Via Ferrata is a variation on climbing and is in fact the term given to high mountain routes with fixed climbing aids: wire ropes, rungs, pegs, ladders, and bridges. Via Ferrata consists of rope assisted walks and moderate to easy climbs suitable for all ages and abilities
Via Ferrata is the name commonly used to describe the high level foot paths found in the alps that use fixed cables for protection and steel ladders to surmount difficult sections of mountain terrain
Via Ferrata are very enjoyable and highly popular mountain walks which do not require any special climbing skills. They give everyone an opportunity to move through spectacular and often extremely exposed alpine scenery with a minimum of equipment.
The equipping of mountain routes with climbing aids started in the late 19th century to reduce the difficulty of hard sections of popular climbs. After the First World War military routes with fixtures opened up new climbing routes for the general walking public to try. This attractive and exciting way to “ramble” was embraced by mountain walkers who found they could now travel a route which before would have needed considerable climbing skills.