I am planning to walk the AV1 in the summer and then try a few via ferrata routes around Belluno. It doesn't look like there is much in the way of cheaper accomodation around Belluno, and although there are a number of routes in the Cicerone guide, I wonder if you can rent gear there or up in the refuge 7th (name?) above Belluno. Any ideas on accomodation and suggestions for routes around Belluno that are easily accessible on public transport would be great. Would I be better to take transport to Cortina, where guidebooks say you can rent via ferrata equipment?
I don't think Cortina would be much cheaper and although you can rent most gear there it's not half as beautiful as Belluno. Are you flying in to Venice? There's a fast train service to Belluno and the Dolomites generally have decent public transport. You can also hire bikes to get around.
Sorry I can't be more helpful; I know the Northern Dolomites better but most of the regions, Venetia, have websites and there's usually ferrata info on them. Certainly the Cortina one has a lot.
drove down from Corvara for a daunder round the town. Very lovely place and setting but having the car meant I could carry as much gear, (and wine) as I wanted; none of your scabby cheapair ten kilos.
I'm not sure if you have gone already we did the AV1 in July of 07. there is a bus from venice to cortina and then you can get a connector to dobbiaco. there is a bus to lago de Braises to the start.
I'm not sure about cheap accomodations when I go with my wife we go midrange.
