Retrace First World War steps
THE ITALIAN Dolomites and the Austrian Alps were the destinations for Hinckley Mountaineering Club’s (HMC’s) summer vacation.
In the north of Italy, the Dolomites were the scene of First World War battles between Austrians and Italians who left a lasting legacy of fixed cables and ladders, known as “via ferratas” to help climbers up often vertical mountain faces.
Tunnels made by both armies are also now used for recreation rather than warfare.
During their stay, HMC members ascended an 8,612ft peak The Sassongher and made a mass descent from the summit of Mt Lagazuoi (9,301ft) through two miles of tunnels, in pitch black with only torches to light the way.
Recreated gun positions, living quarters and observation posts brought history starkly to life.
Other climbs included the Piz du Lech and the Piz da Cir.
Two members made the ascent of the glacier-covered Marmolada, the highest mountain of the range, at 10,968ft.
Some members then went on to the Austrian Alps where the highlight of the week was a drive to the Kals valley and an ascent to the snowline on the Studhutte at 9,129ft.
Hinckley Mountaineering Club meets on Thursday evenings at 9pm in The New Plough pub on Leicester Road, Hinckley, to which anyone interested in mountaineering, hill-walking, climbing is welcome.
The club organised weekend meets every month in England and Wales plus week-long trips to Scotland and summer excursions further afield.