Hidden valleys and mountain surprises

Ramble Worldwide walk leader Nick continues his adventure of Italy's Dolomites mountain range

Some moments on the trail catch you completely off guard. We're walking through one of those hidden valleys the Dolomites keeps tucked away, when suddenly see a marmot behind a large rock. It's amazing to see wildlife at such close quarters, these unexpected encounters that make every walk unique.

The paths today take us deeper into the heart of the range. We're climbing steadily, the rocky terrain reminding our boots why we chose them carefully. The Dolomites don't forgive poor footwear choices, and we've learned through years of guiding to respect these mountains' demands.

What continues to amaze us is how the landscape shifts with elevation. Down in the valleys, everything is soft and green, welcoming. But as we climb, the world becomes more elemental: rock, sky, and the occasional splash of alpine flowers clinging to impossible places. The contrast defines these mountains.

We pause frequently for photos, though we know from experience that cameras never quite capture what the eye sees here. The scale is too vast, the light too particular. You have to be here, feeling the rock beneath your boots, breathing the thin mountain air, to truly understand why the Dolomites cast such a spell.

Our group has found its rhythm now. Conversations flow easily on the gentler sections, then fade to concentrated breathing on the steeper climbs. There's a camaraderie that develops when you share these challenges, these views, these moments of wonder. By the time we descend back to our valley base, we're tired but exhilarated.