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A beautiful little glacial lake at 7,000ft that sits below Monte Civetta. Its surrounded by dramatic rock edges and there's a welcome cool breeze when it is accessible in the summer months. The gradient from Palafavera, just north of Pecol is fairly steep, although you can take a ski lift almost half way to the top.
Coldai is along the path of the Alta Via 1 trek through the heart of the Dolomites. You pass Refugio Sonino along the way, where you can get food and a bed for the night if needed.
Refugio Tissi further along is also a great place to stay. But the walk up to the lake and back down could be a day trip from either Palafavera or from Alleghe on the other side of the valley.
The views of and from Lago Coldai are spectacular and the lake is a welcome rest spot, or bathing spot seemingly, if you are one of several eccentric Spanish ladies.
Here are some useful sites: www.infodolomiti.it/dolomiti.990002264-1.run
This site tells you how to get there: www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=jbiurkrubhpkdpbn&name=Palafavera-Lago+Coldai
You can buy Tabacco maps with distances and times from a travel shop in Italy
The new Malcesine - Mount Baldo cableway stands out from the very first glance, thanks to the futuristic forms of its stations. These are buildings with clean architectural lines, where steel, aluminium, glass and stone have been combined to enhance the light, transparent interiors and to blend harmoniously with their outdoor surroundings.
The cableway is divided into two sections: the first, Malcesine - San Michele is 1,512 m in length and covers a difference in height of 463m; the second, San Michele - Mount Baldo is 2,813 m in length and covers a difference in height of 1,187 m.
The most important new feature of this cableway, and one that makes it totally unique throughout the world, is the cabin on the second section, which rotates on itself to give passengers a 360° view, as well as the sensation that they are flying. The capacity is 600 persons per hour, with cabins for 45 and 80 people. The cableway system is able to operate in harsh weather conditions as well as at night.
Azienda Trasporti Funicolari Malcesine - Monte Baldo. www.funiviedelbaldo.it. €18 return
Malcesine, tel. (+39) 045 7400206
Verona, tel. (+39) 045 592434
www.funiviedelbaldo.it/eng/funivia.asp
Get away from the package tourist hordes of Como and Garda to beautiful and little-known Lake Orta with its stunning villas, mysterious island and mythical serpent. If you can, rent an apartment or a villa directly onto the lake – open the back gate and you can head straight in to the cool, clear water for a swim.
Make your way from Milan to Orta Miasino train station, 3k from the centre.
Google map: tinyurl.com/33ky4mb
Incredibly beautiful, quiet and calm lakes locted in the middle of the Julian Alps. Lake Bled incorporates little beaches for wild swimming, as well as designated areas for swimming plus boating, fishing and cafes. In the middle stands an island with the idyllic church of St Mary which you can reach by boat. Lake Bohinj is quieter and there are many places to access the lake and swim.
Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
www.bled.si
Nice little cottage, everything easy, lots to see and do roundabout. Whitehaven is a hidden gem.
I spent a highly enjoyable two weeks cycling in Sweden this year. Starting in Gothenburg, I rode up around the edge of Lake Vanern, via the Gota Canal to Lake Vattern, down to the coast and back up again.
The countryside is perfect for cycling; rolling and studded with beautiful lakes.
Swedish campsites are also some of the best I've been to. They are clean, have good facilities and are generally no more than £8-£10 a night (and yes, you can camp anywhere in Sweden, but a hot shower is always nice).
Highly recommended for any cyclists out there.
My route: www.flickr.com/photos/toretz/172556356/
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