Via ferrata du Belvédère

Duration

5 min

Distance

222 m

Ascent

10 m

Descent

15 m

Elevation

-

From the Via Ferrata bus stop at the hairpin (P. 996), walk level along the road past an old industrial building and information boards with a practice cable, then follow the gravel track along the cliff base to the start at about 990 m.

Duration

1 h 30 min

Distance

316 m

Ascent

220 m

Descent

-

Elevation

1,299 m

The route begins easily before steepening quickly, including a short overhanging section and some brush along the way. A three-cable suspension bridge with a tricky exit leads to more vertical climbing, followed by an easier interlude and a second steep pitch. A third steep section follows a rock pillar, and a fourth begins with another cable bridge before a slab and ridge lead to a grassy shoulder near 1160 m with a few stunted pines. Here a right-hand path (the 'échappatoire') offers an escape route down to the hiking trail, while the left fork continues over grass and rock to the true finish near 1210 m. A short ascent leads to the exposed summit of Point 1224, Belvédère de Nax.

Duration

-

Distance

497 m

Ascent

-

Descent

-

Elevation

-

From the top, a path passes a fragile rock tower before reaching the hiking trail; alternatively, continue up to the viewpoint platform near 1290 m with its information board and triangulation point, then follow the road to the La Crettaz bus stop at 1297 m. Otherwise, descend the signposted T2 forest trail back down to the Via Ferrata bus stop.