Vía Ferrata Canal de les Dames

Good, worth going

Via ferrataby macnwen

Unusual ferrata in that it follows a dried up canal/riverbed and so it’s largely nonvertical and has plenty of unequipped, scrambly stretches. So it’s basically: short stretch of ferrata -> longer stretch of walking -> repeat. The most tricky bit is right at the end, an 8m under equipped corner that’s difficult to do without grabbing the wire (I did not manage, climbing shoes would be helpful) and requires some strength. Other than that, the ferrata is not overly demanding but it helps to have some climbing experience and be comfortable on rock. **Permit** in theory this ferrata requires a permit, which you must request online, a week in advance and there is limited number of daily permits. I went without permit and it was fine. Realistically, it’s not clear to me who would be enforcing those permits and how. This is one of few remaining via ferratas in Montserrat and so it’s quite popular. The park has a policy of discontinuing via ferratas as they have generated many accidents over the years. I went on a Saturday in February 2026, arriving at the parking at 9:20. Approach took 15-20 mins and I passed a few groups (10+ people) on the way. There were two more groups getting ready when I reached the start of climbing. But I managed to set off before them and met no one on the way. By 10:30 I was finished. It’s a pretty short ferrata.

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

A couple of hours

With small children

No

Season

Best in winter