TMB day 2: Ferret to Rifugio Walter Bonatti

After a hot night and bread and jam for breakfast, we left the refuge in the mist, walking steadily uphill. The ascent to the Col de Ferret was long … it’s the highest col on the main TMB route… but worth it when the mist parted to give glimpses of stunning views.

At the col we crossed From Switzerland into Italy and the route dropped steeply downhill to refuge Elena for delicious cake and thick hot chocolate. There were lots of Italians out for the day, as well as other TMB walkers. The mist gradually cleared, giving great views over the Mont Blanc range.

After a walk along the valley, we climbed again steeply, then followed a balcony path which crossed lots of streams. Finally we could see Rifugio Bonatti in the distance, and arrived about an hour later.

We were in two 3-bed dormitories so I was with Anne and Rob. The showers were freezing cold and, after we recovered from the shock, we played cards and had dinner… the main course was omelette with potato and carrot, which was rather disappointing! They must have run out of supplies!

Walk stats: 18 kilometres, 1276 metres ascent, 6 hours 26 minutes.