Bolzano Today is Transfer Day, I’m moving from Ortisei to Bolzano and so I didn’t have time, or frankly the energy, for another big hike so I followed the advice of the hotel staff to do a little walk above Ortisei. I made it across the bridge into Ortisei and stopped at the first cafe … Continue reading Dolomites: Day 4
Author: alliwanders
Dolomites: Day 3
Secada, 6.5 miles A perfect morning, not a cloud in the sky. I’m up and out by 8:30am, catching the bus to Santa Christina for the gondola ride up to Col Raiser to hike around the Secada ridge. The views at the top are so gorgeous I could have foregone the hiking and spent the … Continue reading Dolomites: Day 3
Dolomites: Day 2
Reciesa, 11 miles Today I chose to hike an alpine meadow at the top of the Resciesa lift. A quick stroll right across town to the far slope brought me to the funicular that whisked me up to 7000’ feet. I followed a popular route but instead of making it a true figure 8 hike, … Continue reading Dolomites: Day 2
Dolomites: Day 1
Ortisei-Selva, 11 miles It took me a leisurely 2 days to get here from Newcastle (laid over in Venice). It’s a pretty town, with pastel-colored buildings and fairytale-type architecture, a busy pedestrian street full of shops and cafes, all set in a narrow valley with a busy road and river running thru the middle. Strolling around … Continue reading Dolomites: Day 1
Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 11
Wylam - Newcastle, 10.3m It was a cool, grey, dry morning as I ventured from the pub and joined the Wylam Waggonway (old steam railway line, known for the famous “Puffing Billy”). It’s now a flat, paved walking/cycling path that’ll take me to join up with the HWP, and continue on into Newcastle. Back on the … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 11
Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 10
Chollerford > Heddon, 15.1m I woke up this morning not wanting to leave my lovely suite, especially as 100% rain is predicted at 10/11am - no way to walk around that. A generous breakfast of cappuccino and Eggs Florentine turned my frown upside down and so I got ready for my penultimate day on the … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 10
Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 9
The Sill > Chollerford, 10.4m A great walking day! The rain held off, the wind was at my back, and the path was dry = perfect conditions. Of course there’s always something that only rates 9/10 and I’m afraid that was the scenery. 9 is obviously a great score, and it was well-deserved, it’s just … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 9
Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 8
Today was a Rest Day here at The Sill so I could visit Vindolanda, one of the best Roman archeological sites in Britain. Conveniently located just down the road from my hostel, I arrived about 10:30am and stayed 4 hours! Aerial shot of grounds: The main fort is encircled by the large rectangular wall, just … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 8
Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 7
Gilsland > The Sill, 9.8m What a great day it turned out to be! A blustery day with lots of menacing clouds but the only rain fell on distant hills and I enjoyed a beautiful, hilly walk. Morning traffic Not only significant elevation bits today but there were dozens of ladder stiles! Weather? Vallum - … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 7
Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 6
Walton > Gilsland, 10.1m Had a nice stay at the Bunkhouse - lively conversation with 2 Irishmen who sat shooting the breeze and downing whiskey for a couple of hours before heading out at 5:30pm, in the pouring rain, to walk 2+ hours to their luxury hotel(!). I just caught the last 20 minutes of … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 6
