Italy has always been one of my favourite countries, so I knew I wanted to dedicate a good section of my trip to explore the (grand) motherland. It was time to head to the Dolomiteehees (sang in the tune of Miss Dynamite) 🎶
I’d been the Dolomites before, so I knew how much I loved it and I couldn’t wait to get out on some more hiking trails.
No roadtrip is ever complete without a bit of drama though. Read on to find out what happened to cause Death in the Dolomites part II… (not literally!)
Lake Bled
Upon leaving Austria, I decided to take a quick detour into Slovenia and stop at the stunning Lake Bled.
It was a gloriously sunny day, and after a spot of brunch I headed on a short hike up the hill to the view point overlooking the lake below.
Whilst it was only a short walk up the hill (comparatively, after what I’d been used to!), it was a really hot day and I was so sweaty by the time I reached the top! But alas, I was not disappointed! The view was spectacular!
I was so hot, that by the time I walked back down again, I just kept going and waded straight into the lake fully clothed 🥵😂✌🏼
Feeling much cooler now, I headed back to the van and set off for Italy 🇮🇹
Drama in the Dolomites
I arrived at my spot for the night, 2,000m high up a mountain in the Dolomites, and just as I was parking up – SNAP! My handbrake went 😭😭😭
I rang my breakdown cover, but they couldn’t get anyone out to me that evening so they advised I drive to a garage in the morning. Which meant that I had to sleep in my van high up in the mountains with no handbrake and just pray that when I woke up that I hadn’t rolled anywhere 😂
I went to the garage and he confirmed that the cable had snapped and said that he could order it in for me but it wouldn’t be there until the day after.
I adopted a couple of pet rocks which I had to wedge under my tyres and took them with me wherever I went. It was really quite awkward to be honest, as everywhere was very hilly (surprisingly!) and I’m on my own so I had to get out the van and put the rocks under before it started to roll away! 🤦🏻♀️
But anyway, I survived for 2 days in the mountains without a handbrake and took it to the garage and he sorted it for me. And it only cost £60 – cheap as chips!
Lago di Sorapis
One of my favourite hikes that I’ve ever done is the Lago di Sorapis hike. Last time I was in the Dolomites with Fliss in 2022, we came here and were blown away by its beauty.
It’s only accessible on foot, but it attracts thousands of visitors due to its aqua waters and stunning surrounding mountains. The colour of the water is created by fine rock dust brought down from the glacier by the meltwater in spring/summer.
I seem to remember the hike being quite long and strenuous from last time, but it may have been the less than ideal preparation the night before 😂
This time, it felt much more straight forward and I was at the lake in no time. And once again, it did not disappoint.
Cima Tofana di Mezzo
Another area that had been recommended to me was Cima Tofana di Mezzo, which is the 3rd highest peak in the Dolomites at 3,244m. (Don’t worry, I didn’t hike up it!)
I found a hike that promised epic views of the town Cortina d’Ampezzo in the valley below, and off I went. I literally sat at the top for ages admiring the views 😍
I was on a peak that was about 2,400m and there was a cable car that went up to the peak at 3,200m, but it looked like a hell of a drop down. It was a firm no from me 😬😂
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
One of the most iconic images of the Dolomites is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks, so I couldn’t miss the chance to see them for myself.
The three jagged peaks that resemble rocky skyscrapers are:
- Cima Grande 2,999 metres
- Cima Occidentale 2,973 metres
- Cima Piccola 2,857 metres
The hike offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is definitely one not to be missed.
You have to take the bus up to where the hike starts at Refugio Auronzo at 2,300m, and the trail loops round the three peaks with several lodges well placed to stop for refreshments.
Once again, the Dolomites have more than lived up to expectations and it has been delightful to explore them at my leisure.
My plan is to explore a bit more of northern Italy before heading to Switzerland, and yet more mountains 😂
Will I ever get bored of mountains? I doubt it…
Live Laugh Love ✌🏼
Travel Stats
- Days: 67
- Countries: 16 (🇫🇷🇧🇪🇳🇱🇩🇪🇩🇰🇳🇴🇸🇪🇫🇮🇪🇪🇱🇻🇱🇹🇵🇱🇸🇰🇦🇹🇸🇮🇮🇹)
- Distance driven: 7,501 miles (12,071 km)
- Distance hiked: 201 miles (324 km)
- Half marathon PBs: 1 🏅
- New handbrake cables: 1
So enjoying this blog darling
So proud of you
Keep on trekking
Love always
Mum xxx
🏔️🥾✌🏼
Stunning, as always!
Have you learnt to yodel yet?
Your mum, Pip and I took Greg out for a birthday meal at the Hazel Pear last night. Excellent meal!
Poya xx
I half expected to receive a photo of you all sat in my garden having a BBQ! 😂
Oh wow, take me to Dolomites 😍 Stunning! I’m glad you survived without handbrake and didn’t roll anywhere.
You would love it pal, get yourself there ASAP!
Fabulous blog but oh my word Kat, the no handbrake thing was terrifying. Am pleased you got it fixed relatively quickly and so cheaply. What an area for it to go! The Dolomites are so uniquely beautiful. Fabulous photos. So jealous, but I wouldn’t like to be driving up there on those white knuckle roads. So brave! Enjoy lovely northern Italy. Looking forward to next blog.
I live for the thrill of it! 😂
Great trip Kat. Love the lakes and mountains especially Bled with its little monastery. Bad luck with the handbrake but at least it was sorted. Nice to see the move away from cinnamon buns!
I miss the cinnamon buns! 😂
Oh yay pet rocks! 😍😍
Difficult to take them out for a walk though 🤔
DOLOMITEEHEES!!!! Haha nearly death in the dolomites like it was for us last time 😂. Although your mare actually did happen whilst there! Can’t believe the timing, glad you got it sorted and didn’t die though. STUNNING scenery, my absolute fave place! 😍
Excellent blog as usual mate, keep up the good work! X
“Glad you didn’t die though” cheers mate 😂