Col du Somport

 

As some of you who know me, there is nothing better than a good walk up a big hill. Some years ago I crossed the Pyrenees from St Jean Pied de Port. That was a good day in perfect weather. And this time the hill is the crossing of the Pyrenees at the Col du Somport. To avoid the forecast day of rain I cut a day of walking out of the schedule and so the bus 15 km from Accous

to Urdos

Then the beginning of 1,000 m of climbing to the Col du Somport.

The maps indicated the 2nd half would be strenuous. Whilst it was, the first half was arduous with variable track conditions and grades, whilst the 2nd half was one of the great sections of walking.

And then the top (the road and abandoned border crossing) somewhat underwhelming 

Spain, downhill for a while.

To the day's destination of Canfranc Estacion. The ghost town with its also ghost of a long disused and over-built station

Uphill of the station is the abandoned rail tunnel to France