Via ferrata of La Hermida

In the Cantabrian town of La Hermida is located one of the best known via ferratas in the north of Spain.

 

Views from via ferrata

 

 

It is located in spectacular natural surroundings, the steep Desfiladero de la Hermida gorge through which the river Deva flows. It serves as a link between Unquera and Lebeña, marking the border with Picos de Europa. Lebeña is very close to Potes, capital of the Liébana valley, and this gorge is the only corridor between the Cantabrian coast and the Liébana region.

 

Views from via ferrata

 

 

This winding gorge is considered the longest in the Iberian Peninsula thanks to its 21 kilometres. It is well worth a hike to enjoy the exuberant Cantabrian countryside.

Via ferratas are routes equipped with solid materials such as nails, staples, handrails, chains or suspension bridges, among others, both vertical and horizontal, which allow us to ascend safely with a special risk of falling for those who are not used to climbing. It is not a terrain of easy progression and involves certain risks, so if you do not have technical knowledge we recommend that you put yourself in the hands of professional guides.

 

First stretch

 

 

You must be equipped with the following materials: helmet, harness, gloves, shock absorbers (an element that will cushion the blow in the event of a fall) and good footwear (comfortable, non-slip and closed), as well as sufficient water, sun cream and warm clothing. It is advisable to bring a rope, although it is not essential.

If you don't have the necessary equipment, you can hire it from sports shops or the companies that manage the facilities themselves usually do so, as in this case. For more information, consult the website. We recommend it.

 

Stretch of forest

 

 

The via ferrata of La Hermida lasts approximately four hours. La Hermida offers several types of routes depending on their difficulty, Pozo Milar (k3 medium/high), Peñarruscos (k6 high), Socastillo (k4 medium), Cueva Ciloña (k3 medium) and the Bridges route (k4 medium/high). This last one is the one we are going to detail.

 

Stretch of forest

 

 

It starts at the reception hut where you have to register and get information about the conditions of the route and the possible escape routes. Via ferratas have only one direction of travel and it is not possible to go backwards, you must be in good shape and not have vertigo. On this particular route, helicopter rescues often occur due to inexperience. In these cases it is better to hire a guide.

The route is divided into several sections, the first through a forest with quite steep slopes. In this section there are two escape routes that take you to the Canelaria channel.

 

Stretch of forest

 

 

The next section continues with vertical walls that combine various elements until you reach the first bridge or continue to Ciloña Cave (there is an escape route in the Jabalí cave but you need a rope to abseil). In this first section some of the steps are quite high but they can be overcome without difficulty.

 

Mountain staples

 

Progression

 

Breathtaking views

 

 

The Tibetan bridge has almost forty metres of steel cable suspended at a height of 300 metres. Not suitable if you have vertigo. At the exit of the Tibetan bridge there is a small overhang, so be careful not to get stuck. This is the most complicated section of the route where the biggest traffic jams occur, so be patient and enjoy the views.

 

Tibetan bridge

 

 

It is very exciting to cross the Tibetan bridge with several birds flying under your feet.

 

Tibetan bridge

 

Tibetan bridge

 

 

The views of the gorge are spectacular.

 

Views

 

 

A few metres away from the Tibetan bridge is the 100 metre long suspension bridge. Hooking the dissipator is a bit difficult on the top cable as it is quite high but we prefer to do it this way as otherwise you have to hook and unhook on both sides at each knot of the side cables. It is advisable to walk with your legs slightly apart for stability.

 

Suspension bridge

 

Suspension bridge

 

Suspension bridge

 

Suspension bridge

 

 

Once you have crossed this last bridge you return to La Hermida along a path through the forest.

 

Suspension bridge

 

Suspension bridge

 

 

An amazing, unique and wonderful experience that we highly recommend.

 

Part of the team

 

 

Equipment hire: Alpine Project, equipment hire: helmet €6, heat sinks €8, harness €6. If you need a guide, check the website for prices and timetables. Free access, free of charge.