After a lift in the Dantercepies Gondola, the hike begins at around 2300 metres.

Looking back to the east over Val Gardena with the distinctive Santer and Scilliar in the distance beyond Alpe di Siusi.

A gentle descent to Jimmy's hut from where the path steepens to Passo Cir.

Looking south to the magnificent Sella Group.

To the east more Dolomites beyond Corvara.

The col at Passo Gardena is dwarfed by the Sella Group; amazingly there are paths through the massif.

The path weaves up through typical Dolomite spires.

Paths are well marked with the occassional feature.

Looking back over the ascent.

The path drops down a little before climbing again to Passo Crespiena.

Looking back to Passo Cir.

At Passo Crespiena there is an evocative sculptured crucifix.

At the ridge the high vista is revealed...

...with Rifugio Puez in the distance just visible in the low point on the skyline.

It was a hot day and having run out of water I decided not to press on to Rifugio Puez but instead take a short cut to drop into the valley of Vallunga. The decision point was at the col of Ciampeijoch. The views from here were breathtaking. This is the view to the south east towards Corvara.

To the north west is a steep descent into Vallunga, the path quickly disappears from view.

It's difficult to show the gradient, sufficient to say that walking poles proved invaluable for grip on the loose surface. However, there were the occassional markers on the zig zag path.

Looking back after reaching the valley bottom it's difficult to believe there's a path up there.

Drinking water trough with carving in Vallunga.

Vallunga is a classic glacial carved valley with sides that reach up to the heavens, especially notable at the entrance from Selva.

The pictures can't capture the scale of the Valley sides.