UKC

Has anyone done Smugglers via Ferrata route near lake Garda, I have been reading mixed reviews about what kit is required, unsure if I really need to take rope and draws?

I am planning to do it tomorrow morning, don't want the added weight of a rope if it isn't required. 

https://www.manawa.com/en-GB/activity/italy/lake-garda/via-ferrata/extreme-...

£78 !!! you cannot be serious

Don't worry, the website is just for reference. I'll be doing it unguided 😂

Phew, I was about to get palpitations 😁

This site:

https://www.arcomountainguide.com/en/via-contrabbandieri-tracciolino-ledge-...

implies that it is not well equipped with a cable and so traditional belaying tends to be needed on a number of sections.

This might be useful? The topos are normally excellent.

https://www.bergsteigen.com/touren/klettersteig/ferrata-foletti-sentiero-co...

I did the route in 2019

It's a really fun route with a lot of exposure but it isn't really a via ferrata in the traditional sense. There's isn't a lot of cable on the route and it is mainly bolted therefore you will need a rope, QDs and via ferrata equipment. There is a video online with clips of the route if you can find it.

We belayed only a couple sections but roped up and travelled in a simul-climbing fashion as better description would be an exposed walk on a narrow path than a via ferrata.

Hope this helps and I'm not too late!

We never managed to find the route!!! We found the sign and headed into the woods, we must have missed some turns as we eventually ended up on the road which is ends. 

Didn't have time to make a second attempt. Maybe I should have paid a guide 🤷🏻