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Walking in the PyreneesA week of day walks taking in the stunning and varied scenery of the Eastern Pyrenees |
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Outstanding Mountain Views. |
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OVERVIEWSituated on the border of Andorra, this part of the Eastern Pyrenees is one of France's best kept secrets. These relatively undiscovered mountains are home to wealth of flora and fauna and have been described as one of Europe's great wildernesses. On this great new walking holiday for 2010, we base ourselves in the small mountain resort of Ax les Thermes, nestling in the Ax Valley at 750m high. Our location gives us excellent access to the high mountains and their stunning views, plus a variety of beautiful valleys with traditional small French villages dotted throughout the countryside. This holiday is run in conjunction with Exodus travels, and is lead by James Thompson, who has made his home in the region. James is a qualified International Mountain Leader (IML) and knows his local mountains like the back of his hand. In Spring the wild flowers are practically
an assault to the senses with a vibrant mix of colours. We have
a number of species that are rarely seen in the UK, plus the area
is known for its orchids. In autumn the mellow, rusty yellows and
browns cover the hillsides in bands as the season progresses down
the valley.
Using private transport we are able to access areas with differing
geology and varied altitudes, enhancing the wildlife environments
that are available for us to explore. All bookings for this holiday need to be made through Exodus travels. IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?The walks on this trip are varied, and to some extent we can tailor the needs each day to the wishes of the group and the prevailing conditions. The proximity to the larger peaks means that while the walking is not too demanding, we are always close to impressive views. Of course, if on any day you do not wish to go walking, you can relax at the hotel or explore the local area. During the week there will be one free day where no walk is provided but there will be some suggested optional activities.A good level of fitness is required for this trip, with an average day's walking being the equivalent of a roundtrip to a Lake District summit. Depending on whether you choose the Grade B or Grade C departure (see below), you may be walking on defined paths with a max ascent at any one time of approx 300m, or walking on rockier paths, with some boulder fields and extended steeper sections. Do contact us for more information if you are not sure which Grade would suit you best. Grade B weeks: The average height gain will be 4-700m, average distance 6-10kms and average hours walked will be 4 - 6. Grade C weeks: The average height gain will be 6 - 1000m, the average
distance 8-15kms and average hours walked will be 5 - 8. DATESSun 16 May - Sun 23 May 2010 Grade B - ModerateSun 30 May - Sun 6 June 2010 Grade B - Moderate Sun 27 July - Sun 4 July 2010 Grade C - Challenging Sun 29 Aug - Sun 5 Sept 2010 Grade B - Moderate Sun 12 Sept - Sun 19 Sept 2010 Grade C - Challenging Sun 24 Oct - Sun 30 Oct 2010 Grade B - Moderate HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The holiday costs £729, starting at Toulouse Airport. See the Exodus website for more details of price options as you can choose a cost inclusive of travel, or a land only option. If you want a guarantee a single room, there is a supplement of £140 (let Exodus know on booking). Allow about £40 for drinks and the meals not included (outlined below). There are no other local payments or hidden costs. WHAT DOES THE LAND ONLY PRICE INCLUDE?6 days guided walks with a Qualified Mountain Leader. Airport Transfers (specified times only). Private vehicle transfers during the week. 7 nights in a 2 star Hotel. 6 evening meals, 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches.WHERE DO WE STAYWe stay in a small, comfortable 2 star hotel in the town of Ax-les-Thermes. Known for its friendly atmosphere and good cuisine, the Hotel Terminus source the ingredients for their traditional French dishes, locally. The house wine is organic, plus they have an extensive wine list with choices from both near and far. Traditional French breakfasts are also provided and lunches on all walking days will be arranged and provided by James. The hotel is a short walk from the Town centre, and is situated on the banks of the River Ariege where the rooms overlook the river. Accommodation is normally allocated on a twin share basis with shared facilities. A single room can be guaranteed for a supplement of £140 on booking.FOOD7 continental style breakfasts are included. Comprehensive picnic lunches will be provided on walking days which you will be expected to carry with you. 6 evenings meals are taken at the Hotel, where we will be served delicious local dishes like confit du canard, steak frites and local river trout. Wine and coffee are not included in the cost of the holiday. One evening is designated as a 'free evening' to allow you to explore Ax and go to a restaurant of your choice (cost of meal not included). Vegetarians are welcome and will be looked after very well.GUIDING AND INSTRUCTION
The tour is lead by James Thompson who has made his home in this
region. James is a qualified International Mountain Leader (IML). James will carry all the equipment necessary
to safeguard the group. GROUPThere is a maximum of 16 people (minimum 4) plus James on this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as these kind of holidays are a great way to make new friends.TRANSPORTThroughout the trip you are transferred to and from the walk start points in 2 private minibuses driven by James and his wife Cathy. The unique road network around Ax means that we can drive high and gain good views with minimum effort. Transfers will be from 20 to 40 mins each way.CLIMATEThe proximity of Ax to the Mediterranean gives us a warm stable climate. Perfect walking weather! Rain can not be ruled out, but there are plenty of wet weather alternatives.WHAT TO BRINGYou will need basic gear for going out in the hills, walking boots and rain jacket. You will should also bring some warm clothes, gloves and warm hat as we may be heading up to 2600m on one day. You should be able to carry 2L of fluids in your rucksack. A full kit list will be sent on booking.HOW DO I GET THERE?Toulouse airport is only 2hrs from Ax by road and is well served by
Easy Jet flights from Bristol and Gatwick and British airways flights from
Heathrow. Minibus transfers at specified times are included in the
cost of the holiday. Please discuss with Exodus, your travel plans, and
they can advise you.
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| HOLIDAY ITINERARY - Grade B | |
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NOTES |
Below is an outline of the kind of activities/trips that you are likely to experience on your holiday. However, there are many options available, and James will tailor your program to the weather, and the wishes of the group. Wet Weather Option: Due to the limestone geology of the area, we have access to a number of local caves. The grotte at Niaux boasts prehistoric drawings dating back 10,000 years. Another option is to visit the longest navigable underground river in Europe, the Grotte de Labouiche, which has boat trips through the caves. |
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DAY 1 |
Join the group in Ax or Fly to Toulouse from the UK and transfer 1 hr 50mins to Ax where we book into the Hotel Terminus. |
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DAY 2 |
We start our week by exploring the stunning limestone 'plateau' of the Sept Case. Our aim is the Roc of Scaramus (1868m) which offers us outstanding views of the main Pyrenean ridge and down over the plain towards Carcassonne |
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DAY 3 |
We head high today with a drive to the Col of Puymorens (1930m) for some stunning views of the Andorran, French and Spanish mountains. Our walk will be on the high meadows with magnificent panoramic scenery. We may have the opportunity of spotting Mouflons (curly horned sheep) which roam in herds up here. |
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DAY 4 |
The Chapel of St Bartelemy was built on its rocky outcrop overlooking the valley of Ax, to protect the inhabitants of the village from a plague of cholera. It has since become an important place of pilgrimage and there is a beautiful circular walk from the village of Larnat. The walk has constant views of the Quie de Sinsat, a 1000m high rocky outcrop, where a pair of Lamaguires nest and are often seen. |
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DAY 5 |
Today is a free day to do as you like (options given) |
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DAY 6 |
The Refuge de Rhule is situated on a shelf of rock overlooking the rugged granite peaks that make up the Andorran border. We drive into the heart of the mountains up the Aston valley, and walk through the summer grazing pastures to the refuge for a welcome drink. |
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DAY 7 |
Tarbesou (2364m) and the Etang Noir. This pyramidal peak towers up the the east of Ax and commands outstanding views down towards the Med, over the deeply gorged Cathar country. Starting at the Col du Pailheres (2001m), the peak is in easy reach. Once over the other side, we continue along the ridge before dropping down to a series of picture postcard lakes, fringed by a carpet of 'mountain rose' and sun baked boulders just begging to be laid on. |
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DAY 8 |
Leave the group in Ax or transfer to Toulouse airport. |
| HOLIDAY ITINERARY - Grade C | |
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DAY 1 |
Join the group in Ax or Fly to Toulouse from the UK and transfer 1 hr 50mins to Ax where we book into the Hotel Terminus. |
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DAY 2 |
Tarbesou (2364m) and the Etang Noir. This pyramidal peak towers up the the east of Ax and commands outstanding views down towards the Med, over the deeply gorged Cathar country. Starting at the Col du Pailheres (2001m), the peak is in easy reach. Once over the other side, we continue along the ridge before dropping down to a series of picture postcard lakes, fringed by a carpet of 'mountain rose' and sun baked boulders just begging to be laid on. |
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DAY 3 |
Pic de St-Barhelemy and Pic de Soularac (2368m). This twin peaked mountain dominates the skyline to the N of Ax. The views are remarkable enough from where we leave the van, let alone from the summit. On a good day we can make out the peaks of the Massif Central and the Cevennes. |
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DAY 4 |
The Ariege Pyrenees are known for being green and full of lakes - today you will see why. Starting in L'Hospitalet, we walk up the Siscar valley, cross over a col at 2440m and return down the Arques Valley. Those in teh group who are feeling strong have the option of taking in the Pic of Nerassol (2633m) from the col. |
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DAY 5 |
Today is a free day to do as you like (options given) |
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DAY 6 |
The Etang de Lanoux is teh largest lake in the Pyrenees and gives a crystal clear reflection of the surrounding peaks. Our walk takes us through a beautiful landscape with gnarly pine trees clinging to the rocks, interspersed with meadows which have been laboriously cleared by ancient man. |
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DAY 7 |
For the final day of our trip we take on the mighty Pic of Combe D'Or (2826m) - this is a tough but rewarding climb taking us into the heart of the mountains. |
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DAY 8 |
Leave the group in Ax or transfer to Toulouse airport. |
