Summer in the Alps - 2005 - Saturday 13 August - Via Ferrata Gran Cir

                                                                  Colfosco

Saturday 13 August - Via Ferrata Gran Cir (by Martin) 

The 'climbing group' next to us got up at 6:30 but were still faffing when the three of us left at 9:10, having said goodbye to the nice family from Halifax, who left for Lake Garda. Before we left, low cloud had magically vaporized and suntan cream was needed. There must have been a magnificent inversion experience for those staying in high huts nearby.

We strolled up the path to Colfosco, where bread rolls were purchased after the inevitable queuing. Then up to Ronn, from where a path led thrutchily up to a superb belvedere path below Pra de Tru Forceles. An alternative route could have been taken us past the Forceles Hut, which would make a pleasant amble from the Gardena pass.

On the ascent from Colfosco

We turned left, below a wall of rock with shouting climbers perched at intervals up it. Across the valley, the VF Brigata Tridentina could be seen, (above, behind Martin's head) with a procession of people ascending in the shade and cool of the north face, up to the Cavazza Refuge at 2585 metres. We met lots of grockles on strolls from Passo Gardena, and we stopped at a superb viewpoint at which we lingered from 11:30 to 12:00 at 2090 metres.

A bit further along, Jimmy's Hut, marked as 'Clark' on the map, provided excellent hot chocolates outside in the sun, but there were some threatening clouds (1:10 to 1:40).* 

A bit further on we enjoyed a pleasant lunch above Passo Gardena, with good views south 1:10 - 1:40, before embarking on the steep ascent to the start of the via ferrata Gran Cir (CORV 1, page 80 in the Cicerone Guide - Vol 1), graded 1A and not requiring equipment.

Julia decided to opt out and ambled down to the pass for refreshments. 

Sue and I carried on past a broken cross and a yellow madonna, then past lots of fully kitted up via ferrata novices (old and young) and up to the summit cross at 2592 metres. 2:30 to 2:45. 

On the summit of Gran Cir; this easy Via Ferrata is used as a 'practice' route for beginners

Chough summits Gran Cir, expecting his lunch on a plate!

New views opened out to the north west. A solitary person lingered on top with us until two girls arrived, having struggled up behind us. 

In view of distant rain clouds, we descended the VF section (just a few handrails) in twenty minutes and were with Julia at the pass by 3:30. It was a pleasant walk back to camp along path 650, finishing at 5 pm. Tea was brewed, and then it rained, so we all had a soporific spell before the rain eased and campsite showers called. It was inconvenient to do shopping for tea, so we drove back to L'Tabladel for another excellent meal there, by when the rain had eased. 

The nearby English speaking group arrived back at odd times during the night (12:45, 1:45...) to periodically disturb our sleep. Curiously no contact was made with any member of this insular and inconsiderate group.

Our route is shown below - about 12 km, with 850 metres ascent

* We crossed Alta Via2 here - memories of a trip in the distant past, but a recollection of a scary ascent to the south! [I've reminisced, earlier in Lockdown, here.]

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