Grands Malades (Namur) guided via ferrata
Christophe, Belgian rock climbing instructor, invites you to a half day technical via ferrata program in the beautiful rocks of Grands Malades (Namur).
1/2 Day
Apr - Oct
Intermediate
Intermediate
Description
By the Meuse river (Maas river), between Beez and Namur, we find the Rocks of Les Grands Malades. This place in Belgium used to be exploited to get blue rock (Namur rock), but today it is restored as a beautiful green area.
I invite you to a fun half-day of via ferrata in Les Grands Malades. Here we find a technical and varied route, including suspended bridges. There are also ascending and descending vertical sections, a vertiginous zip line, and an abseiling descent at the end. Besides, it’s possible to combine it with some rock climbing for the other half of the day, also in Les Grands Malades.
This is one of my favorite programs to guide because: – The itinerary is technical, varied, and aerial – It’s possible to combine it with some easy rock climbing. – It’s easy to get there and there is convenient parking
Les Grands Malades is a great option if you want to learn some basics to get autonomy. For example, how to use the equipment correctly and respect the security rules, how to belay your partner with a rope on a vertical section, or how to use the rope when partners are climbing together. If you also want to learn some rescue techniques we can talk about spending a full day.
For this rather technical itinerary, it is preferable to have a strong upper body. It is necessary to be in great physical shape in general as we will hang from our arms at times, upper body strength is important. You need to have previous via ferrata experience or to climb with a min level of 5b. If you don’t have this, we recommend you the Via ferrata of Pont à Lesse which is suitable for beginners.
We will be in the area of Namur. If you are in the area for several days, we can also do some rock climbing in Beez or Durnal. Or if you prefer to do only via ferrata, we can go to Pont a Lesse or Landelies.
Did you find this via ferrata program in Grands Malades interesting? Then don’t hesitate and request to book this trip! I am sure you will enjoy this technical route in a beautiful environment.
If you are fast and if you still have energy after doing the via ferrata, we can do some abseiling and/or initiation to rock climbing.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Price details
- If you are not a member of an alpine club, you will have to pay the access to the rock (14€ for adults, 7€ under 18 years old).
- Equipment rental is 5€ per person (harness, helmet, quickdraws, rope, belaying device, via ferrata sets).
- Both the insurance and the equipment rental will be paid on the spot.
Itinerary
Day 1: Via ferrata in Grands Malades
Join me for an exciting half-day of via ferrata in Les Grands Malades. This adventure features a technical and diverse route with suspended bridges, vertical ascents and descents, a thrilling zip line, and a rappel descent at the end. Additionally, you can pair this with rock climbing for the other half of the day, also in Les Grands Malades.
Details
More info
- If conditions are favorable, we can also practice via ferrata during the rest of the year.
- Try to book at least 5 days before via ferrata days.
- This via Ferrata requires a first experience in via Ferrata (or to climb at min 5b), a very good physical shape, strength and endurance in the arms and not to be afraid of the height.
- From 15 years old
- If you come with a larger group, I'll be coming with another rock climbing instructor.
- Equipment: good trekking shoes, warm clothes and rain jacket (depending on the forecast), picnic, water, ID card, and your own technical material if you have it (if not, you can rent it with me).
Meeting point
FAQs
What are the extra expenses to cover?
If you are not a member of an alpine club, you will have to purchase insurance coverage (14€ for adults, 7€ under 18 years old). The instructor will take care of registering you. The equipment rental is 5€ per person and includes harness, helmet, quickdraws, rope, belaying device, and the via Ferrata set. Both the insurance (7 or 14€) and the fee for the equipment rental (5€) will be paid with cash on the spot.
Can children join the activity?
Yes, from 14 years old onwards.
Do I need to have experience to join the activity? What fitness level must I have?
The itinerary of the via ferrata of Les Grands Malades is sustained and physically demanding! You need to have good physical condition and not be afraid of heights. You need to have strength and endurance in the upper limbs. Furthermore, you need to have done at least once via Ferrata before or have a minimum level of 5b in indoor climbing.
Can I join a group?
Yes, group tours are available BUT not at Les Grands Malades, but at Pont à Lesse. More details here https://www.explore-share.com/trip/pont-lesse-dinant-guided-via-ferrata/
Each group requires:
- Minimum of 4 participants to guarantee the tour.
- Maximum of 6 participants per group.
What if the minimum is not met?
- If fewer than 4 people sign up by 10 days before the tour, you can:
- Convert your booking to a private session.
- Reschedule for another group tour date.
- Get a refund.
Tour Dates & Schedule:
- Group tours are available on specific dates in 2025: April 21, May 17, June 1, and August 8.
- Tours run from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (3 hours).
Pricing & Additional Fees:
- €90 per person for the guiding service
- Additional fees for: Insurance: €14 (adults), €7 (under 18), if not a member of an alpine club, and equipment rental: €5 for harness, helmet, quickdraws, rope, belaying device, and via ferrata set.
- The guiding service fee is to be paid here to confirm the spot. The additional fees are to be paid cash on the day.
Location & Meeting Point: Meet at Pont-à-Lesse 36, 5500 Dinant (parking area in front of Hotel Castel de Pont-à-Lesse).
Languages: The tour is conducted in French and English by a Certified Belgian Climbing Instructor.
What equipment do I need to take with me?
1/ Good hiking shoes, with drawing soles 2/ Sportswear adapted to the weather of the day 3/ Water.
The climbing instructor will bring for you the harness, the helmet, the quickdraws, the rope, the belaying device, and the via Ferrata set (against 5€ to pay on the spot).
I wish I did the via ferrata at Les Grands Malades by myself, but I need the equipment. Can you provide this?
Unfortunately, we don't provide the rental of the via ferrata equipment only. You can rent the equipment if you book a guide for this tour in Les Grands Malades.
What if I have to cancel the spot(s) I've booked for an open group tour?
Regrettably, we cannot provide refunds due to the intricate logistics associated with coordinating group tours.
However, if you choose to book this tour privately, the Explore-Share's general terms and conditions will govern the situation. This means that your refund will be contingent upon the timing of your tour cancellation.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
E-S Adventure Guides
4.9
(250)
Mountain Guide
Gauthier and his team of IFMGA/UIMLA-certified mountain guides, leaders, and rock climbing instructors (including Ann Laure, Antoine, Claire, Christophe, Damien, Guillaume, Ivan, Jeremie, Julien, Leo, Nolwenn, and Willy) are among the top outdoor adventure professionals in Europe.
Whether you wish to climb some of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, explore the best climbing spots in Belgium, scale the stunning cliffs of Les Calanques, or embark on an exciting bouldering adventure in Fontainebleau, they will guide you to the top locations and teach you the ropes to ensure an unforgettable and safe experience.
Gauthier will be your main point of contact throughout the booking process, assisting with any questions to ensure you receive the highest quality guiding service.
Choose one of the featured programs from E-S Adventure Guides and start planning an awe-inspiring mountain experience today!
Languages
| Italian | French | English
Certificates
UIMLA | UIAGM | IFMGA
Reviews with photos
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5What people are saying about this trip
Julie
Mauvais communication concernant le moment demandé, rien de grave mais cela a changé notre programme en dernière la minute. A part ça, contact rapide et réactif.
Gauthier
My 12-year-old nephew and I recently spent a thrilling half-day climbing the via ferrata of Les Grands Malades near Namur, and we absolutely loved the adventure. The experience was quite challenging at times, providing us with an exhilarating dose of adrenaline. It’s definitely not for those with a fear of heights. Our guide, Willy, was fantastic—ensuring our safety while being both educational and fun. We completed the via ferrata in two hours and spent an additional hour climbing and abseiling. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend. Thank you, Explore-Share and Willy, for such a great via ferrata tour. We can’t wait to tackle the via ferrata of Marche les Dames next!
Veronika
This was the greatest exiting experience in my life! Beautiful, scary and challenging! Willy our gide is a very good one for this experience! He is very professional but also very caring for the safety and pleasure. He is also a good photographer, you can be relaxed and enjoyable and the cool fotos us a following gift are guaranteed! Than you very much Willy!
Lena
We had a very exciting day with Willy! We had never done a via ferrata before and did Pont-a-Lesse and Marche-les-Dames in one day. Willy explained the different techniques very well and adapted to our wishes and the circumstances perfectly. Gauthier adviced us in the beginning correctly that Marche-les-Dames would be better for us than Les-Grandes-Malades in terms of difficulty. Overall we were very happy with the choice, spend a great day outdoors and can definitely recommend this adventure!
Berenice
Super expérience, merci à Etienne et au temps qui était au rdv!
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