Italy - Via Ferrata week - Delle trincee , 23rd July, 2008

After a rest day (ahem), myself, Ben and Lorna, thought it would be a good idea to try a harder Via Ferrata, such as the 4B, Delle Trince, high on the Padon Ridge above Arabba.

The Padon ridge and route of "Trinci" as seen from our balcony, a long way up - 2727 m!

Dick and Stewart, who were staying in the same chalet as us also came along. We took the cable car up to the Porta Vescovo ridge in what appeared to be quite good weather. However we followed four very professional looking Italian climbers out of the top station into bittlerly cold, almost gale force winds! The whole lot of us promptly about turned back into the station to put on every bit of wind proof clothing we had, before venturing outside again and heading east to the start of the Padon Ridge.

As you leave the station, you get your first view of the ridge and the imposing steep first section of the VF on the left.

The first 10 - 15m are the hardest, and unless you are an experienced rock climber, you'll probably end up hauling yourself up by the cable! We saw some people using rock shoes, although they would need to change back into boots after a while. Sadly, Lorna, Ben and Stewart found the start too difficult and went back to the top station, whilst Dick and myself swore our way up!

I had my handsfull most of the time and so I didn't take many pictures, especially as I opted not to wear gloves despite the cold!

Myself and Dick, crossing the exposed smooth slab section (1st and 2nd from left).

Again I had to "steal" a photo of the slab as it was just to cold to get the camera out!

Another borrowed photo of the very airy ridge, with an amazing drop over to the right!

Me trying to stand still on Trinci's suspenion bridge, in the wind.

Dick, also trying to look cool in the wind!

Another borrowed picture of the northern side of the ridge, looking back along the route.

The route is split into three sections, with the last section taking you through World War Tunnels and fortifications. Despite the blue sky and wearing full kit, it was a bit nippy, so we left the route after the second section (which I now regret) and made our way back to the cable car, passing under the route as we did.