An ED-graded (extremely difficult) via ferrata in its second part. Belgium has few via ferratas, but we make up for it in difficulty. Here you get your money's worth, or rather your muscles' worth.
An ED-graded (extremely difficult) via ferrata in its second part. Belgium has few via ferratas, but we make up for it in difficulty. Here you can say you get your money’s worth, or rather your muscles’ worth.
A route that ramps up
The first part starts off as a classic, just to warm you up seriously. Then the second part shifts into ED: overhanging sections, distant holds, tilted walls that seriously test your core and endurance.
Nothing insurmountable if you have already tackled ED elsewhere, but do not jump into this as your first via ferrata. It is exactly the kind of route where a bad day fitness-wise hurts, the hard sections cannot be easily recovered, and fatigue piles up fast.
Specific access, double formality
To climb Fond des Cris, two steps:
- Be up to date with your CAB membership (Club Alpin Belge) or hold a day invitation.
- Book through Abyss Speleo Club, the local site manager. No booking, no access.
It is a bit more logistics than for Pont-a-Lesse or Durbuy, but the atmosphere and the difficulty largely make up for it.
More info in my complete guide to via ferratas in Belgium.
Gallery
3 photos, click to enlarge
Information
Access +
Access by mandatory booking via Abyss Speleo Club. You also need to be up to date with your CAB (Club Alpin Belge) membership or request a day invitation.
Weather and conditions, Namur +
Weather, the first safety check
Wet cables are treacherous. Some routes close in winter or during nesting season, always check official information before heading out.
Video
Before heading out on a via ferrata
Technical learning is less complex than climbing, but this activity carries risks that should not be underestimated. If you are a beginner, I strongly recommend going out the first few times with experienced people or paying for guidance (clubs in Belgium or a mountain guide).
I also invite you to check a friend's forum on the subject:
Learn about via ferrata, franceviaferrata.frFeel free to contact me if I am in Belgium to climb together.
Le Belge Alpin
More about David →Questions fréquentes
What level do you need to attempt Fond des Cris?
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Advanced level minimum. The second part is graded ED (extremely difficult) with overhanging sections, distant holds and tilted walls that test your core and endurance. Do not take this route as a first via ferrata. If you have already tackled ED in the Alps or Pyrenees, you will feel at ease.
How do you book the Fond des Cris via ferrata?
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Two steps. First, be up to date with your Club Alpin Belge (CAB) membership or hold a day invitation. Then book your slot through Abyss Speleo Club, the site manager. No booking, no access. More logistics than for Pont-a-Lesse or Durbuy.
Can you use your own gear?
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Yes, unlike Adventure Valley Durbuy, Fond des Cris lets you come with your own gear. Helmet, harness, via ferrata lanyard with shock absorber are mandatory, gloves strongly recommended given the aggressive holds. Approach shoes with good grip.
How much time should you plan on site?
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Count about 2 hours 30 to do both sections, meaning 60 metres of vertical range over 500 metres of route. Add the approach, gearing up and recovery after the ED: a full half-day is realistic.
What is the best season for this via ferrata?
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May to September. The route can be damp in early spring and autumn, which makes the overhangs even more physical. Summer remains the safest period conditions-wise, especially in the morning to avoid the heat in the exposed sections.