The haystack

Today's walk was particularly bucolic. It was slower and easier than usual with stops for a mid morning break and a lunchtime picnic. The distance was only about 7kms. The cumulative ascent was 458 metres but the gain in altitude only about 300 metres so there were plenty of little ups and downs which is nicer than an unrelenting slog of a climb. We followed the Rotja river valley with the rushing water always within sight and sound and there was plenty of dappled shade. This traditional haystack is assembled high above the village on a remote field and left so that the isards can graze on it in winter.