A via ferrata is a climbing route through the rocks for amateurs. It consists of periodic handholds and footholds and a steel cable fixed to the rock. Along with expert supervision inexperienced climbers are given the chance to scale challenging peaks and try routes normally only accessible to professionals. An idea originating in the Alps, there are now via ferrata in mountains around the world, including Yanshan Mountain, north of Beijing.

Italian for ‘iron road’, you can climb via ferrata and stare up at the pathway of iron rungs installed in the cliff face that you’re about to be hanging off, it becomes obvious how appropriate the name is. Although from the ground they may look fairly useless, the footholds actually allow one to fly across the route as nimbly as a mountain goat. Fear as you stare up at the face of the mountain is quickly replaced with adrenaline after you easily tackle the first stretch. Within a short 20-minute hike, you arrive at the starting point of the second, more challenging course. Here your group may tackle rock walls and ledges followed by a vertical drop that curve around a beautiful lake and then cross a narrow bridge – more like a 3-roped tight rope walk. The third and final course is the most challenging, but you Yanshan via ferratawill still be well strapped-in and safe. The effort is well worth it. When you have finally clambered up to the finish point a stunning view of the mountains and clear blue skies await you. With the adrenaline still pumping, surrounded by a beautiful landscape to take in, it’s impossible not to feel exhilarated. After a quick break and some pictures, why not head back to the start point for a freshly prepared barbeque lunch. A rewarding, much-needed protein-rich meal.

It may be called the ‘iron road’, but the Yan Mountain via ferrata barely requires muscles of steel – in fact, it makes mountaineering accessible to all.