Ardo Valley Loop

This route is one of my favourites to do in April. When there’s still a lot of slushy, difficult snow at higher altitudes and the risk of avalanches is extremely high, I like to stay out of trouble: that’s why I choose lower-altitude routes, where I can enjoy the first warm weather and admire the blossoms.

The Ardo Valley is a side valley of the Val Belluna, which cuts steeply between Mount Serva and Mount Zimon de Terne until it meets the imposing walls of the Schiara. We are in the Belluno Dolomites National Park, on the final stage of the famous Alta Via 1. In this valley, two attractions draw a few hikers, mainly locals and Venetians: the Settimo Alpini mountain hut and the Bus del Buson. On this circular route, we will visit the Bus, a stunning canyon carved into the limestone, and discover a few hidden gems in this valley.

Length: 10 km

Elevation gain: 600 m

Difficulty: easy

Estimated time: 5 hours

Lowest point: Vial, 510 m

Highest point: tunnel entrance, 890 m

Service points: none

Itinerary

This route starts at Case Bortot, at the car park for the Settimo Alpini mountain hut (free of charge). Ignore the wide road leading to the hut (which you will return along) and head back to the signs with the park map. Here there is a path that descends steeply, leading you to Vial, a small village of very characteristic old houses. Pass the houses and continue along the forest track that leads into the woods. After a few minutes you will find a path branching off to the right; take this to reach the first point of interest on this hike: Pont del la Mortis. Once you reach the stream, you’ll find yourself facing a fascinating canyon, spanned by a small bridge, which gives the place its name. Here, the crystal-clear water enhances the colour of the rocks, and the effect is fantastic—it almost makes you want to take a dip! Don’t be tempted, though, because there’s still a long way to go!

Retrace your steps back to the forest track, and continue on to the small bridge that you could see from below earlier. Once you cross it, you’ll have a new view of the canyon. From here, the path begins to climb steeply through the woods. Take care, as the path can sometimes be hard to spot, especially near an old ruin: a road cuts across the slope here, and you might be tempted to follow it, but you must continue straight up the hill and you will soon find the trail again. After a steep climb of almost 300 metres, you will reach forest road number 519, where you will find a signpost and an uninhabited house. Now the path becomes easier; the forest road continues on a gentle slope through the woods. Every now and then the foliage parts to reveal the view: the Ardo stream rushing through the valley floor, the return path on the slope opposite you, and the beautiful Schiara ridge, with the Gusela peak clearly visible. Very few people use this path, and it’s not uncommon to spot chamois or roe deer – keep your eyes peeled! After a pleasant stroll, you’ll find yourself at the entrance to the tunnel. If you’re wondering why anyone would have gone to the trouble of building this impressive structure, the answer is simple: the entire road, including the tunnel, was built to construct an aqueduct to carry water to Belluno. Now get your torches out and continue through the tunnel. Make the most of the openings in the rock to take in the beautiful view outside. Once you’ve come out of the tunnel, you’ll find a fork in the path and a signpost: stay on the 519, which, after a few hairpin bends downhill, takes you to Ponte Mariano. You’ll need to cross the stream; be careful in spring, as there may be a lot of water and it might not be so straightforward! At Ponte Mariano you are roughly halfway through the hike, and it is an excellent spot for a lunch break, admiring the Schiara with the sound of the stream in the background.

Cross the bridge and continue along path 501 on the opposite side of the stream. Shortly after the bridge, you’ll come across a profusion of wild garlic; you’ll certainly recognise it by its scent and the beautiful expanse of white flowers! The path continues with a few ups and downs, offering a very pleasant and scenic walk. There is a short section secured by a metal cable to negotiate; it is neither dangerous nor difficult, but you must pass through quickly due to the risk of falling rocks. Towards the end, the path becomes a forest track again, and you will find the turn-off for the Buson bus.

Take the path that winds its way down, and you will reach the archaeological site in the Ardo Valley. Remains dating back to the Neolithic era have been found here. Now enter the beautiful canyon, formed by white layers of rock (known as biancone, a type of limestone), carved out by the Ardo stream in the past, which later changed course, leaving this marvel accessible on foot. Musical performances are sometimes held in this natural amphitheatre, made special by the unique acoustics of the place. Walk the entire length of the canyon, and on the other side you will find the path that climbs up and takes you back to the main road. From here, it is just a few minutes’ walk back to your cars.

Can I do this at other times of the year?

Yes, you can follow this route at any time of year.

In autumn it’s particularly beautiful thanks to the autumn colours, which turn the woods yellow and red and fill the air with the scent of mushrooms.

In a winter with little snow, the low altitude of this route might allow you to complete it without needing snowshoes.

In summer it’s certainly very, very hot, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

Variants

There are many paths in the area that intersect with this one, so there are plenty of opportunities to extend the walk. The most obvious option is undoubtedly to add the climb to the Settimo Alpini mountain hut from Ponte Mariano. It’s a fairly steep ascent of around 800 metres. Of course, you can also walk the loop in the opposite direction.

Map and route

If you’d like a paper map, I recommend the Tabacco 24 map, ‘Prealpi e Dolomiti Bellunesi’. However, I’d suggest a good mobile app with GPX tracks.

valle dell'Ardo.gpx

Download GPX • 34KB

With the guide

Why take this tour with a guide if you already have all the information? A guide can take you beyond simply admiring the scenery: they can show you, teach you and explain what surrounds us. Which mountain is that? What animals live in the woods? Why are the Dolomites special? The guide will answer your questions and help you discover the history and unique features of the area. In this way, your day in the Dolomites won’t just be a walk but a real experience that you’ll remember forever.

What’s more, the guide can adjust the length and difficulty of the hike on the spot, depending on your needs. If you’re feeling particularly fit that day, or if the hike turns out to be too long, the guide can alter the route to suit how you’re feeling, thanks to their in-depth knowledge of the area. Besides, sometimes it’s nice to just relax without having to think about where to go or how far you’ve got left! The guide will help you choose the right equipment and advise you on where to hire hiking boots and clothing if necessary.

For certain locations, I offer a pick-up service from your hotel. That way, you won’t have to worry about driving, the route or your kit, and you can enjoy the day without a care in the world! To book this or other excursions with me, please visit the TAILOR-MADE EXCURSIONS page.

Disclaimer

This post is based on my own personal experience in the mountains. You may use the information provided and the GPX track at your own risk; I accept no liability. Remember that the mountains are unforgiving.

Before setting off on your own, study the route carefully, check the weather conditions, and ensure you have suitable equipment and clothing. If you are not experienced, do not go alone; contact a guide instead.