating but once you get up there you’ll see it’s not that hard.
This route is fairly new, so all of the equipment and installation is in great condition and super good enough for its intended use. The bridge is well-equipped also and in winter the cables are nice and taut. Whenever we do this during a summer month we’ll update what it’s like then.
The rappel, as usual, is something you should only try if you have the necessary skills and knowledge to set it up and do it. The anchors are hanging on the side of the cliff, where luckily there is a wooden log placed to stand on and avoid rubbing the ropes. The split section anchors did not have a wooden log, nor was there a lot of room to stand on.
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