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El Cid Via Ferrata (Costa Blanca)
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Essential Information
The El Cid via ferrata is the most challenging via ferrata in the area. It is not as amply equipped with rungs as the other via ferratas in the area and therefore it is necessary to have some climbing skills. On the technical upper section there is quite a bit of loose rock and therefore a helmet is mandatory. For most it will require a full day and you should plan accordingly. Descent is via a walk off from the top of the mountain and no abseiling is required. However, a rope may come in handy on the upper sections or if an unplanned descent is required part way through the ascent.
Driving Directions From Alicante
Leave the Alicante-Madrid motorway by the Petrer - Salinas exit. Take the tarmac service road that runs parallel to the Madrid road. Follow this to the Parking spot signed ‘Serra del Cid’ - this sign is now graffitied over in silver and black!
The Walk In
Follow the good track/road up hill and round to the north face. It is dirt in places and concrete on the steeper sections. Approx. 45 minutes. Keep an eye out for a cairn on the right which marks the point at which you leave the road (see topo). There is a small section of iron rungs visible from here. Gear up at this point.
The Approach
This is the easier initial section of via ferrata which brings you to the access traverse. There is a short initial scramble with some rungs followed by some walking. Then a 30m steep section well equipped with rungs which brings you to the access traverse.
Access Traverse
Traverse left on a terrace below cliffs for a couple of hundred meters. At one stage it is necessary to descend a rock band for a couple of steps (rungs) to access the lower section of terrace.
The Technicalities
A rocky ramp traverses up and right (some tree roots) - there are no rungs but a wire gauge protects this 100m section. The angle eases and you come across the mid-way terrace which is a steep walk and has some dirt/wood steps to prevent erosion. This stops abruptly at the cliff above. Follow the wire gauge protection (no rungs) up and left to a cave - there are no rungs and the climbing is quite challenging with plenty of loose rock! Head up and right from the cave to another terrace (again loose). The final section of rungs and wire gauge lead up and left to the summit.
The Descent
From the summit head down and along the west ridge (way-marked in yellow and white) on an improving path. The path drops down to the north side via cutbacks and eventually deposits you on the track/road a few hundred metres above the parking.
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