The military road

The start of the climb is shared with many many other cyclists who are heading up the col du Galibier - at speed and unladen. This is a col we did in 2020. When we climbed it before we spotted another mountain track that looked intriguing. Its an old military road that heads up to 2500m and we hope that we can then use a footpath over the col to reach a hut and track on the far side (tomorrow).
The military road is steep and bumpy and its tough to keep going. But we keep at it, round hairpin after hairpin, crossing the odd military truck on our way. After the first pass, there is a secluded military encampment, then more rough track until finally a beautiful high valley with lakes. And lots of flat space for camping. It turns out we are not alone in wanting to camp high. By the time we turn in, there are another dozen tents from walkers and one other set of cyclists beside the lake.Read more