Vallferrera to Arinsal

3 september 2022

Today has been one of my best days yet; I felt fit, strong and motivated to do the distance and terrain.

I decided to set of at 07:00 as there were heavy rain clouds hanging in the sky and I had no idea how that would effect the day.

Walking up the valley from the refuge was beautiful and varied - and seeing the unmanned refuge ahead in front of the high mountains reassured me that there was somewhere safe to retreat to if the weather turned. I joined a group of Spanish hikers inside this tin hut, suspended on the end of the ridge. A cozy walk option if it turned to rain.

I pushed on and set off up the steepest climb yet; over boulders and scree to a peak that takes you into Andorra. I was so thrilled to get to the top of the climb and know that I had finished all the tricky bits on the trek.

Heading down hill has easy; the path passes lakes and then reaches a refuge for a cup of tea.

I decided to carry on down the the ski resort of Arinsal. It's very strange to hear music in the bars and have cars passing my window. I'm reminded of how popular this area must be with Brits, as English is spoken in most places and my dreadful Spanish is now obsolete.