Day 3: Refuge de Plan Sec to Refuge de l’Arpont
Tuesday 11 August 2026, 16km, 750m up, 760m down

It is another warm dry day. Before commencing this adventure, we checked the weather forecast for the coming week and learned that rain +/- thunderstorms were predicted for most days, commencing mid afternoon. So far we have experienced none of the promised rain and the yellowed grasses and dusty dry paths bear testament to the long hot dry summer that the Alps here have experienced so far this year.

Nevertheless, we set off directly after breakfast, in order to complete the 6 hour hike before any rains and to get in the majority before the midday heat. From the photos you can see that the scenery was again spectacular.

The track is always either up or down but the gradient today was mostly gentle, there were no high peaks to summit, and the trail itself was well maintained and clearly defined. At points where rock slips were starting, the track was bolstered with metal stakes or stone blocks.

Much of the time our path wound around hillsides and we could see towns below us and streams cascading down the mountainside. Looking up at one point we could see a glacier high above us – perhaps the source of some of the mountain streams. We also had a lovely view below to the town of Aussois, tucked into a valley with mountains rising around.

We spent more time today looking for wildlife, particularly the marmots that seem to be mostly heard but not seen. Rob finally did spot one fat fellow who was grazing unconcerned by our passing. We have also been watching out for ibex and chamois without success to date. We did see plenty of birds and insects as well as a snake that did not stay around to be photographed.

The picnic lunch provided by Refuge de Plan-Sec was generous, consisting of bread and cheese, individual rice and lentil salads, a cheese scone, an apple, a packet of crisps and a chocolate treat each. We ate the food in stages, savouring each portion and still had plenty to eat after arriving at the Refuge de l’Arpont.

When we completed our registration on arrival, we were told that unfortunately the Refuge has had to turn off the water to the showers as of today because of tge unusually dry conditions. So, no shower, no clothes wash, and we are making do with a wipe over with a damp cloth.