Some More of that ‘up’ stuff

September 2025

A few days ago we headed over from the French Pyrenees and into the Spanish Pyrenees. Technically a distance that may be measured in millionths of a millimetre, this journey took us most of a day.

We found a great little campsite in a place called Gavin near the Ordesa National Park. A gem of a site with amongst the best hot showers we have ever encountered. But who wants to hear about our ablutions? No one right?

On with the adventures.

Nearby we discovered a via ferrata to entertain us. The Sorrosal via ferrata, located at the foot of the Ordesa National Park, in the town of Broto, Huesca was too good an opportunity to miss.

I’ve spoken about Via Ferratas many times in past blogs, but for those unaware of this climbing phrase here is a link to an old blog I wrote that explains the whole thing.

https://www.neilpitts.com/blog-1/Igotblistersonmyfingers

Don’t worry, you don’t have to read it all. The explanation is very short and very near the beginning.

Scaredy cat

The first via feratta of the season is always a bit nerve wracking, especially as the two guys ahead of us had suggested we give them five minutes as it would be difficult to avoid knocking rocks off the shelves onto us. They weren’t wrong either. As we waited small but deadly bits of rock occasionally shot down the route.

The only way is up

Soon though we too were headed up and were very quickly high above a magnificent waterfall.

Someone recently told me that we were ‘brave’ to do this but it’s not so brave. In fact it’s perfectly safe. This is made so by the simple expediency of not letting go of the mountain until you get to the top. We are very good at it.

Must not let go.

I have noticed over many years married bliss that Mrs P changes on these climbs. She feigns fear as we approach and this continues as we get ready to climb but, the moment she leaves the ground, she almost visibly grows in stature. Instantly she looks totally at home and entirely confident in her abilities despite being attached to the rock by little more than two bits of cord. It scares the willies out of me (or should that be ‘she’?)!

Here, for those who may be interested, is a brief technical description of the route: You start off by going up a bit, then across a bit, then up a lot and then through something, then you go along (but above) a bit, followed by some more of that up stuff, then a bit of a wander and a final up bit for good measure. After which you arrive at the top. A short bimble in a downward direction intimately returns you to the town where tea and medals may be issued.

Shakespeare eat your heart out.

A spot of spelunking to add a bit of spice

Mrs P, clearly unaware of what awaits.

Via ferrata are a great way of climbing high really quickly through often totally inaccessible terrain. They range from super easy 15 minute excursions to stupidly difficult (think; overhanging ladders) many hour long epics. They save us carrying a huge amount of climbing gear and provide a great day out without the pesky route finding difficulties.

Are we nearly there yet?

No.

The best part about via ferratas is that they are totally free. Usually erected by the local community and/or mountain guides, you don’t pay a penny to use them. The idea being that if you use the ferrata you will probably visit the local bar or restaurant or use a guide later.

Still, not there yet

Me, looking forward to visiting that local bar or restaurant (we did both).

And so ended our first climbing adventure of this holiday. What a great way to start.

Do keep your eyes peeled for more blogs to come. I may just discuss the peace a quiet of the mountain trails and let you know why an 8.5 mike hike took us very nearly 10 hours!