Grands Malades (Namur) guided via ferrata
Christophe, Belgian rock climbing instructor, invites you to a half day technical via ferrata program in the beautiful rocks of Grands Malades (Namur).
1/2 Day
Apr - Oct
Intermediate
Intermediate
Description
By the Meuse river (Maas river), between Beez and Namur, we find the Rocks of Les Grands Malades. This place in Belgium used to be exploited to get blue rock (Namur rock), but today it is restored as a beautiful green area.
I invite you to a fun half-day of via ferrata in Les Grands Malades. Here we find a technical and varied route, including suspended bridges. There are also ascending and descending vertical sections, a vertiginous zip line, and an abseiling descent at the end. Besides, it’s possible to combine it with some rock climbing for the other half of the day, also in Les Grands Malades.
This is one of my favorite programs to guide because:
– The itinerary is technical, varied, and aerial
– It’s possible to combine it with some easy rock climbing.
– It’s easy to get there and there is convenient parking
Les Grands Malades is a great option if you want to learn some basics to get autonomy. For example, how to use the equipment correctly and respect the security rules, how to belay your partner with a rope on a vertical section, or how to use the rope when partners are climbing together. If you also want to learn some rescue techniques we can talk about spending a full day.
For this rather technical itinerary, it is preferable to have a strong upper body. It is necessary to be in great physical shape in general as we will hang from our arms at times, upper body strength is important. You need to have previous via ferrata experience or to climb with a min level of 5b. If you don’t have this, we recommend you the Via ferrata of Pont à Lesse which is suitable for beginners.
We will be in the area of Namur. If you are in the area for several days, we can also do some rock climbing in Beez or Durnal. Or if you prefer to do only via ferrata, we can go to Pont a Lesse or Landelies.
Did you find this via ferrata program in Grands Malades interesting? Then don’t hesitate and request to book this trip! I am sure you will enjoy this technical route in a beautiful environment.
If you are fast and if you still have energy after doing the via ferrata, we can do some abseiling and/or initiation to rock climbing.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Price details
- If you are not a member of an alpine club, you will have to pay the access to the rock (10€ for adults, 5€ under 18 years old).
- Equipment rental is 5€ per person (harness, helmet, quickdraws, rope, belaying device, via ferrata sets).
Both the insurance and the equipment rental will be paid on the spot.
Details
More info
- If conditions are favorable, we can also practice via ferrata during the rest of the year.
- Try to book at least 5 days before via ferrata days.
- This via Ferrata requires a first experience in via Ferrata (or to climb at min 5b), a very good physical shape, strength and endurance in the arms and not to be afraid of the height.
- From 15 years old
- If you come with a larger group, I'll be coming with another rock climbing instructor.
- Equipment: good trekking shoes, warm clothes and rain jacket (depending on the forecast), picnic, water, ID card, and your own technical material if you have it (if not, you can rent it with me).
Meeting point
FAQs
What are the extra expenses to cover?
If you are not a member of an alpine club, you will have to purchase insurance coverage (10€ for adults, 5€ under 18 years old). The instructor will take care of registering you. The equipment rental is 5€ per person and includes harness, helmet, quickdraws, rope, belaying device, and the via Ferrata set. Both the insurance (5 or 10€) and the fee for the equipment rental (5€) will be paid with cash on the spot.
Can children join the activity?
Yes, from 14 years old onwards.
Do I need to have experience to join the activity? What fitness level must I have?
The itinerary of the via ferrata of Les Grands Malades is sustained and physically demanding! You need to have good physical condition and not be afraid of heights. You need to have strength and endurance in the upper limbs. Furthermore, you need to have done at least once via Ferrata before or have a minimum level of 5b in indoor climbing.
Can I join a group?
You can join a group on these dates:
- 15/04/2023
- 03/06/2023
- 05/08/2023
What equipment do I need to take with me?
1/ Good hiking shoes, with drawing soles 2/ Sportswear adapted to the weather of the day 3/ Water.
The climbing instructor will bring for you the harness, the helmet, the quickdraws, the rope, the belaying device, and the via Ferrata set (against 5€ to pay on the spot).
I wish I did the via ferrata at Les Grands Malades by myself, but I need the equipment. Can you provide this?
Unfortunately, we don't provide the rental of the via ferrata equipment only. You can rent the equipment if you book a guide for this tour in Les Grands Malades.
What if I have to cancel the spot(s) I've booked for an open group tour?
Regrettably, we cannot provide refunds due to the intricate logistics associated with coordinating group tours.
However, if you choose to book this tour privately, the Explore-Share's general terms and conditions will govern the situation. This means that your refund will be contingent upon the timing of your tour cancellation.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
E-S Adventure Guides
4.80
(211)
Mountain Guide
Gauthier and his team of IFMGA/UIMLA-certified mountain guides & leaders and rock climbing instructors (Anabelle, Andrea, Andrej, Claire, Christophe, Daniel, Elis, Enrico, Etienne, François, Guillaume, Ivan, Jessy, Julia, Mathis, Mitja, Olivier, and Robin) are some of the top outdoor adventure professionals in Europe.
Whether you wish to climb some of the best mountains in the Alps or go on an exciting bouldering adventure in Fontainbleau, among other amazing options, they will be able to show you the top spots and the ropes to ensure you have an unforgettable and safe adventure.
Gauthier will be your main point of contact during the booking process and will be able to help you with all the questions you have in order to make sure you receive the best possible guiding service.
Pick one of the programs featured for E-S Adventure Guides and start planning an awe-inspiring experience in the mountains!
Languages
| Italian | French | English
Certificates
UIMLA | UIAGM | IFMGA
What people are saying about this trip
Lena
4.00
We had a very exciting day with Willy! We had never done a via ferrata before and did Pont-a-Lesse and Marche-les-Dames in one day. Willy explained the different techniques very well and adapted to our wishes and the circumstances perfectly. Gauthier adviced us in the beginning correctly that Marche-les-Dames would be better for us than Les-Grandes-Malades in terms of difficulty. Overall we were very happy with the choice, spend a great day outdoors and can definitely recommend this adventure!
Berenice
5.00
Super expérience, merci à Etienne et au temps qui était au rdv!
Marianne
4.00
Dommage de recevoir des infos en anglais et d'avoir une quantité de mails pour une activité qui pourrait être organisée très simplement... Sinon, l'activité en elle-même était très chouette :-) Merci
Joshua
5.00
Great experience with Ann-Laure and Melanie. We went on this climbing trip with kids from 6 to 11. Ann-Laure and Melanie were very tactful, encouraging and empowering them all. The whole family felt so proud to have been able to challenge ourselfves out of our comfort zone! Although the group was mixed in age, we all enjoyed the experience together - definitely a family hit!
Michael
5.00
Superbe journée en Via Ferrata du coté de Namur, encadrement pro et très sympathique, je recommande :)
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