During July, GWCT's Dr Louise de Raad is spending two weeks of unpaid leave to hike Tour Du Mont Blanc, one of the most famous long-distance treks in the world, totalling 170km. She hopes to raise enough funds to help improve facilities at our Auchnerran Demonstration Farm in Scotland.
Louise has sent the following update:
Day 4: Refugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur.
After a super fun evening with people I met in the Refugio (and possibly a few too many glasses of wine) it was great not to have to pack up a tent or get breakfast ready. I had a great big breakfast with much needed multiple litres of tea and I was ready early in the morning and feeling strong.
It was a short 16km day and to make for a change, it wasn’t a climb today that was the challenge (a short 580m), instead it was the monstrous descent (1,550m) into Courmayeur that was very hard on my legs and knees. I must say that I am really grateful for all the training I did over the past few months or I would have struggled. I did consider taking the cable cart down, but that would have been cheating!!
I am unsure how the views keep getting more beautiful, but today was so absolutely breathtaking, I got quite overwhelmed. The trail included a high pont at Mont Favre spur (2430m), opposite Mont Blanc, while opening up views into Val Veni valley.
I now have a rest day and the luxury of a hotel, before pushing on for the remaining 7 days of the trail!
A roman road leaves the Refugio and the wee streams were amazing and so clear!
It’s just such a wonderful time of year to see all the flowers
Mont Blanc to the left
I choose a muddy lac full of tadpoles to have a wonderful refreshing swim in!
So many of these butterflies
Streets of the village of Dolonne
Room with a view!
Simply breathtaking!