NEW VIA FERRATA VILAVELLA "LA CANTERA"

La Vilavella (Castellón), with a population of 3000 inhabitants, is one of the municipalities that serves as a gateway to the Sierra de Espadán. This is where the GR-36The Trans-Espadan, also known as Trans-Espadan, is a 65 km hiking route that crosses the entire Sierra Espadan Natural Park until it reaches Montanejos.

This new via ferrataThe old quarry in the municipality, from which the stones that make up the breakwater in the port of Burriana were extracted, has been equipped and offers impressive views of the citrus groves typical of this area with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop.

The La Villavella Town HallIn order to avoid landslides, the company decided to install a new via ferrata to promote the adventure and heritage leisure activities of the town. This task was entrusted to the adventure park construction company Spainparks with the collaboration of the Active Tourism Cooperative and Professional Guides Viunatura.

The via ferrata La Cantera, with a difficulty level of K3, has a 130-metre route divided into 6 sections that bridge a 100-metre gap equipped with steps, chains, safety cable, footbridges and a Tibetan bridge, as well as the possibility of doing a 25-metre high aerial abseiling.

Security rules

Compulsory equipment: helmet, harness, anchorage ropes (resting baga), energy dissipater, carabiners (all this material must be approved for vía ferratas), safety rope, mountain shoes and comfortable clothing (according to the time of year).

• Knowing how to use the material specific for via ferrata.
• Knowing progression techniques in via ferrata
· In case you do not have the specific knowledgehire a professional guide.
·Avoid the presence of more than one user between anchorage sections.
· Avoid the falling of stones.
In the event of a thunderstorm, you must quickly move away from the via ferrata equipment.
· Good physical condition is necessary.

Description of the via ferrata La Cantera.

SECTION 1: We anchor ourselves to the safety cable and ascend on foot along a favourable stretch, saving two large steps with the help of a few steps until we reach the almost vertical start.

SECTION 2: We start to ascend already on steps with feet and hands and we are taking verticality.

SECTION 3: We have to go around a roof and this step is done in a crossing with steps for feet and hands that takes us to a small Tibetan bridge. The sections of atmosphere begin.

SECTION 4: Once past the Tibetan, we climb vertically and begin a long journey to the left. Shortly after the start, we find a footbridge with wooden boards that allows us to enjoy the height gained during the ascent.

SECTION 5. The crossing ends and we undertake another vertical section with small collapses and lateral displacements, which force us to pull strongly on our arms.

SECTION 6: We find a chain that leads us to the area of wooden steps, the progression is simpler and this space allows us to enjoy comfortably and always with a chain the views of this balcony. Following the chain we will reach the top.

Descent of the VIA ferrata:

Once we reach the top, we will go up about 20 metres following the signs to start the descent by footpath to the San Sebastian Chapel. From there, we will take the via crucis also in descent to the village, walking back to the municipal sports centre after about 20 minutes of walking.

Aerial Rappel:

The track has the option of descending from the end of the horizontal crossing by accessing a rappel flown over a large vault.

To do this, we will descend from the end of the journey down the steps installed that take us under a roof.

There we will find a belay with two rings as well as several parabolts with plates to be able to install the abseil comfortably, also a trunk of treated wood has been installed so that the ropes do not rub with the wall in any way, likewise the installation allows to assure possible clients if we are a company of active tourism.

The abseil has a total height of 24 metres from the drop, and at its base there is a cable handrail that serves as a lifeline to the start of the ferrata.

Anti-erosion supports:

The upper part of the route does not have solid rock to be able to install iron steps, the problem has been solved by installing treated wood supports and meshes with a double function: to prevent stones from falling, and to support the ground in order to be able to climb.

Please do not abuse the wooden steps and try to step on the ground.

A via ferrata is an activity halfway between hiking and climbing that allows us to progress through the mountains by combining accessibility, risk, beauty and the spectacular nature of the surroundings. We must not forget that in order to continue enjoying contact with nature and the rich environment and heritage, we must all respect the environment. Furthermore, as a risky activity, the use of specific equipment and the knowledge of the progression techniques defined for via ferrata is obligatory. If you do not have one or the other, you should contact a company of professional guides.