Martigny and the start of the Alps
The first of three days of serious uphill. We had a very good breakfast at the B&B and set off at 8.30.
Martigny sits at the foot of the valley that runs up the pass. The walk into Martigny took us through orchards and small farms.
We entered the town over a wooden bridge below the castle. It is another busy place with lots of cafes, shops and people going about their business. We met a St. Bernard puppy called June.
We were again surprised by just how multicultural and youthful Switzerland is. We got a stamp at the very helpful tourist office and bought some warm layers for the mountain, just in case.
Today's date: 22.6.20
Weather: sunny but with a cool breeze
Steps: 40,200
Distance: 27.69 km
Climbing: 1445 m
The climb out of Martigny was tough. It was both steep and narrow with lots of zigzags that made you feel you had lost the trail. After the first up and down we crossed the river by a suspension bridge that moved alarmingly as you crossed.
We stopped for a snack at Bovernier. The bar wasn't busy and we had a good chat with the host about life in Switzerland. She even had a stamp, so it was a great pitstop.
There were few, if any, crosses by the lake, but they have reappeared today.
The via between Bovernier and Sembrancher was really tough and by far the most difficult we have encountered. The trail was really no more than yellow paint on a series of rocks. It took us 90 minutes to do 3km and with 15km more to Orsieres it seemed like we would be finishing in the dark.
Fortunately the path became easier after Sembrancher. There was a really tough climb out of town, but the path was well marked and maintained. We could see up the next valley to Verbier.
The valley turns a corner at Sembrancher and becomes wider, more cultivated and open.
The via runs high up on one side of the valley and passed a field full of roses and other wildflowers.
On the road into Orsieres we passed a business that sold tractors. They had an old David Brown / Aston Martin tractor alongside the newer machines.
Terminus Hotel - Orsieres
It seems appropriate that having been photo bombed by trains so often, we are in a hotel opposite the station. It's a busy place with a restaurant and bar. Mrs M had Rosti for supper. We really want a fondue before we leave Switzerland.
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