France

The earliest train back arrived at 13:20 so, although the Bésines hostel  was only three hours away, it was later in the day than I would have liked. Inevitably this was one of only two days on the Haute Route that I got caught in a thunderstorm.

The Lac des Bouillouses is another reservoir, in this case supplying electricity for the Petit Train Jaune. This rack railway serves many possible trailheads for the GR10 and HRP.

After the Bouillouses the Haute Route crosses Têt valley, passing through forest and pasture, skimming along the side of lakes.

 

The Cerdagne plateau was the subject of much discussion when the Pyrenees were divided between France and Spain. The final compromise included leaving one village, Llivia, in Spain although all the surrounding land was French.

Despite the clouds, no rain fell that day.

Spain

I haven’t managed to find any detailed information about the events which led to the erection of the nine crosses. But this area is known for torbs, whiteout snowstorms which disorientate shepherds and walkers alike.

One of the first Catalan hostelswas built at Ulldeter (meaning the source of the River Ter). This hostel replaced it in 1959.

From now on grass takes over the landscape (mostly).

France