Just landed on the OM desk is the new Cordee guide to Via Ferrata
in France and it looks like a good 'un.
Via
ferrata are the protected mountain routes using ladders, chains and
cables to open up terrain that would otherwise be the preserve of the
serious climber. They originated in the Dolomites as a means of
supplying military positions during the war and have subsequently
developed into just about the most fun you can have with your walking
boots on.
The original Italian routes are already relatively well covered,
but the ferrata boom has meant a big increase in routes elsewhere in
Europe. Until now, there's been no English-language guide to the
rapidly growing French scene, but this book sorts that one out pretty
comprehensively.
Written by Frenchmen Jocelyn Chavy and Philippe Poulet and
translated into English by Sue Harper, it covers 111 routes mainly in
the Alps, but also in the Pyrenees, the Massif Central and even
Corsica.
The layout borrows from modern climbing guides with little
thumbnail symbols indicating difficulty, distance, time for walk-in
and out, total altitude gain and lots more including whether it's in
the sunshine, strenuousness and even suitability for kiddies. These
are coupled with short route descriptions, location maps and basic
route diagrams showing the general line. Of course, one of the big
pluses with Via ferrata is that route finding is pretty easy, you
just follow the protection :-)
On top of this there are some fantastic evocative action pics
that'll have you salivating and a comprehensive section covering kit
and safety. Essential clothing for French women, by the way, appears
to be crop-tops and shorts...
As far as we can tell, 'Via ferrata, a complete guide to France'
does pretty much what it says on the cover. It's an essential buy if
you're off across the Channel this summer and fancy something a bit
spicy and exposed as a supplement to your normal menu.
Suggested retail is £14.95 and you can get more details or
buy direct on the Cordee
web site.
