AN outdoor activity centre close to Falmouth and Penryn is launching a first-of-its-kind experience in the south of England.
BF Adventure, based at Halvasso, has revealed Via Ferrata Cornwall, a separately funded Community Interest Company, with profits going to help disadvantaged young people.
Originating in the Alps during World War I to enable troops to cross mountains, a Via Ferrata (meaning ‘iron path’ in Italian) is a climbing route like no other.
Metal steps, ladders, suspension bridges and zip wires make it one of the most adrenaline-filled climbing activities worldwide.
Sharing BF Adventure’s 60-acre site, Via Ferrata Cornwall will aim to have customers push their limits as they journey across old granite quarries.
They will traverse quarry walls more than 20 metres high, face their fears on the High Wire Bridge – where they’ll cross the quarry on a 70m single strand of wire – and leap from the clifftops on a zip-line.
The challenge will offer routes for adventurous people aged eight and over, with various difficulty levels.
BF Adventure said that Via Ferrata Cornwall already has funding ring-fenced to complete the routes and it has started the build.
The project is supported by Resonance Limited, with a Social investment Tax Relief (SITR) Loan Funding and a Business Investment for Growth Productivity grant.
CEO Adrian Richards, who is also director of Via Ferrata Cornwall, said: “This new activity is a game-changer both for BF Adventure in terms of allowing us to open our quarries and allow the young people we support, local families and visitors to challenge themselves, grow in confidence and experience an important part of Cornwall’s forgotten mining heritage up close and personally.
"This activity will become another flagship brand for Cornwall and a leader in the experience economy in the south west.
"We’re hugely grateful to our supporters, cannot wait to open the course to all and will be using the additional funds raised by this activity to ensure that BF Adventure grows ever stronger and keeps supporting some of Cornwall’s most disadvantaged young people.”
BF Adventure said Via Ferrata Cornwall would create jobs as it grows.
There will be opportunities for companies to sponsor the venture, receiving unique teambuilding days and PR in return.
Details will soon be released in its crowdfunding campaign, which will also present the chance for crowd funders to join an exclusive founders' club, gaining early access to the course, discounted entry and the chance to help the company develop the experience as it grows.
BF Adventure said that all risks associated with Covid-19 will be minimised and Via Ferrata Cornwall will operate within strict instructions to maintain a safe environment.
Opening will be governed by government guidelines and it is expected to be from early July.
BF Adventure and the Goodygrane Activity Centre has been open and operating throughout the current pandemic, offering support to vulnerable young people.
For more details contact CEO Adrian Richards on adrian.richards@bfadventure.org
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