Day 4a Hochweißsteinhaus to Refugio Marinelli

After crossing the exposed scree below the Refugio Lambertenghi Romanin, the Stage 4a embarks upon a sustained stretch of cable and ladder assisted walking known as the Sentiero Spinotti.  Nervous walkers or walkers without a head for heights should avoid this stage but if neither of these qualifications apply, the walk is a delight.  It is a popular excursion for Italians and if it's a sunny Saturday in August expect to share the experience with others.  If you have walked from the Hochweißsteinhaus, had lunch at the Wolayerseehütte, it will probably be mid to late afternoon before you start, the light could be perfect and the views excellent.  The climb comes in two parts.  The first part is the toughest and most exposed and involves an almost constant use of cables – cables that are well maintained and in excellent condition.  Next, comes a long and easy walk around a huge bank of scree before a final cable assisted climb to a rocky platform.  Although all the hard work is done there is still another hour's walking before arriving at the wonderful Refugio Marinelli.