Located in the heart of the Mont Valier Massif, in the nature preserve managed by the ONF, the Via Ferrata des Estagnous connects the Estagnous to the Étang Long.
This “iron way” allows you to navigate safely on a rock wall thanks to various installations (cabled handrails, ladders or rungs fixed to the wall, slabs to rest the feet).
The total length of the route is 1200 m of which 620 m is equipped with gear. The starting point is 10 minutes from the refuge at an altitude of 2245 m, the finish is near the Étang Long.
Reflecting the character of these mountains, the route crosses steep slopes – alternately rocky and grassy – and an abundance of local mountain flora. Soaring above the Étang Round pond for more than 200 meters, it brings the excitement of dizzying heights and a panorama of rare and wild beauty, undammaged by the discretely placed equipment.
The folllowing gear is necessary :
• A mountaineering helmet
• A harness
• A via ferrata lanyard connected to the harness by a special steel link
• A correctly placed shock absorber
• Two self-locking carabiners connected at both ends of the lanyard
• Mountain boots
Itinerary:
From the refuge, descend to the Estagnous weir and cross the stream. Take the cairned trail on your left – it will lead you to the start of the first section of the via ferrata (sign). Use the small platform to equip yourself with gear.
Then follow the cable, first going across, then down to the left to reach the end of the first section.
From there follow the trail towards a small pass some 50 meters above. Cross to the left just after the pass and continue to a rock ledge that plunges to the étang Rond.
information taken from the site http://www.ariege.com/
