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Elevation: 23m
Parking: 50.5863°, 5.6253°
Ferrata: 50.5858°, 5.6241°
Characteristics
A short, sporty and probably the most difficult Belgian via ferrata secured by a free rope and steel steps, located in the left part of an old quarry (forming 2 parallel ridges) overgrown with vegetation and separated by the steep slab "La Dalle de L'Ecri". The via ferrata starts with about 3-4m overhang D, followed by about 8m traverse to the right, at the end of which there is a gentle but rather unpleasant descent below the key heavy overhang E, which you will need considerable strength to overcome. In a strong overhang, you need to click and reforge approx. 2 key meters / 3-4 hooks, you need to swing up and catch another hook in the swing. This section is pretty hand pulling! You also have to be careful not to slip your foot off the steel step in the strong overhang! The route continues with about a 6m traverse and a vertical 6m ascent along the C/D ramps. Next, a 5m traverse, where you have the opportunity to rest before the final ascent. The traverse ends with the transition of the edge of the rock, which is already in the overhang D and the final 5m ascent along the scree in a slight but constant overhang D/E. The beginning of the via ferrata is usually slippery due to the muddy dirt from the shoes.
Arrival
See GPS coordinates of the parking lot, which is located at the local cemetery Cimetiere de Chaudfontaine II.
Approach
From the parking lot, go back along the driveway for approx. 50m and then turn right onto the forest path, after which you will reach the center of the former quarry after approx. 100m. The ascent to the via ferrata is on the left.
Descent
From the top of the via ferrata, go about 10 m up to the right where the second via ferrata Chaudfontaine 1 ends, after which descend to the fork and continue either right down to the center of the quarry to the beginning of both ferrata Chaudfontaine 1 and 2 or turn left and continue along the via ferrata Chaudfontaine 1 until its end and further along the well-trodden footpath to the parking lot. You can also abseil from the via ferrata if you have your own rope.
You can also descend from the via ferrata on the footpath to the left, but it gradually disappears and you will wade through bushes and breakneck rocky terrain. This trail definitely cannot be recommended!!!
Points of interest
The via ferrata is owned by the Belgian Speleological Union. In order to access the via ferrata, it is said that it is necessary to have a written permit, the form of which can be downloaded at: www.abyss-speleo.be/via-fdc.html ... however, the link does not work. For more information, contact ABYSS SPÉLÉO or +32 (0)4 228 08 19.
(Multiple authors)
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