Via Settimo Cielo, Val di Ledro (Arco)

Alastair BegleyArco, Rock Climbing Short Link

After a day of paragliding at Bassano we returned to Arco for a final day of climbing before heading back to Munich to prepare for the arrival of some friends. We headed to the Val di Ledro, which looked like it was full of well bolted multi-pitch routes from UIAA 5+ onwards. We decided to climb Via Settimo Cielo as it was highly rated, only UIAA 5+ and with 4 pitches of proper climbing. The approach to the crag was slightly more involved than we had expected, as a climbing path wound it’s way around the base of the cliffs high above the old road below. Thankfully we had a gpx track to the start of the route, which certainly made finding it easier, and we were pleased to find the start of the route deserted. The route was absolutely stunning, with interesting climbing which was consistent at the grade, no polish and really well bolted. As we were climbing there were beautiful views both up the Val di Ledro and out onto Lake Garda. All too soon we were at the top, but due to a lack of preparation. Read the full article…

Bassano Paragliding

Alastair BegleyItaly, Paragliding Short Link

After an excellent few days at Lake Garda, we decided to head over to Bassano for some paragliding. I did three flights, one of which was an XC flight from Pannettone and two were flights with Becky. We started the day with a launch from Stella and a glide down to the landing field. As we started early the launch was fairly quiet, it was a calm enjoyable morning glide down where I did some more wingover practice on my new wing. We managed to get a private lift up to Pannettone with some Germans, where I enjoyed a short XC flight away from the landing and then back along the ridge before returning to the landing place. It was an enjoyable flight with the autumnal colours, but certainly involved some scratching at times when below an inversion. With a bit of time left, we headed back up to Stella for an evening glide back down, after the crowds had finished for the day. It was really nice to be at the take off with hardly anyone else around and no pressure. The flight down in the low evening sun. Read the full article…

Lake Garda Road Cycling

Alastair BegleyArco, Road Cycling Short Link

After two days of climbing our feet were certainly starting to feel uncomfortable, so we decided to take a break for climbing and headed off on a cycle around Lake Garda. The route itself was around 89km of cycling, which was split up by a ferry across Lake Garda in the middle. We set off in the morning sun from the campsite and had a very pleasurable cycle down to Lake Garda on cycle paths with wonderful scenery. We then soon joined the road down the east side of Lake Garda which was very scenic but unfortunately not in the sun for most of the ride down the lake, although this did prevent us from getting too hot! The road was really enjoyable without much ascent, not too much traffic and excellent views over Lake Garda. All too soon we were at Torri del Benaco, where we caught the boat from. We arrived perfectly timed 10mins before a ferry left, so after quickly buying a ticket and carefully walking onto the boat in cycling shoes, we were soon off across the lake on a very smooth crossing. After we crossed. Read the full article…

Cinque Stagioni & Spigolo Sud (Arco)

Alastair BegleyArco, Rock Climbing Short Link

After the success of the previous day we set off for another three star multipitch route, but this time one within walking distance of the campsite. This route was significantly harder than the previous day’s route, however it was also advertised as a well bolted sport route. The route was an 8 pitch route with sections of UIAA 6, along with an A0 pitch in the middle. As we arrived at the climb there couldn’t have been a starker contrast with the previous day, as there was nobody else around at all. As I set off up the first pitch, which wasn’t difficult, I was slightly alarmed at the lack of gear and hoping that this was just inconsiderate bolting of easier pitches, rather than the definition of a well bolted climb! Thankfully as we moved towards harder climbing on the subsequent pitches the bolting significantly improved. The climbing was really enjoyable as it was a mixture of slab climbing and steeper feature based climbing up excellent limestone. As we made our way higher we could see the daunting aid pitch towering steeply above us, which became more intimidating as. Read the full article…