Independent walks during the 4 seasons

Offering you a wonderful location, from where you can experience the grandeur and beauty of the Ariége mountains, lakes, meadows and valleys, through spring, summer, autumn and even winter. We are able to offer you accommodation from which you can design "self guided" independent walking holidays. Be it a smaller hiking trail for a few hours, a days walk or staying overnight in one of the many mountain "cabanes" or refuges.  Our aim is for you to explore & savour the wildlife, nature and fauna, whilst you walk at your leisure to suit your ability, without having to be "ushered" along by a guide. We can provide you with maps and suggest walks from the door, including joining the pilgrim route - "The Way of Saint James" www.ariege.com/cheminstjacques/info.html absorbing the charm of the local valley & its villages, or head higher up to the summits, crisscrossing major hiking routes such as the GR10 and the HRP. We are at hand to give you information and advice on routes, starting points, difficulty, duration, water sources, flora/fauna and any local amenities, having enjoyed the walks ourselves.  We are passionate about the outdoors and the local area, we would like to share it with you.

Each day, packed lunches may be provided for you to enjoy on the hillsides, €8 per person.

Ascending Pic de la Calabasse 2210m A group of friends, facing north to the Vallée de la Bellongue. Ascending the north ridge of Pic de la Calabasse, to arrive at its summit of 2210m with breathtaking 360° views of the valleys of the Ariege to the north, & to the south the French & Spanish Pyrénéan mountains (approx 2hrs). The ridge walk continues, heading east, to return to l'Ancienne Bergerie via the lower slopes of La Tour de Biros. approx 9hrs. (photo taken August)	Tuc de Papon 1080m Following the forest tracks above the village of Galey, situated 10 mins by foot above L'Ancienne Bergerie. There are many marked walking routes through the forest and higher slopes of the vallée de la Bellongue. Varying walking times from 1hr to 7hr circuits. (photo taken November)
Le Puech 1669m Arriving at Le Puech summit, and looking south to Pic de Pale de Rase 2116m, a circular walk via Col de la Bène Approx 3.5 hrs circular. You can extend the walk along the open wide ridge & open pastures, to reach the Pic de Pale de Rase. Having started the walk at an altitude of 1069m at Col de Portet d'Aspet. Return walk approx 8hrs (Photo taken March/April).	East ridge Pic de la Calabasse 2210m A rewarding view of the French & Spanish Pyrénées, continuing the walk from the summit Pic de la Calabasse, following the east ridge to return to L'Ancienne Bergerie. Approx 7hrs (photo taken June)
Port d'Orle 2318m A walk through the lower meadows, where the Mérens horses graze in the summer months. The path rises up to the Port d'Orle 2318m, arriving at the frontier of France & Spain. Return walk approx 8hrs. (photo taken July)	Winter Raquetting Raquetting below the Pic de la Calabasse, enjoy the circular walk of the "sentier de decouverture", discovering animal tracks in the fresh mountain air. Approx 3-4hrs. (photo taken January)
GR10 Tour de Biros/ Pic de L'Har 2425m The walk commences at the head of the Vallée du Biros, from the parking/Gite d'étape at 957m. There are several variations of the walk, depending on seasonal conditions and fitness. A circular walk following the GR10, discovering the ancient slate mines & "Étang d'Araing" via Pic de L'Har, or continuing higher to Pic de Crabere 2629m & the frontier, returning the same way. There are several "Cabines" en-route, which can be used as over night refuges. Approx 7-9 hrs (photo taken September/October)	Étang d'Araing GR10 Situated south west of the Pic de Crabère 2629m, at the frontier of France/Spain. Étang d'Araing is at an altitude of 1909m, the "dammed" lake covers an area of 33ha and has a depth of 25m, serving water to the river Lez, which flows through the market town of Saint Girons. (photo taken September/October)

If you would like our company, we may accompany you, but please be aware we are not qualified guides.