Ferrata La Miccia

Introduction:

The Ferrata della Miccia was inaugurated in Baveno on Lake Maggiore in late spring 2020. The ferrata climbs parallel to the nearby Ferrata Picasass and joins it at the end of the climb that reaches Monte Camoscio. The via ferrata winds on excellent compact granite with moderate use of brackets and metal fixtures with the exception of two overhanging slabs. The via ferrata alternates some easy sections with sections of increasing difficulty, both technical and physical. Useful in overhanging a longe as well as good technique is recommended in the sections where you climb only using the rock and possibly the metal cable.

Starting location:

The starting point of the itinerary is in Baveno on the Piedmont side of Lake Maggiore. Once in the town you must follow to the La Tranquilla campsite. Behind the campsite is via alle Cave, from where the excursion will begin. You are looking for a parking space in via alle Cave or via Sesena.

Directions for Google Maps available here.

Approach:

The approach of the Via Ferrata La Miccia and the Via Ferrata Picasass it is the same until the attack of the Via Ferrata Picasass where instead we will continue following the track for 5 more minutes until the attack of the new ferrata.

From the parking lot with the car you will search along via alle Cave you will notice a paved road uphill. There are some signs white-red and signs which indicate both via ferratas. Go up the road, initially paved, then dirt. Cross the highway and continue on the road until a crossroads, where we will take the right following the sign for the Ferrata dei Picasass and La Ferrata La Miccia. Continue uphill not steeply until you reach the start of the first via ferrata (45 'from the parking lot). We will keep to the right and in 5 minutes we will reach thestart of the via ferrata (50 'from the parking lot).

Via Ferrata:

After the first few leaned on meters,the via ferrata immediately begins to show its character. We will climb a wall that alternates vertical sections with short crossings to the left until we reach a small terrace. In this section is advisable trying to dose the energy. Within short are coming slab sections where those who are not used to proceeding in adherence could find themselves uncomfortable. Once you reach the terrace, you should study the next steps.

Climb a vertical wall and some jumps of moderate difficulty until you reach the first overhanging wall with abundant brackets. At first sight the development seems easy but it will be hard especially in the carabiner changes. Once the first wall is finished, in a growing exhibition, new challenging sections on the slab and crosspiece are tackled until reaching another series of overhanging steps with stirrups. You need to proceed rather quickly to avoid putting too much strain on your arms. This section is very exposed and exciting and, when you finish it, you can breathe having actually finished the difficulties of the route.

We follow the cable now supported with easy passages with beautiful views on the Lake Maggiore and you reach it the meeting point with the Ferrata dei Picasass just before a suspended bridge. The bridge has three cables and it is excellently tensed. Cross it and proceed with some easy steps until the end of the equipment (1h 30 'from the attack - approx. 2h 45' from the parking lot). Continue on the track until you reach the summit of the Monte Camoscio (890 m).

Descent:

From the end of the via ferrata, follow the well-marked M3 path that takes us back to the crossroads left in the approach. From there backwards for the approach path to the car (45 'from the end of the via ferrata - about 3h 30' in total).

Notes:

The via ferrata was conceived as a demanding and athletic variant to nearby Picasass. Those who choose to follow this route must consider that they will encounter a couple of overhanging points where arms and athletic inspiration are needed. In addition, there are at least 3 technical passages along the road where the rock is rather smooth and there are no brackets to support the climb so you will have to continue looking for the few available footholds and, where necessary, continuing in adherence. Useful a longe. Not recommended in the summer months due to the low altitude.

In order to overcome the hard sections of this via ferrata, we reccomend you to read out article "How to temporarily take a pause in a Via Ferrata".

Opportunities:

La Ferrata La Miccia offers an interesting opportunity to follow a decidedly demanding ferrata on the shores of Lake Maggiore, which has not been possible so far. Although not practicable in a ring, with a ride that takes half a day it is possible to combine it with Ferrata of the Picasass.

If we decide to continue north to the border with Switzerland, we can suggest the Ferrata of Gabi Simplon on the Swiss side of the Simplon Pass or staying in Italian territory we recommend the long hike that leads to the Sonning Pass with the Ferrata del Lago near the Pizzo d'Andolla.

Se ci spostiamo a ovest le prima ferrate che incontriamo sono la Via Ferrata Falconera and the Via Ferrata Partusac in territorio vercellese. Se invece ci spostiamo a est abbiamo l'imbarazzo della scelta con tutte le ferrate del Lake of Como both on the slope Como than that Lecco.