Walking in the Dolomites

Book excerpt: This guidebook describes 25 hut-to-hut treks in the Dolomites of northern Italy, covering 15 regions including Cortina, Sella, Sesto, Marmolada and Latemar. Ranging from 11.3km to 40.8km and from two to four days, the graded routes are suitable for walkers with a reasonable level of fitness and experience of mountain terrain, and some feature exposed sections which demand a good head for heights. This edition includes a number of treks in less frequently visited rugged districts, as well as the more popular trips, all of which take advantage of the region's network of mountain refuges and efficient public transport system, with the majority of routes accessible by public bus. Detailed route description is presented alongside mapping and stunning colour photography and the guide also suggests alternative access and exit routes, and options for linking routes to create a longer trek. There is plenty of advice to help make the most of a trip as well as background information on the region's geology, plants and wildlife and local cuisine. The Dolomites - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - are characterised by striking volcanic and sedimentary rock formations. Walking is an ideal way to discover this breathtaking landscape of angular peaks, towering pinnacles and jagged ridges, and the carefully chosen routes in this guide will exhilarate, challenge and inspire.