In September 2019, I set off to walk the Alta Via 1, it would be eight days of spectacular scenery, not a drop of rain and an amazing experience from start to finish. I seemed to spend as much time taking photos or videos than I did walking but there was just so much to take in. The rock formations, the colours in them and the endless scenery took my mind off my tired legs as this was a strenuous but rewarding trail.
The Alta Via 1 starts beside the crystal clear waters of the Lago di Braies, located in the South Tyrol area of North East Italy and heading South, finishing at a road, a bus ride from the town of Belluno about 75m/120km later. The distance might not be very challenging but the climbs most days will be long and hard, but on good surfaced trails.
I did this walk in September which, according to the guide book (that you can buy by clicking the link on the left) is the perfect time weatherwise to do this trail as it's not as hot as summer, clear skies and not having the storms which seem to occur most afternoons. The guide book was correct and there was only one occasion on my eight day trek that I thought it might rain, the rest of the time was mainly blue skies and sun shining on the spectacular Dolomites.
The guide book splits the walk into eleven days but I did my walk in eight, the only day that was quite long for me was the second day. I flew into Venice Airport in the middle of a huge storm and took a bus to Cortina d'Amezzo to spend the night there before getting up in the morning and getting two busses to the start of the trail. My first short days walking was in lovely sunshine although if I had started a day earlier I would have been walking in snow, some of which still remained in the high areas for the first couple of days.
I had only ever walked outside the UK once before, two years earlier when I did the Tour du Mont Blanc, ( read about my TMB walk HERE ) which was a fantastic experience but the Alta Via 1 for me beat that, it was also quieter but maybe it was because it was September whereas I walked the TMB in the July holidays so planning accommodation was easier, much of which could be booked or arranged online or by email, no phoning.
I really can't emphasise just how beautiful this walk was, the photos don't do it the justice it deserves. The beauty around me most of the day left me wanting more and I was sad to finish the walk but I know that some day I would like to return and do this walk again, or even just half of it and it's certainly one that I would recommend to anyone interested in long distance walks outside of the UK. Each day I met friendly people from all over the world doing exactly the same as me, enjoying the experience of the trail, the Rifugios, the food and drink, the stunning views and the total relaxation, even though many had tired legs understandably. One day I may return, I certainly hope so.
