Sports via ferrata on Pag
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| BananaBronson6. 07. 2021 07:59:38 |
Last fall, as part of the Life on Mars Trail running path at the eastern end of Pag, they also opened a new sports via ferrata. Starting point is Ručica beach near Metajna village, access takes one hour. The via ferrata has no elevation gain, about 100 meters long. I can't give a grade, but it overhangs most of the time. Route setters recommend self-belay kit with lanyard for resting. Gloves certainly welcome due to hanging on cables. I belayed myself more improvisationally, fall in worst case ends with splash into not very dangerous sea right below. As you can read in my experiential report, you can rethink halfway on via ferrata. 
From via ferrata continue on markings to nice Malin beach, or if desired pathless through killer Pag rocky terrain to Cape Krištofor.
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| geppo13. 05. 2022 18:56:23 |
Path "Life on Mars"
A little before noon, after finishing the hike to the highest peak of Pag Sv. Vid we arrive at Metajna bay. In case Mars is this beautiful, I move there immediately
We start touristy. Four shirtless to the waist and me in full hiking gear. In the backpack just in case 1/2 liter of water and a flask of homemade cherry brandy. Others: nothing!!
After walking 4km, we notice a fantastic bay and nearby activity (like hospitality) - thirsty!
No beer, activities are for season opening preparations. We decide to continue the path. We have 1/2 liter of water
The path is indeed getting nicer, but farther from start. Steep cliffs on left, nice bays and clear sea on right. Along the way we cross several gullies with trickling water. I taste, salty
We reach a short, nice bay. Everything reminds me of Leonardo DiCaprio's "The Beach" no, Mars
Sometimes here you had to go into the sea to continue, at least to chest level (depending on height, or sea level), now there's a 100m via ferrata. We all tackle it without hesitation. Soon realize need to protect phones and cameras carefully. In worst case end in sea. Pegs are quite spaced, wall overhanging, all on arms (no gloves, harness, rest slings, not recommended - at least for older folks ). After approx. 50m I realize it won't work. I climb back a few meters and find shallower sea. In full hiking gear (no crampons) I descend into sea. Handkerchief floats out of pocket and waves take it. Shame Stanko didn't photograph me like that, but he photographed my ass while I was swimming.
When I reach shore, strip naked, take camera and back to sea. Photograph colleagues struggling on pegs hanging on lifeline.
After climbing ferrata (without me) there and back, 6km more Mars to start awaits. Despite hot sun, fully enjoy the unknown landscape. Others hurry ahead, Stanko and I calmly photo behind them.
After 12km and 3h30min all together at start - Metajna village bay.
nice experience
ferrata despite short 100m quite demanding
path picturesque, wonderful
If you're on Pag and hikers, visit!!!
regards
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| zokipoki13. 05. 2022 20:56:33 |
Real Martians you are, nothing to it, especially the one in photo 28! Some special amphibian!?
Really interesting world and that bay...
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| felix21. 07. 2022 16:14:19 |
Yesterday I went alone at 6am from Ručica beach to that bay with ferrata. Of course with safety gear. No soul around, but I gear up and go to first peg, then on. Getting harder, as geppo wrote, constantly hanging on arms. Two or three spots to stand upright a bit and rest. Midway totally exhausted (age affects too), didn't know if back or into water. Persisted to end almost to collapse, needed long rest there. Originally planned to return via ferrata to start, but had to skip, took 3km detour then back. So instead of planned 7km did over 10km - on return already scorching. Interesting experience, but wouldn't do alone again.
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| geppo21. 07. 2022 16:44:58 |
Ha ha ha, felix, pants over head and back by sea to start.
Yes, tough ferrata, need lots of arm strength. Luck you can descend to sea if not. Next time only with lifeline, harness and gloves. Even then secure phone and camera just in case. Of course we're at age where we lose muscle mass, not gain
regards
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| felix22. 07. 2022 15:21:31 |
As geppo says, today I went on an easier path suitable for our age. From Metajna to northeastern part of this path to Slana bay, where I viewed the ferrata again, then returned via southern path to Metajna. I walked the whole path in several stages, thus doing more kilometers. Recommended for spring and autumn months.
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| facko13. 08. 2023 18:47:58 |
In short: for strong ones, vertigo is no excuse, morning in shade, and more if I wanted to sum it all up.
But let's go in order.
For ten years we have spent the sea part of our vacation in Metajna and satisfy our hiking/climbing wishes with a visit to the hill above the village or - in case of cloudy weather - a visit to the Stogaj crag and three XXL rocks that once rolled onto the sea shore and are an obligatory photo part in every analog/printed and digital tourist publication of Pag island. Usually we just touched those walls a bit, looked up, imagined the route lines, … and that was it.
Last year I saw an online report about a new ferrata on the island, which was inviting – not only that, it was calling (!!!) for a visit. Of course I equipped myself with all necessary information and waited for summer.
And it came
Time for action! But as fans of the known saying (nothing beats comfort) and didn't want to walk from Metajna to Slana beach and back – total 10 km in (scorching) sun, we arranged a very friendly transport for us – by boat. The sea trip took only a few minutes, as the Honda on the boat well directed its 50 horsepower.
Of course we thought we'd be alone there, no one anywhere, peace … but we were wrong. We had just "parked" the boat in the bay when tourist boats appeared, anchored and tied (!!!) to the ferrata. On land it wasn't much better: hikers of all ages, colors, makeup, clothing from mini to …, languages and gear, from everywhere – despite the sun heating abundantly …
With my son we geared up and quickly to the metal (women stayed / watched from the boat)! At the start minimal strength (in hands) was needed, then it started … more overhanging with every meter and less space for rest. Somewhere halfway the son gave up first, a few meters further the writer of these lines. At the only suitable spot where there was a small cavity and almost no overhang, we ended our "ferrata climbing" and switched to DWS (Deep-water soloing) – shortened home-style: plop into the sea!!! With all clothes, footwear and gear … we swam back to the boat 
Quite a few visitors tried a few meters of the ferrata and turned back in time; three well-equipped from Croatia asked me about the difficulties awaiting them … I would suggest to new ferrata visitors, regarding gear: gloves, climbing harness and 2x endless sling (preferably shorter than longer) + 2x carabiners with automatic locking. SVK is out of the question, because you're really always hanging on the "belly button", moving forward and looking where to place your feet.
Something like that. Long version.
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| felix27. 06. 2025 11:25:06 |
Nice, bos. Interesting this path, a bit tight to walk alone in the morning on the part facing Velebit. Good you had ropes prepared for rest. I had one, but made it too long and it didn't help, on the via ferrata itself I couldn't shorten it, so I suffered like Jesus.
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| geppo27. 06. 2025 14:24:49 |
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