The TMB - Day 7 - June 12th - Along the Swiss Val Ferret

I went over the Grand Col Ferret at about 8am on this gloriously sunny morning. There were tremendous views in both directions ..

Looking back along the Italian Val Ferret from the Grand Col

Looking forward into Switzerland with mist laying in the valley. The two prominent 'big' mountains ahead are Cervino 4478 m, and Monta Rosa 4634 m.

The long descent took me down to the valley road, and into the village Ferret, and a little further-on La Fouly.  Luckily I bought my supplies before the small supermarket closed for a long lunchbreak - from 12 until 3pm! Below the village, the trail followed the river down the valley through open forest, and superb scenery.

There were meadows of wild flowers and many different butterflies to be seen. I think (though not 100% sure) that these are Heath Fritillary ...

Alcon Blue ..

and Pearl-bordered Fritillary ..

High cliffs towered above ..

After a couple of hours of enjoyable walking through the forest, the trail crossed over a huge lateral moraine wall - the "Crête de Saleina" ridge - apparently left behind by a glacier of the same name. At the foot of the moraine wall, began a series of villages along the lower valley. I went through Praz de Fort and Les Arlaches where there were many traditional old  timber buildings.

Above the village of Issert, between the hills, I caught my first glimpse of the day's destination - Champex - a cruel 450 metre climb from the valley. Ouch!

Buildings and shrines along the main street through Issert.