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Barrens walks
The Barrens viewpoint from Prades
Visorando Member
2.91 mi
+1,125 ft
-1,125 ft
2h 20
Moderate
Departure from Prades (Ariège) (Ariège)
A walk of about two hours, which takes you from Prades to a viewpoint offering an extraordinary panorama of the Pyrenees mountain range. On the way back, the Chemin du Bac offers walkers a breathtaking bird's eye view of the village of Prades!
Walks near Barrens
Ax-les-Thermes - Mérens via the Chemin de Llatta
8.43 mi
+3,563 ft
-2,087 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Ax-les-Thermes (Ariège)
First challenging stage of discovery in a preserved environment.
Basic map reading and orienteering skills are required.
The GPX track on Visorando or on a GPS device is very useful from the start and at the numerous junctions.
It is entirely possible to shorten the route if necessary: see practical information.
From Ax-les-Thermes to the Prat Redoun refuge
9.35 mi
+3,701 ft
-115 ft
7h 30
Difficult
Departure from Ax-les-Thermes (Ariège)
This hike forms the first stage of a five-day route between Ax-les-Thermes and La Tour-de-Carol. This first stage presents no difficulty unless weather conditions are poor. The start is at Ax railway station, where you follow the road and then a very pretty path that climbs up into the mountains to reach an unstaffed but very comfortable refuge.
This walk is only suitable for hikers accustomed to high-altitude mountain terrain and confident in navigating.
From Ax-les-Thermes to La Tour de Carol
45.50 mi
+13,317 ft
-11,549 ft
5 days
Difficult
Departure from Ax-les-Thermes (Ariège)
This beautiful Pyrenean hike takes five days; it is intended for hikers accustomed to high-altitude mountain terrain and confident in navigating. It does not present any major difficulties – the route is straightforward – but you do need to be comfortable in high-altitude mountain terrain.
The idea behind this hike is to set off from one railway station and head to another, thus completing a circular route easily without needing a car.
From Montségur to Prades via the Gorges de la Frau
11.50 mi
+3,376 ft
-2,697 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from Montségur (Ariège)
Montségur, the main stronghold where the Cathars took refuge whilst being hunted down by the Crusaders and the Inquisition, was besieged in 1244, and 225 Cathars who refused to renounce their faith were burnt right here, at the foot of the rocky peak. From there, networks were organised not only for escape but also for the spread of Cathar ideology, in order to evade the Inquisition.
Forges d'Orlu - Refuge d'en Beys via Naguille and La Couillade d'en Beys
7.48 mi
+4,964 ft
-1,509 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Orlu (Ariège)
Significant elevation gain over a relatively short distance. Magnificent landscapes in a very wild mountain setting. Numerous ponds along the way. A magnificent view from the Couillade d'en Beys. The effort is rewarded throughout the day.
⚠️ Stay on the marked trails: GRP® Tour de la Montagne d'Ax, as you are on the edge of or within the National Reserve.
Pic de Tarbesou and the Rabassoles Lakes
7.67 mi
+2,060 ft
-4,078 ft
5h 20
Difficult
Departure from Ascou (Ariège)
A beautiful hike not far from the Ascou-Pailhères resort. On the agenda are the magnificent Pic de Tarbesou viewpoint (2364m) and the three Rabassoles lakes. To spice things up, the last part requires good navigation skills to find your way.
From Ax Trois Domaines/Le Saquet to Castelet via the Refuge de Rhule
17.68 mi
+3,251 ft
-7,635 ft
2 days
Difficult
Departure from Ax-les-Thermes (Ariège)
A long hike in Haute Ariège to admire the lakes, ridges and magical landscapes with a stop at the ideally located Refuge de Rulhe, an opportunity to taste the local rataf'. On the second day, you can admire the whole area from the ridges.
Ax 3 Domaines Plateau du Saquet - Rulhe Refuge
6.69 mi
+2,293 ft
-1,677 ft
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from Ax-les-Thermes (Ariège)
This is a magnificent hike that starts from the Plateau du Saquet, and therefore the Ax 3 Domaines ski slopes, and ends at the Refuge de Rulhe, where a good local rataf will do you good. Once you reach the top of the resort, long desert plateaus await you before you descend into the austere scree slopes at the foot of Rulhe and finish sliding down to the Refuge de Rulhe. This first stage is wild and challenging, in the scree slopes. Be careful on the descent from the Col de Lhasse, which is very steep (but the GR® is well marked).
From Mérens-les-Vals to Étang de Pédourrés via Étang de Couard
6.55 mi
+4,052 ft
-400 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Mérens-les-Vals (Ariège)
The first stage of the journey! We leave the village of Mérens-les-Vals to reach Étang de Pédourès via the rugged slopes of the Ariège mountains; the scenery is magnificent and very wild. The main difficulty lies between the Étang de Comte and the Étang de Couard, where the well-marked path follows a very long and at times arduous scree slope; once you reach the Étang de Couard, the beauty of the scenery makes up for the hard work.
Ascent to the Refuge du Rulhe from the Cascade des Escaliers (Mérens)
6.01 mi
+3,727 ft
-1,260 ft
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Mérens-les-Vals (Ariège)
First day’s hike to the Refuge du Rulhe.With a 1,000 m elevation gain over 5.5 km, the average gradient of the climb to the Pyramide de Lherbés is 18%. IBP difficulty rating = 105 (“very difficult” for a hiker of average fitness).Allow 6½ hours with a light rucksack.This day takes place in the high mountains, far from any roads, tracks, etc.The landscapes and environments you’ll pass through are majestic.