5 September

From Oloron-Sainte-Marie the N134 follows the valley d'Aspe gorge to the Spanish border via some spectacular scenery and exits France by way of the Tunnel du Somport all 8.6km (5.3miles) of it, making easy work of the journey, it is also the longest tunnel in the Pyrenees.

By way of contrast the climate on the french side of the tunnel is cold and damp, supporting pasture vegetation and deciduous trees. On exiting the southern side of the tunnel its hello sunny Spain, complete with arid climate and scrub vegetation. So its tee shirts at the ready as the temps climb into the 20's as we descend onto the plain. What a difference a tunnel makes.

French style Pyrenees

Spanish style Pyrenees

Our journey south took us through Aragon via Jaca, Huesca and Zaragoza across the industrial wasteland of ugly mining spoils. However the scenery slowly started to improve and by junction 131 of the A23 we turned west off the motorway and entered the eastern edge of the Sierra de Albarracin. Our destination for the night was at the centre of this area the City of Albarracin, said to be one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.

Albarracin

Cliff hugging houses

Our campstop for the night lacked all facilities including water so be prepared if heading here (N40.410259, W1.428030).