Distance: 2.5 km
Moving time: 1h30′
Difficulty: B
This via ferrata has been completed on 16th August 2019 according to Ferrate365 description.
Being back home for a summer break, we decided to try the short via ferrata near Bologna (Italy). The ferrata is in Rocca di Badolo, a well known spot between outdoor climbers in the region, just 40’ from the city (follow the direction to Sasso Marconi and from there to Badolo). We parked the car along the road and then followed the path leading to the via ferrata start and the climbing routes. A nice thing of this place is that the ferrata is just aside of the climbing routes.
The ferrata itself is short, it doesn’t take more than 30’, and divided into 3 segments. At the end of each part there is plenty of space to rest and the possibility to connect to the trail (so in case of necessity there is an escape route).
Of the three segments I found the second and the third the most interesting ones, whereas the first gives you the time to warm up.
The second part starts with a very nice corner very well designed, which gives you the chance to train on this technical figure.
The second part of the third segment is the most technical and difficult one, as well as the most interesting. Here, the majority of the pockets are on one side of the metal cable and it is not possible to reach the further upper hand pockets (at least for people not particularly tall). I decided to find the balance using rather horizontal pockets for my hands, which gave me enough confidence to step up with my feet.
From the top it is tricky to find the path, if you don’t know where to look especially because there are also the ending of the climbing routes, which could be mistaken for the path so be careful to not take the wrong way. From the end of the ferrata go straight, then the path is on your left. The right path goes down quite steeply, a rope is there to help you.
I liked this via ferrata because I found it pretty technical. The pockets are exactly where you need them and so it could be a good place for practicing not using the cable. Moreover the stone (sandstone) is really interesting. I expected it more “sandy” but the pockets are so well designed I never felt my grab was insecure (because of the type of the rock the pockets had to be dig in the rock).
I hope you enjoyed it and have fun with via ferratas!