This via ferrata is the little sister of its neighbor, the Serres del Mestral. Much more difficult, technical and vertical, the route includes 2 large rock pitons that you have to climb by force of arms, requiring a good dose of energy and a few essential climbing basics to overcome some not-so-obvious overhanging steps. The route can be shortened at the end of the first part, in the knowledge that the rest is even more difficult, also due to the accumulation of efforts made up to that point. And to top it all off, there's a magnificent panoramic view of the Mediterranean from start to finish. A must-do via ferrata if you're in the area.
Technical summary
Type ✦ Via ferrata
Location ✦ L'Hospitalet del Infant
Region ✦ Catalunya
Country ✦ Spain
Vertical rise ✦ 150m
Difficulty ✦ K4
Duration ✦ 3h to 3h30
Access to the place
From Barcelona, take the AP7 to Tarragona. Continue towards Valencia and exit at junction 38, then take the N-340 towards L'Hospitalet del Infant. Before entering L'Hospitalet, turn right onto the N340 towards Valencia, and you'll soon find a petrol station on the right, which you need to enter. At the end of the petrol station area, there's a track which goes off in the wrong direction. Take it and follow the gravel path between the olive trees. Further on, the track bends sharply to the right to run alongside the AVE railroad line, then passes under the track on the left and turns left again in the opposite direction along the railroad line. After a few hundred metres, turn right to pass under the freeway (AP7). After this small tunnel, continue left along the freeway. This brings you to the Hospitalet rest area. An "Ermita" sign indicates a track to the right. Follow this dirt track as it goes deeper, this time up into the mountains. At the last fork before climbing to the hermit's house (visible above), take the track to the right. The path is stony and narrower, skirting a small rocky hill on the right. Higher up, on a flat area, is another fork in the road. Park here (or at the previous junction if the track is in poor condition).
Itinerary description
Hiking to the start 1h à 1h15
From the fork before the hermit's house, take the path on the right, climb up and at the next fork, continue straight on (leaving the path on the right which leads to the start of the ferrata at les Serres del Mestral). The path descends into a small valley and then winds steeply upwards. You are now on the left of the large ridge of les Serres del Mestral. Follow this wide track as it loops around to the left until it passes under a high-voltage pylon. There's a sign for a short path to the right towards the ferrata. Follow this path (yellow and white markings), keep to the side (don't go down to the track below) and you'll soon find another fork to the right: the path this time climbs steeply towards the 2 big pitons including the agulla de l'Aigualcoll (signpost). 15′ of scrambling later, you reach the foot of the 2 cliffs: follow to the right for the start of the 1st section.
Course 1h30 à 2h
The south-facing via ferrata is long and difficult. The equipment is excellent, but the rungs are often far apart.
1st part
Easily divided into 3 pitches.
The first pitch is vertical, with staggered and spaced rungs, and sets the tone. Fortunately, the rock is excellent and you can easily use your hands and feet to reach the top, which opens onto a first flat.
The second pitch is "desplomada"! A difficult, physical and even athletic passage up an inclined slab. Bring a lanyard or quickdraw to rest on just in case. The exit is via a natural hole, a window onto the 3rd section.
The third pitch starts with a small bridge (approx. 10 m) and goes back up again on vertical rock. At the top, a final shelf, a traverse due west and the exit into a small channel to land on a mini-platform. At the end of the first section, you still have to descend to the small col via a twenty-metre abseil. From this pass (also the arrival point for part 2), take the path that drops off to the south-west, and either return or take the second part to the right. Allow between 1h and 1h30 for the ascent.
2nd part
2 long pitches this time.
The first pitch is long (40m at least), molt vertical and more aerial. Tiredness sets in and the rungs are as far apart as ever. 2 or 3 slightly overhanging steps and finally an overhang to cross with the help of a small ladder. You end up on a sort of intermediate summit. Cross to the left to continue.
The second pitch begins with a mini-bridge under a maxi void that you have to crab over. Then it's off again for a finale that's as demanding as ever. A beautiful, aerial and physical pitch with a good overhanging step in the middle.
Back
From the summit of the second section, climb a little along the kairns to the north-east. A little higher up, cables point the way back. A long, equipped descent to the col separating the 2 pitons. Return to the downhill path and simply retrace the route in the opposite direction back to our starting point.
Serres del Mestral, Hospitalet del Infant 10 October 2010 This half-ferrata, half-equipped route follows the great ridge of Les Serres del Mestral, with breathtaking views of…
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