Andorra > From Ransol to Canillo

At breakfast, I meet the fellow travelers again. Everyone has handled the first day well. A few have some small blisters. At half past nine, the bus arrives to take me toward Ransol. The walk begins at the start of the mountain path leading to Vall del Riu. The narrow path immediately climbs steeply. I ascend at a slow, steady pace. The view over the valley is beautiful. In the distance, I can see Soldeu. I’m surprised at how quickly I gain altitude. After about half an hour, at an open meadow, Bert suggests trying a new route. Normally, he would lead travel groups down here before climbing again further along. The alternative route climbs steeply first and then descends to the same point. Everyone is up for the challenge. The path zigzags along the mountainside.

Andorra - Beautiful flowers on the mountain slopes

Because of the rocky terrain, I have to watch carefully where I place my feet. Once I reach the top, I can already see the refugio, which is the planned lunch spot. It’s only half past eleven when I arrive at the refugio. Since it’s still a bit early for lunch, I continue to a nearby waterfall via a narrow goat path. Trees overhang the trail, and I carefully pass under the low branches. At the waterfall, I settle on a rock. I unpack my lunch and enjoy this excellent spot. Today, the weather is beautiful again. Not a single cloud is in the sky. Because I’m hiking higher than yesterday, the temperature is cooler—perfect hiking weather. From the waterfall, I walk back a bit toward the refugio. From there, I descend into the valley. In the distance, I can already see the final destination, Canillo. I walk across meadows covered in flowers. The lower I go, the warmer it becomes. I estimate it’s warmer today than yesterday. At the hamlet of L’Armiana, I reach an asphalt road. I follow the hairpin bends for a few turns to get back onto a hiking path. This path descends steeply, covered with small pebbles, toward the village. I have to watch my step to avoid slipping.

Andorra - Along the way several rock avalanches have to be overcome

I safely reach the village of Canillo. At the Sant Serni de Canillo Church, I enter the old church. The interior is simple but beautiful. At the holy spring next to the church, I splash some water on my face. Afterward, I walk to a terrace in the center. This marks the end of the walk. I order a drink and watch the daily life in Canillo. To return to Soldeu, I rely on the local bus. At the stop, I see it is supposed to run twice an hour. I wait, but the bus does not arrive at the scheduled time. Only twenty minutes later does a bus finally appear. I buy a ticket from the driver. Back in Soldeu, I get off at the hotel. On the terrace, I reflect on another enjoyable day. In the evening, I eat at a restaurant across from the hotel. I order a salmon pizza—an excellent choice. All the dishes are well-received. On the way back to the hotel, I decide to visit the local nightclub for a short while. Inside, it’s fairly quiet, with only a handful of young people at the bar. I order a beer, dance a little, and then call it a night. I return to my hotel.