Seven years ago, I set out on my first ever solo backpacking trip— the Tour du Mont Blanc, a 180km trail that gains more than 10,000m through the Alps. I hauled the heaviest pack I’d ever carried, set up a tent alone for the first time, struggled for 12hrs a day on the trail and came back into[...]
Winding around Triglav National Park for more than 300km, the Juliana Bike Trail offers unparalleled access to Slovenia’s small but spectacular Julian Alps, as well as its many gorges, turquoise rivers, alpine meadows, and charming historic towns. With nearly 10,000m of elevation gain, it’s no[...]
Alta Via 4 comes to an end over the next day or two as you meander through a stark glacier valley and begin dropping into the forest to eventually return to town. This too is an incredibly quiet section of trail, and the en route via ferrata offers plenty of intrigue up and over Forcella del Ghiacc[...]
Today's route is dominated by a long and often exhilarating via ferrata, two-thirds of the epic Giro di Sorapis that circumnavigates a dramatic peak of the same name. From the milky blue shores of Lago di Sorapis to the lofty heights reached on Sentiero Attrezzato Alfonso Vandelli, the most thrilli[...]
Day 3 of AV4 descends into the bustling town of Misurina, a great place to restock on supplies or access services before heading back onto the trail for the second half of the trek. From here, another incredibly busy section of trail leads to one of the most spectacular lakes in the Dolomites, Lago[...]
Today is the most visually spectacular day of AV4, with a meandering path that parades around Tre Cime, leading to the serrated peaks of Cadini di Misurina and finally taking in the dramatic beauty of Torre Wundt from above. It’s not a terribly long or difficult day, but with the requisi[...]
Following the traditional AV4 route, today is neither long nor difficult— but there are two spectacular via ferrata and a handful of small sidetrips within Parco Naturale Tre Cime that absolutely shouldn’t be missed! Get an early start to allow 8hrs of trail time, not counting breaks. [...]
From San Candido to the trailhead and finally taking your first steps on AV4, what I’ve recommended in this post is a pseudo-“day 0” with just 90min of hiking that will perfectly set you up for trek to come. Rather than spending the night in San Candido before starting AV4 (I begrudg[...]
The final day of AV2 is plenty long enough, but overall pleasant and with views of yet another spectacular National Park, Dolomiti Brunello. Soak in the final kilometres of this epic route before finishing in Croce d’Aune, a tiny town just outside of Feltre. You’ve made it!! This comprehensi[...]
After a few cruisey ones, today is a slightly longer day, with the initial climb up to Passo Comedon presenting the greatest obstacle. Still, it’s not overly difficult and certainly remains enjoyable until the very end, dropping you into the meadows of Rifugio Boz and impossibly close to the end[...]
Climbing gently out of the forest into a spectacular landscape of lush meadows and misty Dolomite pillars, today marks a distinct change of scenery from the first 2/3rds of AV2. Gone are the arid lunarscapes and high-altitude peaks, but so are the bustling mountain passes, leaving you to enjoy the[...]
Today is an interesting contrast, with truly spectacular views from both the trail and via ferrata routes in the morning, followed by an absolutely miserable 1,300m descent that will traumatise even keen hikers. Enjoy the highs and power through the lows— by all accounts, it’s a memorable se[...]
From the lunar landscapes of Cima Rosetta to the striking tower of Cima Canali, the Palo di San Martino are on full show today as you journey towards Rifugio Pradidali. There are several sections of cable along the standard AV2 route, as well as a quick side summit to enjoy, making this another exc[...]
Following what may have been a large day yesterday, day 8 is short and undemanding as it journeys through the Pale di San Martino to charming Rifugio Mulaz. Aside from a few short trails you might wish to scamper up, there isn’t much in the way of extension or side-trips, so enjoy a relaxing[...]
Today’s recommended route features a wonderful via ferrata just out the door of Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada and an onward journey to Passo San Pellegrino, more or less the halfway point of AV2! As discussed in my post for Day 5, there are several variations available that might influence h[...]
Drop from the highest point on AV2 to the shores of Lago di Fedaia beneath Marmolada, the tallest mountain in the Dolomites, enjoying spectacular views and flower-filled meadows en route. The day has a wonderfully scenic lunch spot and an exciting alternative to the busy trail, but isn’t overly d[...]
Following the traditional AV2 route, day 4 is very short and not terribly remarkable, but there’s a wonderful addition that might just change that— Piz Boè. Rather than stopping in the midst of the barren, lunar landscape of Rifugio Boè, ascend further to the summit of Boè and[...]
Day 3 is where via ferrata along AV2 really take centre stage, with three excellent climbs possible throughout the day. Even if you aren’t tackling my “adventure route” on your own hike, you’ll still have some unavoidable via ferrata cables today and may just find that it’s more fun than[...]
The second day on AV2 is incredibly scenic and features some of the best views in Parco Nazionale Puez-Odle within the first couple hours. If you’re looking to add a bit of extra adventure, there are also 3 short side trips and a great via ferrata easily incorporated into the day’s itinerary![...]
The first day of Alta Via 2 is one of the longer stages of the trail— although not overly demanding, it racks up nearly 20km with an easy via ferrata taking you up your first summit. It's an excellent introduction of what's to come over the next two weeks on AV2! This comprehensive guide to Da[...]