Susa, steeped in history, was a perfect base for a rest day. An important Roman settlement on a major route in to France it maintained its importance through the middle ages into modern times and has many fine buildings. Beyond Susa we entered the next mountain massif, the Graian Alps. On the steep 4-hour climb on day 26 a group of wild boar rushed across our path but once at the refuge below Rocciamelone we enjoyed panoramic views towards Turin, warmth, sunshine and the excellent hospitality of Caterina. We knew the next 4 days would be hard, each with big steep climbs and descents so we set off early on Day 27 to delight in the high-level walk to Croce di Ferro and a paved mule track down to a remote lake and Usseglio. Day 28's climb was relentless and sometimes exposed but compensated by spectacular scenery. It was followed by a long, rocky, lake and waterfall-strewn descent. After an early valley walk day 29 was a repeat of the previous day with the added challenge of low cloud and fog from time to time. On this descent we both fell but with no serious damage and the guide book's exposed descent to Pialpetta was far less difficult than feared! 3 really hard days led us to take an unscheduled rest day allowing us to explore at leisure the many attractions of the upper Val Grande as far as the roadhead of Forno Alpi Graie. To see the photos for week 5 click here

Route5 - Accommodation5 - Photos Cols - Photos Accommodation - Photos Panoramas - 6 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1