The long climb on day 31 seemed less demanding. We passed a shepherd going to market with his horse and later the 2000m summer dwelling he shared with his wife. Mist came down before the col but on the steep rocky descent it cleared to reveal the 4000m peaks of Gran Paradiso National Park. For the next 2 days our path stayed mainly high above the Valle dell'Orco, descending for a while to Noasco and the atmospheric abandoned villages nearby. The guidebook warned of neglected paths, deserted hamlets and exceptionally steep climbs on day 33. All were true apart from paths near Sant'Anna chapel, well-cut in anticipation of an imminent pilgrimage. Because there was no accommodation in San Lorenzo or Talosio we took a bus to Ronco Canavese and then walked the road up to Piamprato on day 34. Our demanding climb from there involved a rocky section with chains and scrambling with a much gentler descent to the picturesque hamlets of Valchiusella, famed for their elegant 18th century stone bridges. Day 36 led us through the summer hamlet of Succinto with provisions arriving by cableway and up a final steep climb to the summer pastures of Alpe Chiaromonte where Giorgio served us coffee and liqueurs and sold us cheese. Beyond that lay the final descent to the Valle d'Aosta and our destination, Quincinetto.
To see the photos for week 6 click here

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