When I first heard about a via ferrata in Al’Ula, I knew I had to experience it. Growing up in the French Alps, my parents introduced me to the world of via ferrata at a young age. However, this was my first time tackling a via ferrata outside the European Alps, where I had previously explored routes in Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and France.
What is a via ferrata?
A via ferrata is a blend of hiking and climbing. “Via ferrata” comes from the Italian for “iron path.” It is a route equipped on a rock face, with cables, ladders, walkways, rails, or bridges (such as monkey bridges or Nepalese bridges). The ascent offers sensations similar to climbing: it provides access to a vertical world usually reserved for climbers. The equipment consists of just a harness (with lanyards and carabiners) and a helmet.
Ratings
Below are the French ratings:
F (Facile): No difficulty
PD (Peu Difficile): For children and beginners
AD (Assez Difficile): Vertical sections and/or passages over bridges
D (Difficile): Quite physical vertical sections
TD (Très Difficile): Physical sections with overhangs requiring strong arms!
ED (Extrêmement Difficile): For experienced climbers in good physical condition
The Al’Ula via ferrata
Since my colleague wanted to try rappelling, we booked a morning at the Adventure Club. As it was the low season, there was no one else around. We got to know our English guide, who then suggested that I come back the next day for a via ferrata morning.
With temperatures around 45 degrees, the difficulty wasn’t in the technique but rather in the heat. Fortunately, these activities are offered early in the morning. By the end of the course, the rock face was scorching, and it was only 9am when we finished. As I write this, there are 2 routes available. The first is for beginners, and the second is advanced. I didn’t know what to expect as via ferratas can vary quite a bit from one country to another. He suggested that I try the advanced via ferrata.
I noticed that the carabiners on my harness are different from those I usually use. The Via Ferrata of Al’Ula employs a more secure system: the aerial line. This connector prevents you from having to detach your carabiners at each anchor point. It’s ideal for securing the routes and preventing accidents. Once the carabiner is attached, it can only be removed with a key. This makes it impossible to “forget” to attach yourself (yes, it happens regularly).
Advanced route
The approach walk is just a few minutes from the Adventure Hub building. The rock face with the hammock net at the top is clearly visible. The beginner route starts behind this. The difference is that it doesn’t include the rock face to climb. As a result, the route is much shorter.
We begin the ascent. There are few rungs, so we had to use natural handholds to climb the rock face. From what I understand, the Via Ferrata of Al’Ula will be modified, and additional routes will be added.
Like most sites in Al’Ula, it features numerous inscriptions. Here on the rock, I see engraved dromedaries.
Upon reaching the top of the rock face, the first part of the Via Ferrata of Al’Ula ends. We now join the other circuit. There are a few horizontal sections followed by a small ascent to reach the top of the cliff.
Here, we cross a log bridge to reach the end of the via ferrata.
The route ends on a hammock net where you can relax with a unique view of the valley. That is, when it’s not too hot, as I was eager to get back to the shade…
This via ferrata lasts about two hours. You climb a steep 200-metre-high rock face. It’s not suitable for those with a fear of heights! I don’t find any particular difficulty, and if I had to rate this via ferrata, I would choose a D.
Al’Ula Adventure Hub
The Adventure Hub is AlUla’s centre for adrenaline sports. It is located next to Harrat Mountain Road. Reservations are made online. The Adventure Hub offers several activities such as zip-lining, rappelling, via ferrata, climbing, and mountain biking. It is the place to visit for booking your adventures in Al’Ula. Consult the Aventure Hub website.
