OVERVIEW
Situated 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 unique holiday 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 lead by James and Cathy Thompson, who
have made their home in the region. They are both keen walkers and
James is a qualified International Mountain Leader (IML).
The areas we are walking through are both beautiful and varied
and have been chosen not only for the pleasant gradients and walking
conditions, but also to allow us to discover more about the seasonal
flora and fauna of the area. 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.
We will also be able to dip in to Cathar history with a visit to
Montsegur, a castle dramatically balanced on a rock at 1207m, whose
bloody history has become infamous following the Crusades against
the Cathars in 1244.
To help us enjoy our surroundings we are joined for a day by the local vet,
and botany / butterfly expert, Graham Hart. He gives us a
fascinating insight into the life of the local butteflies and the
species that they live on.
Ax itself has been inhabited since Roman times, due to its thermal
springs which still flow freely down the streets. It is now a popular
base for summer and winter activity holidays enhancing its charm
with lots of interesting shops, restaurants and lively bars. In
late 2008 Ax opens the doors to its newest tourist attraction, a
large spa centre with jacuzzi, steam room and massage
facilities.

IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
If you own a pair of walking boot and enjoy beautiful landscape, discovering flora
and fauna or relaxing by a high mountain lake, then this trip is for
you. We walk at a leisurely pace covering about 7 to 10 km per day.
A reasonable level of fitness is required as most days there is over
300m of uphill. If you like summer walking in the lakes, or peaks,
then you will enjoy this week. It is important to us that people book
the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact
us if you have have any doubts.
DATES
Fri 9 May - Fri 16 May 2008 (Trip code WFA H18)
Sun 1 June - Sun 8 June 2008 (Trip code WFA H22)
2009 dates to be confirmed
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The holiday costs £540, starting at Toulouse Airport. Flights
are not included but can be picked up very cheaply if booked in advance.
If you want a guarantee a single room, there is a supplement of
£100 (let us know on booking). Allow about £40 for drinks and the meals not included (outlined
below). There are no other local payments or hidden costs. Please
note that we offer a 5% discount if you book more than 3 months
before the departure date. We also offer group and loyalty
discounts. More
Info >>
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
6 days guided walks with a Qualified Mountain Leader. 1 day with a
local botanist and wildlife expert. 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 STAY
We 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 and Cathy. The hotel is a short walk from the Town
centre, and is situated on the banks of the River Ariege. Accommodation
is normally allocated on a twin share basis with shared facilities.
A single room can be guaranteed for a supplement of £100 on
booking.
FOOD
7 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. Vegetarians are welcome and will be looked
after very well.
GUIDING AND INSTRUCTION
The tour is lead by James
and Cathy Thompson who have made their home in this
region. James is a qualified International Mountain Leader (IML).
During the trip we will be joined by a flora and fauna expert for
a couple of days, giving us the chance to learn more about the environment
we are walking through, particularly the wild flowers, butterflies
and mushrooms. James and Cathy will carry all the equipment necessary
to safeguard the group.
GROUP
There is a maximum of 16 people (minimum 4) plus James and Cathy on
this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as activity
holidays are a great way to make new friends.
TRANSPORT
Throughout the trip you are transferred to and from the walk start points
in a private minibus. 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.
CLIMATE
The 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 BRING
You 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?
For this holiday we use either Toulouse Airport or Carcassonne Airport,
depending on the trip dates. Both are about a 2hr minibus transfer
from Ax les Themes and transfers
at specified times are included in the cost of the holiday.
Sat 9 May - Sat 16 May 2008 (Trip code WFA H18) - Carcassonne
Airport.
LIVERPOOL:
OUT: Depart Liverpool at 1155, arrive Carcassonne at 1455
IN: Depart Carcassonne at 1520, arrive Liverpool at 1625
LONDON STANSTED:
OUT: Depart Stansted at 1305, arrive Carcassonne at 1600
IN: Depart Carcassonne at 1310, arrive Stansted at 1405
If these flights are delayed then the transfer will naturally be rescheduled.
There are also Ryan Air flights from Nottingham, Dublin and Shannon.
Please contact us to see if we can arrange transfers for these
flights.
Sun 1 June - Sun 8 June 2008 (Trip code WFA H22) - Toulouse Airport
For this trip the airport transfers are scheduled to tie in with the
KLM flights to / from Amsterdam detailed below. There are suitable flights
from most UK regional airports that get to / from Amsterdam at a suitable
time. If this flight is
delayed then the transfer will naturally be rescheduled.
OUT: Flight KL1311 departing Amsterdam 1450, arriving in Toulouse at
1640.
IN: Flight KL1304 departing Toulouse at 1215, arriving in Amsterdam
at 1420.
Please
see the Transport
section for all travel options (air, road and rail), plus getting to
the start point independently.

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