We had originally planned a 8.5 to 9 hour day over three high cols (including one over 2900 metres) and Pic du Malrif (2906 metres). However, because we were both a bit weary and the guidebook advised that it would be particularly difficult following heavy rain, which we had last night, we decided on plan... Continue Reading →

We had a better nights' sleep in our single beds, after a lovely meal and a litre of wine, enjoying the company of various French people, including a young couple who spoke good English, who slept in the upper section of our bedroom. John was excited to have toast for brekkie, rather than plain bread,... Continue Reading →

I don't think any of us slept well last night. The room was stuffy and we took it in turns to go to the loo. Therefore, we were up early for breakfast and, when we set off, there was still frost on the ground. It was lovely and peaceful and we had the paths to... Continue Reading →

We had a long, hard day today with nearly 1400 metres of ascent over 20 kilometres. We left at 7.40 and set off up to Col Agnel (2744 metres) on the border of France and Italy. After enjoying the views, we began a long descent to Granges del Rio (2000 metres), stopping for a coffee... Continue Reading →

We stayed in Refuge Agnel for a second night so we could climb another 3000 metre mountain, Pain du Sucre. We rose at 6.45 for breakfast at 7.15 after a disturbed night's sleep, not unexpected for our first night at altitude. Also, I'd drunk so much water to make sure I didn't get dehydrated, that... Continue Reading →

Excited for the first day of our trek, we got up at 6.45, locked and moved the van to the place where we'd been told we could leave it, put our rucksacks on and left the campsite. We walked to Mont Dauphin station to get the 8.30 bus to St Veran, stopping to visit the... Continue Reading →