Via Ferrata
Climbing, high ropes and zip-lining!
Via Ferrata: the ultimate high wire adventure!
Conquer your fears and HAVE FUN! Our award winning Via Ferrata routes cater for adventuresome 8 year olds through to full-on thrill seekers.
“It’s so much more than just an adrenaline rush!”
Fancy taking on the ultimate climbing, zip-line and high ropes adventure in Cornwall?
Originating in the Alps during WWI to enable troops to cross mountains, a Via Ferrata is a climbing route like no other. Metal steps, suspension bridges and zip wires make it one of the most adrenaline-filled climbing activities worldwide.
Now it’s come to Cornwall, so you can push your limits and journey across historic granite quarries on an unforgettable adventure! After scaling cliff faces and balancing across high wires, you’ll get to enjoy one of the most scenic zip-lines in Cornwall. Test your nerve and have fun on this epic outdoor adventure!
Via Ferrata
Adventure Zone
Via Ferrata Training Circuit & High Wire Bridge @ £25
Minimum age: 8. Duration roughly 1 to 1.5 hrs Seeking an epic family adventure activity? This course starts off at ground level and teaches you the basic skills of Via Ferrata before you face the challenge of the ultimate High Wire Bridge, crossing the Quarry on a 70m long single strand of wire!
Parental Support for under 18’s: Children under 18 can complete this zone by themselves, however a responsible adult must be present on-site. They will be able to watch the activity via one of the viewing areas, ideally situated next to the amazing Cafe run by The Cornish Barista! Book now or buy a gift voucher!
Via Ferrata
Full Classic
2 Quarry Zones including High Wire Bridge and Zip Rides @£45
Duration approximately 2 to 3 hrs (if time allows enjoy multiple zip wire rides). Age: Suitable for kids aged 10+ through to full adrenaline junkies!
Try the ultimate climbing, high wire and zip-line adventure! After completing the Adventure Zone you’ll progress to the larger quarry. Reach heights of 20 meters above water as you scale the cliffs and zipline. Why not forgo the metal rungs and navigate your way around the course using the natural rock crevices for an extra challenge!
Parental Support for under 18’s: An adult must accompany the young person(s) around the Adventure Zone and Full Classic routes as a full paying participant in these ratios: 8-13 years – 1 adult to 2 young people; 13-18 years – 1 adult to 7 young people. Book now or buy a gift voucher!
Our reviews
“All very professional and real value for money with real challenges and adventure. Instructor AK was excellent.” – Roy
“We had such a brilliant day with the team at Via Ferrata…The whole experience was challenging and exciting and we all felt a sense of adventure and a great sense of achievement at the end. Our guide was very kind and encouraging and we all felt very safe.” – Sarah
Check out our Trip Advisor page for more!
(After completing the Adventure Zone you can add the full route on the day at an extra £20pp)
Age
Adventure Zone: adventuresome 8+. Full Classic: 10+ (though under 10’s may upgrade to the Full Classic on the day should their Instructor deem them sufficiently competent and confident). Under 18’s progressing to the Full Classic require a participating adult with them, who has also completed the Adventure Zone. NO Maximum age (See medical conditions).
Height
Min 1.2m
Max height 2.1m
REach (flat footed)
1.5m
Weight
Max weight 110kg (18 stone)
Under 18's
Under 18’s require an adult to be present for the Adventure Zone but it is not necessary for them to participate. Those completing the Full Classic must be accompanied by an adult undertaking the route with them:
8-13 years – 1 adult to 2 young people
13-18 years – 1 adult to 7 young people
Fitness Level
‘Medium’
Just want zip-lining?
If you want just a zip-lining adventure without the climbing and high ropes then you’re in for a treat!
We’ve launched Zipwires Cornwall which is home to the ultimate zip wire experience: a Zip Wire Safari including 3 epic zip wires in our adventure quarry for those aged 8+ through to adults. This adventure doesn’t include the Via Ferrata zip wire but instead takes you through our adventure quarry which is just as stunning!
Coming as a family with different ages?
There’s something for everyone! There’s an amazing Cafe which overlooks parts of the Adventure Zone, so you can cheer your group on and take photos. You could also grab a takeaway coffee and cake and wander through our adventure nature trails, which take you near the zip wire of the Full Classic route. Finally, there’s a wild play area and muddy play for under 10’s.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous climbing experience and to be physically fit?
No, this is a brilliant way for people of different abilities to come together and share a unique experience. Whilst you don’t need to be a superhero, moderate fitness is required to tackle the Adventure Zone. Also, the Full Classic Experience will test your stamina. Book it now!
Unfortunately, due to the nature of this activity we can’t make it fully accessible to all. Therefore, please see medical restrictions and height/weight limits. The BF Adventure charity can offer a full range of inclusive and adventurous activities on site.
What are the medical restrictions?
Participants should only book themselves or other people onto the Via Ferrata if they are happy that they are physically fit and medically abled to undertake the activities. The Via Ferrata will:
- Be physical – the course will involve climbing up and sideways and moving along wire bridges for continued time periods. People should only undertake the Via Ferrata if they are physically able to do so.
- Be at height – at times participants will be up to 25 meters above the floor using metal bars and at times, natural rock features as a means of movement. People should only book onto the Via Ferrata if this is within their capability.
The following medical conditions may restrict your ability to take part in Via Ferrata. Therefore, please follow the guidance below:
If you suffer from:
- Severe asthma, frequent/severe epilepsy, a back injury or heart condition, you will only be able to take part pending a discussion with our Booking Team. We require you to specify full details on the medical form when you book, as well as consulting both a doctor and the VFC Booking Team.
- Mild/infrequent epilepsy, you will be able to take part, however we require you to specify full details on medical form when you book, as well as consulting a doctor.
- Asthma (mild-moderate), you will be able to take part, however we require you to specify full details on medical form when you book.
Any other condition
If you are unsure, please list full details on our medical form and consult the booking team. We may require you to consult a doctor.
How difficult are the routes?
The Adventure Zone is ideal for adventurous kids aged 8+ and adults, including those who are new to climbing. You don’t need to be a full adrenaline junkie, but the High Wire Bridge will test your head for heights!
The Full Classic Experience is for kids aged 10+ and adults and includes a high section for a full-on experience! The routes take 2.5-3 hours, so you will need to be physically fit and able. If you have medical conditions or are unsure of your suitability then please get in touch.
Can I upgrade from the Adventure Zone to the Full Classic on the day?
Yes, after completing the Adventure Zone you can add the Full Classic route on the day at an extra £20pp.
Please note that if your child is upgrading to the Full Classic Route (this will depend on competence shown in the Adventure Zone and is suitable for those aged 10+, with occasional exceptions), then an adult must accompany them on the course and must have also completed the Adventure Zone.
What do I need to bring and wear?
Prepare for all weather as the course will operate in all conditions (except in high winds and lightening)! Therefore bring sun cream and waterproofs.
Long hair should be tied back and all jewellery and scarves must be removed. In addition, skirts are not suitable.
Gloves: wearing gloves is mandatory during all Via Ferrata activities. Gloves will reduce the potential of scratches and small cuts to your hands.
Our gloves may contain latex, if you or your child have an allergy please can you supply suitable gloves using the list below.
You are welcome to borrow clean gloves from us on arrival, to bring your own or to purchase some new from us during the booking process or on arrival at reception.
| Suitable gloves | Unsuitable gloves |
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Footwear: it is essential to wear sturdy outdoor footwear such as trainers or walking boots. Open toed shoes, flip flops, sandals or similar foot wear cannot be permitted.
Via Ferrata Cornwall reserves the right to refuse access to the activity should appropriate clothing not be worn. As you are participating in a physical activity, we cannot accept any liability for any damage to any items of clothing, footwear etc.
What happens if part way through the course I want to stop?
There will be points where staff can intervene with support and the course will also have natural opt out points. These include just before the High Wire Bridge and within the Classic Palestine Quarry route.
(We cannot offer full or part refunds once you have started your adventure).
How safe is Via Ferrata?
All participants are issued with a safety harness and helmet and you will be fully harnessed in and attached to the Via Ferrata safety cable at ALL times. Therefore you cannot fall far (1 to 2m maximum). We have fully qualified and friendly instructors: they’ll ensure your equipment is fitted properly, run through safety procedures and be on-hand to help if you need it.
Note that all outdoor adventurous activities carry some inherent risks although we have mitigated these with control measures wherever possible.
If I am slow, nervous or just enjoying the view will I hold other people up?
We want everyone to enjoy the course at their own pace and you will not feel rushed. Therefore, we will release groups onto routes at intervals, so as to avoid the route becoming overly busy or congested. You can choose to lead your time slot group from the front or take your time and follow from the back.
Can I bring Spectators?
Spectators are welcome and can take pictures of ‘friends and family’ only due to safguarding of young people concerns. They can sit back and relax at The Cornish Barista – Quarryside Café, overlooking the Adventure Zone and High Wire Bridge or explore some of our stunning 60 acre site and cheer you on as you complete the classic route and soar back over Palestine Quarry on the zip-line.
Please be aware that access is restricted to the Quarry zones and certain areas of the site and spectators will not be able to see all of your adventure.
What about Coronavirus?
All activities can be done socially distanced and we operate covid-safe. See our Covid-19 Policy for more.
Can I just do the zip wire?
No – the Via Ferrata Zip Wire is only available to those who have completed the Full Classic Via Ferrata route. If you just want zip-lining then we have just the perfect adventure for you: the Zip Wire Safari! (Please note that these zip-lines are in a different quarry and this adventure does not include the Via Ferrata zip wire).
You can check out our FAQs page for more generic questions.
Group Via Ferrata
Our Via Ferrata is also available for groups. These include birthday parties, private adventure sessions for friends and family, stag and hen parties, school and youth group trips and corporate away days.
Other activities
We also offer a Zip Wire Safari, coasteering, climbing, archery and watersports! Also on-site is the Café, which has wild play areas and nature trails nearby!