Via ferrata is a protected climbing route with steel cables, iron rungs, ladders, suspension bridges, and stakes that participants use to progress safely up or across mountainous terrain. The term literally means "iron path," and stems from WW1 when the Italians created a system of ladders and cables to access the Dolomite mountains up north.  Decades later, Italian climbers restored many of the routes, and today, via ferrata is a safe way for the average person to experience the thrill of climbing. Got questions about the one being built up Ashley Gorge? Check out our FAQs.

A climbing helmet, harness, and via-ferrata rated double lanyard are required for safety.  Rubber-soled footwear with good grip is also essential, but climbing shoes are not.  Approach shoes work best with their grippy, firm sole.  Gloves can also be useful, and some companies sell ferrata-specific gloves with open fingers.  

Most exposed areas on a ferrata will have steel cable attached to the rock with galvanized rebar supports every few feet.  Clip in to the cable with BOTH carabiners on your lanyard.  When you come to a rebar support, unclip ONE lanyard carabiner and re-clip it to the next section of cable.  Repeat with the SECOND lanyard carabiner.  This redundancy means you should ALWAYS be clipped in to the cable with at least one carabiner.  In case of a fall, the lanyard MUST include a rip-stop fall arrest system, otherwise serious injury or death can occur.