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Via ferrata Malamort, Durfort

Publié le 6 June 2019 | Tarn Eng, France Eng

The Malamort via ferrata was recently built at the bottom of the Sor gorges, above Durfort, a small artisan village in the Montagne Noire. Two fully-equipped routes, one easy and one more challenging, cross and re-cross the walls overlooking the Gouffre de Malamort, in a peaceful forest setting where the tumultuous waters of the Sor flow by. Footbridges, monkey bridges, large zip lines and a few small walls and aerial crossings: everything you need for a fun, accessible and enjoyable itinerary.

Technical summary

■ S tarting point: route de Malamort, Durfort, Tarn (81)
■ Type of route: via ferrata, 2 routes (normal and sporty)
■ Direction: west
■ Length: 450 m
■ Positive vertical drop: +40 m
■ Estimated total time: 1h30 to 2h
■ Min and max altitude: 380 m / 500 m
■ Equipment: 2 footbridges, 2 Tibetan bridges, 1 monkey bridge and 3 zip lines
■ Equipment required: standard equipment, double pulley

Difficulty: K2/K3 or PD to AD, 1 slightly overhanging section and more aerial sections on the sporty route.

Access to the place

On the D85 road between Revel and Dourgne, take the D44 to Durfort. Go through the village and follow the route de Malamort, which runs due south into the gorge. Park on the left at the ferrata parking area, just before crossing the torrent.

Map & topo

Itinerary description

Hiking to the start 10'

From the parking lot, walk along the track that runs alongside the torrent before crossing it on a small bridge. After a short climb through the forest, you're soon at the start of the final zip line of the via normale.

Course 1h30 à 2h

The ferrata will open in April 2019 and is in perfect condition. It is free of charge. Equipment can be hired from the Cyrano bar in the village (3 complete sets currently for €20). The zip lines are long, between 40 and 45m, and fast. So don't build up too much momentum, or you risk an explosive finish.

Via Normale (30′ to 45′)

This easy route (K2) includes 2 footbridges, 1 Tibetan bridge and 2 zip lines (approx. 45m). After crossing, re-crossing and re-crossing the Sor waterfall again, a traverse leads to the 1st zip line where you receive yourself on a small wooden platform. Then it's back across before tackling a small wall to descend to the start of the 2nd zip line, which is almost as long. Landing on a wooden platform beneath a rocky piton. End of course.

Via Sportive (1h to 1h30′)

This route is more difficult (K3). Same start as the normal via and at the exit of the 2nd footbridge, tackle a slightly overhanging wall. At the top, climb down a ladder fixed to the wall and follow the 1st zip line. At the end, cross over and climb the most aerial passage. Nice length with a passage on a ridge above the void before returning on a traverse, still very aerial, to a small Tibetan bridge, then further on the monkey bridge. Then it's a bit more uphill to the top zip line (approx. 30m), which marks the end of the sporty section.

Back

From the end of the via normale, take the approach path in the opposite direction. From the end of the sports trail, descend to reach the dam and quickly return to the approach path below.