This section of the GR10 in the Ariege, France, drops down to the green waters of Etang de Bethmale, then has a steep climb to Col de la Core. Various gites beckon, or the delights of the old town of Seix.
From the Col d’Auedole and the Clot-d’Eliet cabin, the GR10 drops down just over 600 m to the Etang de Bethmale at 1,060 m. After cutting over a forest track a couple of times, the final approach to the lake is through nice old beech forest.
This lake can be approached by road, so gets quite busy. It is especially popular with fishermen and is a beautiful dark green colour, nestling amidst the forest.
This mushroom laden forest continues to almost the top of your next climb, the Col de la Core at 1,395 m. There is a road here and there are usually people around, including cyclists catching their breath.
(I should mention here that there is an alternative route from the Col d’Auedole to the Col de la Core which avoids the steep descent to the Etang de Bethmale and the subsequent climb up to the Col. It follows the hillside round to a little stream and has a gentle descent to the col through an attractive beech forest. It actually appears to be the preferred route in the more modern guide books).
The GR10 now drops down the valley in a fairly straight line on an easy path. Passing down through the cattle pastures, you reach the Cabane de Tariolle, a large well kept cabin which is open for use. It is often used as a stop by those following the Chemin de la Liberte, one of the routes used during World War 2 to smuggle escapees, such as downed airmen, across the Pyrenees to Spain and safety.
Some old barns are found to your left as you descend further and are worth a look if you like atmospheric ruins; one is still partially furnished with a wooden bed.
The path narrows and winds round the hillside to Estbintz at 810 m where there is the characterful Gite d’Esbintz, a possible stop. From there you are on a quiet road and half an hour further the GR10 veers off towards Aunac where there is another comfortable stop at the Gite La Souleille d’Aunac.
Staying on the road will lead you to Seix (pronounced ‘sex’ too!) which is a charming little town with a medieval castle, several foodie shops and a superb bakery which is almost worth the detour alone! It is all centred round an old church and a bridge spanning the sparkling waters of the Salat. The tourist office by the bridge always has very reliable weather forecasts.
It would be a pleasant, relaxing spot for a rest day with a municipal campsite about ½ km to the north of town or the Auberge du Haut Salat on the town square which has a reliable restaurant. The hotel is also next door to an outdoor shop if you need any hiking supplies.
It is then a short 2 km walk up the valley, following the scenic Salat river on an old mule track on its left bank, to rejoin the GR10 at a bridge just before Moulin Lauga.
Total Ascent: 461 m
Total Descent: 1,378 m
Time: 5:35