Our first trip out from the campsite and we wanted to go somewhere we hadn’t been before on our last trip. My Wild Swimming guide said Lago di Ledro was one of the finest swimming lakes in the area and as it was only 30 minutes away we thought we’d see what it was like.
Well, as you can see it was absolutely stunning, easily the equal of Lago di Garda and very much quieter.
We actually visited on two occasions. As we loved it so much we went back for another visit when the Prof was with us. The photos in the post are mix bag from both visits.
On our first visit, the forecast was very mixed with Thunderstorms on their way. We had no idea how long we’d have before a soaking but the weather was fine and a little cloudy when we arrived and actually improved as the day went on.
We found a really nice parking and picnic area away from the local villages with a lovely lakeside path.
The water was a stunning and crystal clear turquoise blue
Possibly the clearest water I’ve ever swum in.
We found some rocks around the shore to sit on and swim from.
It looked like the water would be icy cold but it was a perfect temperature.
The Prof enjoying a bit of snorkelling.
A resident duck and family passing through.
It was stunning and idyllic spot and we were immediately in love with the place.
A view across to what looked like a very nice campsite and the larger public grassy area and beach, also very fine.
Panorama looking south across the lake.
I took numerous photos and despite the fact they are all of similar views across the lake took me a while to filter down to an acceptable number.
TBF enjoying lunch at the campsite bar.
More views of the mountains across the lake.
More views of that stunning clear water. How I could do with a swim there right now!
Just above the car park there was a cycle path running a little higher up. The views from up here was just as grand, giving a new perspective on this beguiling stretch of water.
Its another of those places to file under “why is its not better known”
Panorama from the cycle path above the lake.
On our first visit we lunched at the campsite bar but second time we packed a lavish picnic of goodies from the Deli at the local supermarket. Lunches don’t get better than this.
On both visits we took a second swim from the very narrow beach just below the picnic area.
More joy to be had swimming in such deep clear waters with a backdrop of forested mountains.
I think you can tell we quite liked it here!
TBF poses for the money shot.
She’s many times more photogenic than I am!
TJF came down to join us on the second day.
It would be a great place to spend a few days betagthough its a bit cut off from the main sights and practicalities of Lago di Garda, shops and such like.
Right up there with my favourite places and that’s without having explored the rest of the shoreline or the stunning mountains that form the surrounding skyline.
You want more Italian lakes? Next post will satisfy that wish.
Onwards to our main destination. No surprise that we loved Lago di Garda so much that we decided on a second visit back to the same part of the lake and the same campsite. It was just the three of us for the first week but the Prof joined us for the second week
I don’t think I could ever tire of this view.
On our first morning it was a joy to see it again.
On our previous trip we had several long days away from the campsite so this year we vowed to spend more time in our local spot.
Sun-drenched selfie.
It was significantly hotter than last year so lazing on the beaches nearby and taking many swims was the order of the day(s).
Just lazing about and swimming with these views was always a pleasure especially at 36C!
TBF soaks up the afternoon sun.
Looking back towards where our campsite is. This small beach is about a 5 minute walk away and made for a nice change of scene. Other than the windsurf school it was always quieter than the campsite beach.
Long view down the the lake was another favourite.
Sunrise colours. We took a swim every morning before breakfast when the water was calm and the beach deserted other than the collection of various types of duck and a few geese and swans. They were always a delight to share the beach with and were very friendly and used to the people around.
Early morning wind-surfer.
Our pitch on the campsite.
And a view of our home from the toilet block balcony
This year we also made a habit of heading down to the beach in the evening. Mainly for an evening swim to cool off before bed.
It was always very quiet and peaceful and I came to enjoy it as much as the morning swims.
These two trees always made for a fine photo subject.
Night-time on the beach.
We spent plenty of time on the water as well as in it. Both in the kayak and the Paddle Board
TJF enjoyed just floating around on the inflatable ring.
Always quieter out on the water.
And gives a different perspective of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Further afield on foot we developed some regular outings. This on the way to Torbole, looking out over the lake from the bridge over the Sarca River.
And inland towards the mountains.
It was a regular afternoon post lunch outing for an ice cream.
This cute little family of white-breasted ducks were always around. The water-fowl become like regulr friends on our little walks around.
Our happy family enjoying the view.
One of our favourite spots was this set of steps built for the scuba diving school. In the morning before the wind turns and comes up the lake its wonderfully calm and clear and very quiet.
We had a favourite rock to sit on and just paddle, swim, chat and generally relax. We came here several times.
Happy family.
The Prof enjoys a swim.
View towards Riva.
Across to the mountains that tower over the lake.
We came back for an evening swim here a couple of times.
TJF enjoys the evening cooler air.
The night-time views gave a different perspective on those classic views.
The other worldly light of night divers exploring the lake.
We took a few wanders into Riva del Garda both for lunch and evening meal.
The main square and church tower.
The other towns around the lake are very busy with tourists but Riva for some reason is always quiet in the daytime. It comes alive more in the evening.
The ferry harbour.
Superb views across the lake to Monte Baldo
One of the gateways into the old town.
Evening views across to the mountains behind.
And along the lake.
And a night-time shot of the yacht harbour. Happy memories of a relaxing time at this most fabulous Lake playground.
I spend alot of my time surfing the web looking for ideas on places to go, walking routes, travel ideas and tips to plan the perfect holiday or day out. (I'm a project manager I like to plan). I thought it was time to share my own experiences and contribute to the vast amounts in information that's already out there.
I'll also add in some gear and tech reviews and when something irks me I may even use this forum to have a rant - I do that pretty well I'm told.There are a few pages at the top that give a bit of background to what I like to get up to and what you can expect to see in my posts. I'm not exactly a creative writer but I hope some people will find my stuff useful or inpsiring or at least enjoy some of my photos.
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