Today’s
walk is very local, in fact we see it every day from our balcony. We climb the Carrascal Ridge on the right
and walk along to the Col de Rates on the left.
This
is the most difficult walk we have offered to the Thursday Explorers, and we
were very pleased that 17 joined us for it.
This despite my warning that it was the hardest climb yet.
We
were particularly pleased that Dave and Sue joined us. This walk is very significant for us as it
was the first one we did together. In
May 2006 we four joined the annual Parcent Town Carrascal Ridge Walk. If you select 2006 under My Blog List on the right, and then
label 05 you will see some photos of that walk.
We
met at the Piscina in Parcent. But
before we started the walk, we left cars at the Col de Rates so that we could
finish the walk there.
The
walk downhill, and then along the river, from the Col de Rates to the Piscina
is not difficult, but it does add about 90 minutes to the walk.
Once
more we were fortunate with the weather.
The forecast was a sunny 24c, which if anything is a little hot. Usually it is too cold to sit around for
long, but we would not have that problem today.
By
the time we reached the font everyone was down to shirtsleeves, but all had
managed the first part of the climb without any problems. Unlike our 2006 walk when were all four
shattered due to the fast pace set by the very young, and very fit, Parcent
group.
Our
aim today was to enjoy the walk, so we took a very moderate pace. We also had frequent water stops to allow
everyone to recover.
I
could hear that everyone was talking as we walked, so I was confident that the
pace was about right. The time to worry
is when they all go quiet!
Dave
and Sue run walking holidays, and take out paying groups five times a week
throughout the walking season. So it
always surprises me that when they have a rare break they want to walk for
enjoyment.
It
took us about 90 minutes to reach the iconic banana stop. There
are the most fantastic views of the valley from this rocky outcrop. We have tried to identify it from the house,
but have never managed to do so. We must
raise a flag next time so we can spot it from below.
After
a 20 minute rest we set out on the most difficult part of the walk, the climb
to the ridge. This part is very steep
and unrelenting. It is one of those
walks where you just have to keep going with one step at a time, and try not to
look up and see how far you are from the top.
There are a couple of level sections between the climb, and again we had
a water break to allow everyone to catch up and recover
It
is a great relief to reach the top and amble along to our lunch stop
We
often have to find shelter from a cold wind to have our picnic, but not
today. The warm sun and cool breeze
meant we could take advantage of good seating and a great view to eat our
sandwiches.
At
this time of year there is often a thick haze, which softens the view. I love the effect, but it does not make for
clear or sharp photographs
Some had an even better picnic site to enjoy the views
The
walk along the ridge is on a quite good path, but not one that is always easy
to find. It is signed with yellow and
white, but they seem to be positioned for walking the other way.
This
is a walk where you have to watch where you put your feet. But we had frequent water stops to enjoy the
views.
The observations towers and aerials mark the end of the ridge, and the start
of the long winding road down to the Col de Rates
It is nice to be able to step out on a good road, and to be able to
enjoy the views. But it does go on for
a long time, and weary feet start to complain
A
very welcome cold drink at the Piscina bar was a fitting end to our
challenging, but very enjoyable walk. A
group of squirrels in the surrounding trees also provided us with an unexpected
floor show.
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