Between castles, lakes and rivers

Description

From the Cortina bus station, take the cycle path northwards/Dobbiaco and continue for a few kilometres crossing the Fiames area with the scree and the imposing Monte Pomagagnon on your right and Col Rosà on your left. After passing a long tunnel dug into the rock where the train once passed (in fact, it has the shape of the train chimney) you’ll reach an iron bridge overlooking the deep gorge of the Rio Felizon, where you can take a break to admire the view. After a subsequent short tunnel, turn left uphill until you meet the state road to Dobbiaco and, still remaining on the left without crossing the state road, continue along the dirt road that climbs to the Rocca di Botestagno overlooking the confluence of the Boite and Felizon streams (1,513 m). Once you have parked your bicycle, the last stretch of climb to the top of the rock is covered on foot. The view from the top is spectacular and puts into perspective the strategic importance of the place. Excavations have recently been completed to bring to light the ruins of the old Castle and a plaque has been placed in memory of the conquest of the same by Maximilian I of Habsburg, a moment that marks the beginning of the Austrian domination of Cortina until the First World War. Back on your bike, return to the state road crossing it thanks to the underpass (uneven section). Then continue downhill crossing the road that climbs to Malga Ra Stua on the right. From here, continue straight into the large car park and descend again to Pian de Loa (1,360 m) with its picturesque "cason", in the middle of a stunning clearing. Here you will find yourself within the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites, which covers an area of 11,200 hectares north of the town of Cortina, on the border between Veneto and South Tyrol. At the intersection with the paved road, keep left and, just before the Information Office of the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites (a little further on you will also find the "Spiaggia Verde" rest stop), turn right downhill to Pian de Ra Spines. After crossing a bold bridge over the Boite, take the beautiful road that runs along the river to International Camping Olympia. Here turn right uphill along the paved road closed to traffic which, after 2 km, will take you to the crystal clear waters of Lago Ghedina, overlooked by the Ristorante Da Bepi al Lago Ghedina. From here, retrace your steps for about 200 m and turn uphill on a dirt road to reach the flat Montanelli Promenade after a couple of kilometres. Follow it and, just before reaching Piè Tofana, you will come across an artificial lake with Caribbean colours and the shape of a heart. From Piè Tofana descend along the paved road and at the next crossroads turn left to return towards Lago Ghedina. From here, along the outward road, descend towards Fiames and, once you have crossed the state road, take the cycle path back to Cortina.