Via Ferrata Penya Llisa - the upper tier
Via Ferrata Penya Llisa, Parcent
Start/finish: On the north side of Col de Rates there is a small lay-by and mirador. Park here. This is just a few hundred metres from the top of Col de Rates. Parking is limited to 3/4 vehicles. If full there is more parking available at the top of Col de Rates.
Grade: K4
Time: Total time around 1.5 hours. Approach is about 15 minutes and return about 5 minutes.
Length: 150m
Aspect: North - this can be a very chilly venue in winter. Take a jacket.
Equipment: Standard via ferrata kit. No abseils required.
The route:
From the mirador, follow the obvious track leading down from parking spot. After about 150m bear left at a fork in the track. There is a signpost here and this shows the way to the via ferrata. The path zigzags then goes left again at another signpost. The path now becomes vague as it traverses across the hillside going westward. About 15 mins is enough time to reach the base of the route.
There is ample space to gear up at the base of the cliff. For climbers, this crag also offers a number of quality sport climbs from around 6b upwards.
The initial section of via ferrata is very steep and despite what the information board advertises, we suggest a grade of K4. The rungs are all very close together and the cable is attached at very regular intervals. This first section is mostly vertical, with just a couple of very short traverses.
Topping out from this leads to a scrambly walk to reach the two shorter sections above.
What lies ahead is now easier, but certainly still plenty of fun. For these upper tiers we suggest a grade of K3.
The whole installation has plenty of rungs and all are currently in perfect condition.
When topping out from the third tier, follow red posts and cairns (hitos) heading left to reach the outbound path leading back to the parking area.
Once finished, there is a good choice of cafes nearby for some refreshment. The closest being at the top of Col de Rates. But if heading down to the Jalon valley we can recommended calling in at Musette in Alcalali. Or if going towards Tarbena there is great cafe opposite the church, it’s called Dolc I Salat.
Here are a couple of local tourist office links as they may be of help:
For more information about loads of adventurous days out in the Costa Blanca region please check out my book, published by Cicerone: Costa Blanca Mountain Adventures
And for more information about the activities we offer, please check out our activities pages here
Thanks for reading
Mark
So many hiking routes in these parts
Via Ferrata Penya Llisa - the initial section is steep
Via Ferrata Penya Llisa - almost at the top
Kate points out the way to the Via Ferrata Penya Llisa