Summer Activities
Via Ferrata
There are 13 via ferrata routes within Andorra which offer a fantatic way to explore the country for adventure seekers, whether experienced or not. If you are not familiar with the term, this is the description from Wikipedia:
"A via ferrata (Italian for "iron road") is a mountain route which is equipped with fixed cables, stemples, ladders, and bridges. The use of these allows otherwise isolated routes to be joined to create longer routes which are accessible to people with a wide range of climbing abilities. Walkers and climbers can follow via ferratas without needing to use their own ropes and belays, and without the risks associated with unprotected scrambling and climbing."
The via ferrata routes are graded in difficulty therefore there are routes that will suit those doing it for the very first time.
If you want to practise on a climbing wall before you venture on to a via ferrata route, there are several climbing walls around Andorra,
including one in Ordino which is free to use! It is right in the centre of the town, just below the sports centre.
All the via ferrata routes in Andorra are free to use, and are maintained by the comú of the parish (the local council). If you want to go an try one on your own make sure you start with a beginners route. There are several companies who provide guides starting with half-day trips, but here are the details of one of the experienced companies with an excellent reputation, and also offer English speaking guides:
Experičncia en Muntanya
www.experienciamuntanya.com
00 376 847 888
You need to take the right equipment with you, which can either be bought or rented in Andorra. If you decide to use a guiding company such as Experičncia en Muntanya, all the equipment you need can be supplied by them. There are only a few essential items, with others well recommended:
- A harness - essential
- A helmet - essential
- Good footwear - essential
- A fall arrest system - essential - this protects you by absorbing the load if you fall
- A rucksack with things such as food, water, extra clothing, a whistle
- Thin gloves - to protect your hands when holding on to the metal rungs and cables
Adventure Circuit
If you want an adventure experience, but don't fancy via ferrata, then in the Forest of Segudet there is an adventure circuit which uses wooden platforms 10 metres off the ground with a variety of bridges, lines, nets and other obstacles to explore the red pine forest. The whole adventure circuit is accompanied by an experienced professionally trained guide, and it is suitable for children from the age of 7 onwards as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
If you want to experience the adventure circuit, just get in touch with Experičncia en Muntanya.
Before you undertake any sports involving a risk, ensure you know what you are doing, and if you are at all unsure, seek advice from a professional body or association such as British Mountain Guides.
Horse Riding & Pony Trekking
Vallnord organise horse riding and pony trekking from Pal catering for both adults and children, and it doesn't matter if you're a complete beginner! You will be guided in to the beautiful countryside of the parish of La Massana.
If you are wanting to explore further on a horse, there is a riding centre in the village of El Serrat. You can either hire a horse or take part in one of their guided excursions, and more experienced riders can tackle the trails running through the Sorteny Valley natural park or the Iron Route were the high, rugged mountain landscape is wild and imposing, winding through narrow craggy tracks, with springs, streams and ravines.
