A lovely downhill section of the GR10, zig zagging through ferns on the open hillside and then into a beautiful beech forest to the quiet Orle valley.

 

The view from the Col de l’Arech at 1,802 m stretches right back to the Serre d’Araing, but that is left behind as the route drops gently down to the Cabane de l’Arech at 1,638 m. Mont Valier is now the feature mountain on the skyline.

This area has two cabins: the old traditional stone one is open to hikers and is nice and spacious inside. It now even has the benefit of a solar light and a plug socket so you can charge your mobile –  a rare luxury indeed. Outside, there is a sink, working tap and a mirror.

Attached to one side is a new cabin built a couple of years ago for the resident shepherd and for once some effort has been made to incorporate a new construction into the landscape: it is low and has an earth roof and actually blends in quite well.

Yannik is very friendly and happy to fill passing hikers in on details of the pastoral lifestyle. He has a cat too, so that’s double marks in my book!

After a brief walk down on the cabane road, the GR10 bears off to the right and starts to descend steeply down the hillside amidst tall ferns and heather. After multiple zig zags, it finally enters the trees and after a cool stream levels off a little.

The walking is now through the lovely tall trees of a beech forest, the dead golden leaves underfoot providing a welcome respite for one’s feet. The path wends its way down to a junction near the valley floor; if you bear right here, a short 10 minute walk will bring you to the Cabane des Grauilles with a nice view in a grassy clearing. This is another overnight stop option and has the usual fireplace and attic sleeping space.

Otherwise, bear left at the junction and you soon reach the Grauilles footbridge at 1,081 m from where you could easily find a camp near the stream in the valley. It is also a good place to catch your breath if you are continuing on, as the route will soon be climbing again.

From the bridge it continues down the valley, over a stream and onto a junction near the Flouquet ruins at 1,050 m. Soon after the track enters the trees then heads off uphill again for the start of another long climb.

Ascent: 0 m

Descent: 752 m

Time: 1.45 hours