Walking in the Lake District ? with a difference

We call this place the 'Lake District' but the Austrians call in the Salzkammergut. This 370 panorama was taken from the top of Sparber peak (1502m) - a limestone tower at the end of the Wolfgangsee.

It was a hot climb up through the forest and alpine pastures. One tick (insect) collected enroute and one major tick (birder) spotted in a clearing in the woods. We put up a small owl which then sat it a tree and shrieked at us so that we could find it and get a really good look at it. It was not in any of my UK bird guides, but was correctly identified on the spot as a 'Pygmy Owl' by total guesswork.

The last part of the climb involved several ladders and exposed 'via-ferrata' cables to ascend the Dolomite-like limestone tower at the top. Not difficult but extremely airy. Excellent fun in dry weather.