Ferrata degli Alpini

The first move off the ground goes straight up, and the wall does not ease off much after that. The cable is in good condition the whole way, and where the rock turns vertical there are metal steps bolted in — two or three sections of them, enough to carry anyone unsure of their footwork. Around the middle comes a small overhang, short and enjoyable. The exposure is what makes the route: long stretches with the ground dropping away under the boots, and a panorama that opens over the peaks around Falzarego. The lower section is the hardest part, and it spreads parties out early on.

• Gear — a cabled climb, so a full via ferrata set is needed. Guided parties go with Gruppo Guide Alpine Cortina, who supply the equipment.
• No facilities — no toilets and no drinking water within 800 m of the start. Carry what you need.
• Timing — 25 to 30 minutes walking in, 2.5 to 3 hours on the wire, up to an hour back down; about four hours car to car.
• Crowds — several guided groups use this route. Start early to get on the wire ahead of them.
• The descent — loose, dusty and steep, and the least enjoyable part of the day.

Everything starts from Passo Falzarego. Cars stop in the gravel car park by the road, and there is a restaurant near the start. From the car park the walk in takes 25 to 30 minutes and ends at the foot of the wall, where the wire begins. The descent comes back to the same car park and takes up to an hour.

Better: an early start, and a weekday if the schedule allows.

Avoid: setting off late in the morning.

Several guided groups take this route, and getting onto the wire ahead of them means the vertical pitches to yourself. One party that climbed midweek found the wall quiet.