It was in late 2015 that the finishing touches were made to the Ferrata di Daloo, a rather special vertical “iron road” to be tackled using a very particular technique.

Any regular visitor to Valchiavenna can’t help but recognise that Daloo – at 1075m – affords one of the most striking panoramic vistas stretching from Valbregaglia all the way down the Mera’s valley bottom. No surprises then that the magnificent terrace created there some years ago represents a popular destination for hikers.

There are two route options leading up from Pianazzola and San Giacomo Filippo. And it’s right here that since Autumn of the same year climbing enthusiasts have had a further challenge. For anyone not affected by vertigo that is! The responsibility lies firmly with specialist Alpine guide Franco Gallegioni and incorporates a series of vertical slabs with a drop of 460 m heading up from the last bend along the road from Chiavenna up to Pianazzola. Experts in the field define the phenomenon as an alpine climbing route involving the use of fixed metal structures secured to the rock. It’s precisely these elements which open up the possibility of hitherto impossible climbs. The backdrop to these “iron roads” centres around the time of the First World war, when they afforded any number of routes for troops to gain access to elevated, largely inaccessible spots, particularly in the Dolomites. After a period of neglect the routes returned to favour owing to their naturalistic appeal to hikers. They are not however for the faint-hearted or beginner, and it is always recommended they are tackled alongside an expert Alpine guide.
The one at Daloo is a spectacular example moving up the natural fault which cleaves the bare, vertical rock. It’s ideal for those already familiar with the technical requirements of a demanding climb of this type. The slow ascent is made possible using steel rungs which a hands and feet can rely on. One’s harness attaches to a wire cable for added security. This relatively new route is a welcome addition to the one in Mese which itself comes highly recommended for those wishing to enjoy the discipline for the first time.

The Daloo route is named after Alpine guide Pietro Biasini, 33, from Valtellina who was killed ascending a glacier in Norway in February 2015. What strikes anyone climbing at Daloo for the very first time is its sheer verticality and exposed nature which exaggerates the sensation of the void below. Accompanied by an expert guide and using all relevant equipment ensures that one can follow the progression along the rock as it gradually unfolds, and cope adequately with the unexpected. The Daloo project has its origins in a painstaking historical study undertaken by Franco Gallegioni. His research uncovered that up to the mid last-century there was a further pathway which linked Chiavenna to Daloo. This

particular shortcut was manageable on foot and made any deviation via Pianazzola unnecessary, and it’s now viable once again thanks to reclaiming and securing. Do take a

guide along.

Spring’s definitely the ideal time to find out for yourself. Nice and gently. Franco recommends starting off with the route in Mese alongside a guide to become familiar with the equipment and the sheer nature of the rock. Second: head along the shortcut path to Daloo. And finally: the “iron road” itself.