Overland to Spain 2010: Vall de Núria

Today, we visited the Vall de Núria and took a trip on the mountain rack railway. Known locally as the Cremallera (rack), the railway uses normal adhesion working on the more level parts of the railway, and switches to a rack system for the steeper sections.

The railway starts at Ribes de Freser, which is small town about 45 minutes' drive from where we were staying. The line climbs up the valley stopping briefly at Queralbs, before continuing to the terminus at Vall de Núria. It's about 8 miles long and takes about 35 minutes each way.

At this time of year, the train is packed with day trippers, tagging along for the ride, and wanting to spend a few hours in the mountains. The train tags along at relatively slow speed for the first few miles before slowing down briefly to pick up the rack rail. From thereon, its a fairly noticeable, stiff climb for the remainder of the journey. The views from the train are magnificant - if you're heading up the valley, sit on the right side for the best views. Those seated on the left get little more than cliffs and a rockface for most of the journey!

Once at Vall de Nuria (6400ft), there is a ski resort, and a large hotel and sanctuary. The hotel offers accommodation to skiers and hikers, and anyone wanting to get away from it all. Whilst the surroundings are very beautiful, it is rather isolated, and you'd need to be quite dedicated to outdoor activities to want to stay there for any length of time. At €21 return per person, the railway back down to Ribes de Freser is not exactly cheap, if you want to touch base with civilisation!