|
Back to free topos
The Ponoch via ferrata (Costa Blanca)
Download a print a pdf of this topo
Essential Information
The Ponoch Via Ferrata has been recently completed (Dec 2006) near the town of Polop on the Costa Blanca. It is well equipped at the moment although unfortunately the wire gauge has been plastic coated and therefore traps water inside which could lead to rusting of the cable in the future. This is the biggest cliff in the area and boasts many superb traditional and bolted rock climbs up to 16 pitches long. The route finding while on the via ferrata is very straightforward – just follow the rungs. The descent is well signposted but requires two 30m abseils which are possible with a 60m rope (the signs at the top state a 30m and a 35m abseil but this is not the case!). Allow a half day to complete the journey at a leisurely pace, although those moving quickly could do so in a couple of hours.
Approach
Leave the A7 at Benidorm and head towards Polop (signposted for Callosa d’en Sarria) on the CV70. The large cliff of the Ponoch is unmissable on the left. Instead of going into the centre of Polop head along the ring road towards Guadalest. At the 3rd roundabout go left into Polop Paradise Urbanisation. Head up through the urbanisation and park by a large green building at the highest point on the road.
Follow a path from the back right hand end of the building (as you look at the cliff). This goes along a dry stream bed until it is exits the stream bed on the right. Follow the path and cairns up the hill to the base of the cliff. Traverse below the main cliff until you approach an aręte at the right hand end. The via ferrata is obvious at this point, following the aręte in a splendid situation.
Descent
Head up from the top of the via ferrata for a few metres and then follow a path which contours right (facing in) across the hillside. Well signed. Follow the path down and right (facing in) past some scrambling until two 30m abseils are reached. Descend these to the base of the cliff where it is possible to descend reasonably directly towards the parking.
Enjoying one of the steeper sections of the Costa Blanca Via Ferrata
Back to top
Back to free topos
|
