Via Ferrata dei Piceni

Introduction:

The Ferrata dei Piceni is a new aided route and the only via ferrata in the Marche region. It is located near Pioraco in the province of Macerata. The via ferrata is easy even if it has a couple of athletic traits that require a minimum of training. The itinerary is short and given the low altitude it can be covered almost all year round.

Starting location:

The starting point is close to the town of Pioraco (MC). To reach the starting point you need to go up the SP 361 towards Pioraco. Before arriving in the town you will notice a sign "Cartiere di Fabriano". After about 200 meters there is an asphalted road on the left that goes up again, take it and you will reach a small church near which you can park. The signals for the via ferrata can be seen.

Directions for Google Maps available here.

Approach:

Once the car is parked, follow the signs and the CAI signposts along the wood up to the red slab that marks the beginning of the via ferrata (30' from the parking lot).

Via Ferrata:

The first aided section is downhill and serves as a handrail. We begin to climb aided parts inside the low difficulty forest on rocks sometimes covered by mosses that could reduce adherence. You then reach a wall with a slightly overhanging start where you climb vertically with the help of several changes around an certainly interesting environment. The development of the via ferrata follows a rather vertical line and abundantly uses the use of brackets to facilitate the otherwise strenuous progression, given the type of particularly smooth rock.

After a horizontal section you reach the key passage: a vertical wall with an overhanging roof that requires good arm strength for the first two carabiner changes. The artificial brackets come to support us but should not be underestimated. You end the wall and then you come to a short ladder that makes us continue along the climb always assisted by abundant change. After a while you reach the end of the via ferrata (30' - 1h from the parking lot).

Descent:

In fact you go up the path and then you reach a crossroads with indications for the return that takes place inside the wood (20' from the end of the ferrata - 1h 20' total).

Notes:

This recent ferrata takes place in an environment that is little known but of certain landscape interest. The via ferrata itself is interesting even if the type of rock and the abundance of metal equipment present marks the type of progression. A couple of slightly more difficult and athletic passes require a minimum of training, however the via ferrata is suitable for beginners.

Opportunities:

La Ferrata dei Piceni is located in an environment where there are no other aided routes. The nearest via ferratas are those of the Gran Sasso massif: the Ferrata Danesi, the Ferrata Ventricini and the Ferrata Ricci. Still on the Gran Sasso massif on the southern slope you can follow the Ferrata to the Bafile Shelter, the Via Ferrata Brizio and the long Aided path of the Centenary. Moving to Umbria instead, you could walk along the Ferrata of the Gorges of the Serra.