The route started with approximately a 6km walk alongside the river on a cycle track. We made rapid progress to the village of Mortschach where the climbing started. The track was initially along forest roads and there were impressive views in both directions along the valley. We then started on a section of path that led straight up the slope through the trees. This was hard work, and it took us 30 minutes to go one kilometre, but with a significant gain in height. The track finally turned to go along the hillside, climbing gradually, including some staircases built along the cliff. We finally reached the top, and walked a couple of kilometres to reach our night’s accommodation. We sat in the sunshine and asked if there was any cake, but the reply was no. The girl then asked us if we were on half board (we were) and asked us what we wanted, either schnitzel or sausage. We replied, assuming we were pre-ordering our evening meal, the time was about 4pm. About 5 minute later soup arrived, closely followed by our main courses. A German couple explained that the kitchen closed at 6pm, and that this was our evening meal. We enjoyed the food in the sunshine, then went in to explore our accommodation. We had a bedroom to ourselves, but it seemed that everyone shared the bathroom and toilets. The duvets were extra thick, there were spare blankets, and there was a large supply of hot water bottles in the bathroom. We went back outside and chatted to other people who were walking, finally retreating inside as the sun set. We didn’t need the hot water bottles, and had a reasonable breakfast before setting off the following morning.
