Jim's Arco trip   Italy - 2005
In May 2005 my family and I returned to live in England after 14 years in Australia. Always keen to climb somewhere new, we chose to break our return journey with a holiday in the Southern Dolomites of Italy. The Northern Dolomites looked better for long routes, but would of been affected by snow in May. We decided on Arco as a base, because it has 1000's of routes at all grades on impeccable limestone. The routes are generally bolted, but some of the multi-pitch routes recommend taking a small rack.
There are also many Via Ferrattas, ruined castles, mountain bike trails and walks to enjoy. Arco was the perfect base, providing a fine mix of climbing and Via Ferrattas with great food and Italian hospitality.
For the last week, two of our friends flew over from Newcastle. This enabled Diane and I to rotate childminding with climbing and Ferrattas. Both our kids where able to do a couple of the easiest Ferrattas. Here are a few of the photos we took with a brief description.
The first five pictures are of a fifteen pitch route called Via Rita on the Placce Zebratte slabs. The next eight photos are of an easy Ferratta that starts on the edge of town. It is called Sentiero dei Colodri and goes at 2A.  It involves 315 metres of ascent. It has great views of the Arco castle (1000 years old).
I have put in a couple of shots of my son Ewan bouldering at the base of this Ferratta while the others went up it. Note my attentive spotting!
There was a very good Ferratta called Ferratta Sentiero Altrezzato, which involved travelling through a canyon. Totally artificial, no handholds. Just metal, not too hard, but came with a health warning to not do it, if it was going to rain. See the two shots to the right.
The best one for the kids was a link of two Ferrattas , we spent all day on them. We had to short rope Ewan as he was only three. Some of the drops were a couple of hundred feet.
This Ferratta had stunning views over the olive groves of the area and all the way back to Arco. It was a very hot day and we had to keep stopping for lots of rests and chocolate.
The last four pictures are of the well known roadside slabs of Punto Corno di Bo. They are not too steep, but being limestone, they are very slippery. Luckily the bolts are never very far away. They have the added advantage of being next to Lake Garda, so you can go for a cooling swim after.
The other feature of this crag is the tunnel for the busy road that runs by. The tourists take great delight at sounding the horns and shouting at you as they drive past.  I can recommend Arco, as anyone who has been to Italy will know the locals are very friendly. This destination is also good in winter, being to the South, but may be too hot in Summer! Cheers Jim.