Above the Gardena Pass

Ramble Worldwide walk leader Nick's final leg of his Italian mountain adventure

There are moments in the mountains when everything comes together. We're standing at the top of the Gardena Pass, our group spread along the ridge, and the silence is complete. Then come the gasps, the exclamations, as each walker takes in the full panorama of the Dolomites spread before us. This is why we climb.

The ascent has been steady and demanding. We've been guiding in these mountains for years, yet this moment never gets old. Watching our clients marvel at the sight of the incredible Dolomites scenery after the climb fills us with the same wonder we felt on our first visit.

From up here, the full character of the range reveals itself. Peak after peak stretches to the horizon, each one unique in its architecture of stone. The valleys far below look impossibly green and distant. We point out the routes we've walked over the past days, tracing our journey through this vertical landscape.

The achievement feels earned. Every step, every rocky section navigated, every breath at altitude has led to this viewpoint. Our group shares that particular satisfaction that comes from reaching a hard-won summit. Cameras click, but mostly we just stand and look, trying to imprint this view in memory.

The descent is long but satisfying, knees complaining just enough to remind us of the day's effort. By evening, back at the Jagerhoff Hotel for our final dinner together, the conversation flows as freely as the local wine. Our clients share their highlights, and overwhelmingly they speak of this fantastic combination: beautiful walks in an unbelievable location, all perfectly based from this superb hotel.

As we prepare for departure, we're already planning our return. The Dolomites have that effect. These mountains, like no other place in Europe and certainly our favourite location for leading walks, call us back season after season. And we answer that call, boots ready, knowing that however many times we walk these paths, they'll always offer something new.