Shepherds cabins are found throughout the Pyrénéan mountains where herds once grazed. Whether ruined or restored, they are a delightful feature of any walk and a historic link to lost communities.
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Best Walks in the Ariège: Port de Salau, Ariège, France (August 2024)
The Port de Salau has been used as a crossing point between Spain and France for centuries. The lowest col in the Ariège, it is the site of a yearly pujada when the different nationalities meet to cement their friendship.
Continue readingA Walk in the Ariège – the Mine du Bulard, Ariège, France (July 2024)
The Mine du Bulard has had many names. Today it is often called the Machu Picchu du Biros for its spectacular knife edge ruins which lie under the forbidding face of the Mail de Bulard …
Continue readingWalking the GR10 in the Ariège, France (13 – Étang de Bassiès – > Marc)
This is only a short section as it is stunningly beautiful and it is worth lingering along the lakes if there is time. A balcony path provides some relief after a steep descent.
Continue readingBest Walks in the Ariège: Mont Fourcat, Ariège, France (August 2024)
Le Mont Fourcat is a rather nondescript rounded peak but what it lacks in grandeur, it gains from its stunning 2,001 m summit views. Throw in a cloud inversion and it becomes quite magical.
Continue readingWalking the GR10 in the Ariege (12 – Aulus→ Étangs de Bassiès)
Old tracks from Aulus lead to the busy Coumebière intersection, and onto the fabulous lakes and mountains scenery of Bassies.
Continue readingRoquefixade: Exploring the Village and Castle, Ariège, France (July 2024)
A serendipitous glimpse in passing caused us to detour and led to a pleasant afternoon exploring the castle and village of Roquefixade.
Continue readingTravelling to Europe with Horses – Post Brexit! (October 2022 – Revised 2024)
I have done it before and I have now done it post Brexit – and the halcyon days of flitting gaily in and out of Europe with horses are now gone. Grit your teeth and be prepared to battle with reams of paperwork!
Continue readingClaudius Cap de Blanc, a very singular artist. Ariège, France (September 2022)
Mad genius or mountain desecrator? The jury’s out but Claudius Cap de Blanc’s work is nothing if not original. He has certainly left his mark on the Ariège.
Continue readingWalking the GR10 in the Ariège , France (11. St Lizier d’Ustou – > Aulus les Bains)
A very long day if you do this one straight through! There is a steep climb to the Col d’Escots and then a long, rough hike around the mountain to Aulus, with some lovely waterfalls en route.
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