Roques de l’Empalomar via ferrata, in Vallcebre

What it is

The Roques de l’Empalomar via ferrata is a route equipped with staples, a lifeline cable and passages across the rock in Vallcebre, in the upper Berguedà, with the Pedraforca massif opposite. Turisme del Berguedà rates it grade D, that is, difficult: 300 m of route with 130 m of ascent, about 25 minutes of approach and around an hour and a quarter on the wall. It has vertical sections, a lateral traverse and a bridge of about 12 m. It is the next step after the family ferrata at La Canalassa, and the two can be linked on the same day.

Where it is: the Espai Actiu Vallcebre

The ferrata is part of the Espai Actiu Vallcebre, a set of adventure facilities run by Vallcebre Town Council at the Pla de la Barraca, next to the Sierra de Ensija and the Cingles de Vallcebre. It is managed by Pèndol Guies, which authorises other companies to work there. As well as the ferratas there is a climbing school, canyoning and signposted trails.

To use the ferrata on your own you need an access pass, which includes insurance (federated members with the right licence don’t pay that part). It is bought at the Vallcebre tourist office or online at berguedareserves.cat; in the low season or outside the hut’s hours, buying online is compulsory. If you go with a guiding company, ask whether the pass is included in the price.

With a guide: Pedratour

Pedratour, a mountain guiding company with an office on Calle Ciutat de Berga, runs this ferrata as a guided introductory activity:

• Duration: two to three hours in total.
• Group: up to 8 people.
• Minimum age: 12; minors go with an adult.
• Price: €60 per person if there are two of you and €55 per person for three to five. The listing advertises prices from €49, so confirm the rate when you book.
• Includes: professional guide, harness, energy absorber and helmet, public liability and accident insurance and a photo report.
• Season: all year, as long as the weather allows.

Booking in advance is compulsory, by phone or email. The office’s opening hours are not those of the activity: agree the time and meeting point when you book.

Getting there and parking

Vallcebre is less than half an hour by car north of Berga: take the C-16 up to Guardiola de Berguedà, take the Saldes road and follow the signs to Vallcebre. The car park for the ferrata area is at the Pla de la Barraca. From there it is about a 20 to 25-minute walk along a path through pines to the start of the route.

When to go

It can be done all year. In summer, go in the morning: the rock heats up and the water runs out quickly. In winter, with ice or snow on the staples, it is not a good idea on your own. The facilities close in storms or strong wind.

What to bring

High-ankle boots or trainers with a good sole, comfortable clothes, cycling gloves for the cable, water and something to eat. If you go independently: an approved helmet, harness and via ferrata energy absorber.

If the weather changes

Don’t start with a storm in sight: the steel cable attracts lightning and retreating halfway along is slow. If it catches you on the route, finish or turn back as soon as possible and get away from the cable the moment you are off it.