A NEW outdoor adventure near Falmouth and Penryn has announced its opening date.
As reported by the Packet, BF Adventure at Halvasso is launching Via Ferrata Cornwall.
The separately funded Community Interest Company has been started by the charity and all profits will support its work with disadvantaged children and young people.
It has now been confirmed that Via Ferrata Cornwall, which is being billed as the first experience of its kind in the south of England, will open on July 26.
Originating in the Alps during World War I to enable troops to cross mountains, a Via Ferrata 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 Halvasso site, Via Ferrata Cornwall aims to give people the chance to push their limits as they journey across historic granite quarries.
With training provided, participants will develop their climbing skills as they traverse across quarry walls more than 20 metres high, conquer 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 one of the most scenic zip lines in Cornwall.
The challenge caters for adventurous people aged eight and over, with various difficulty levels.
Read more: New experience near Falmouth and Penryn will give people the chance to climb granite quarries
A spokesperson for Via Ferrata Cornwall said: "Via Ferrata Cornwall already has funding ring-fenced to complete the routes and is in mid-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.
"However, the company seeks to share this incredible journey with supporters and offers crowdfunders the chance to join its exclusive founders club, gaining early access to the course, discounted entry, membership packages for locals, family/sole use bubble sessions and the chance to help the company to develop the experience as it grows.
"For corporates, sponsorship opportunities include unique Via Ferrata team-building experiences and PR.
"The crowdfund is now live and can be found at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/via-ferrata-cornwall---fear-conquered"
Run in partnership with The Cornish Barista, the Goodygrane Café on the site will source locally and offer work experience and training opportunities, particularly to the young people that BF Adventure supports through its charity work.
Furthermore, 10 per cent of sales will go towards helping these young people. Also in the pipeline is the development of a wild play area for children aged three to 10, as well as nature trails for the whole family.
The spokesperson added: "All risks associated with Covid-19 will be minimised and Via Ferrata Cornwall will operate within strict instructions to maintain a safe environment.
"All medical research shows that the open outdoor environment is of low risk for the spread of the virus and Via Ferrata is an activity that facilitates social distancing.
"BF Adventure and the Goodygrane Activity Centre have been open and operating throughout the current pandemic crisis offering support to vulnerable young people, so the team is experienced at operating ‘covid safe’ and has adapted the site’s facilities and operating procedures to welcome more people back onsite.
"Opening will be governed by government guidelines."
Bookings can now be made through the website at www.viaferratacornwall.co.uk
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