Bethmale walks

A pleasant forest walk accessible to all, leading you to the Étang de Bethmale, a must-see spot in the Couserans region of Ariège.(!) Possible problem with the trail disappearing at (5), see reviews, keep us informed.

This sheet was created to show the new yellow markings put in place in 2024. The route has been modified at the start and in (7), and has been completely shifted to the left bank of the Balamet torrent.

A pleasant walk with part of the outward and return journeys in the shade; a cirque, a beautiful natural pond and a lovely viewpoint at the pass.

A breathtaking hike leading to Étang d'Ayès from Lac de Bethmale via Cirque de Campuls and its wonderful waterfall.

A short hike accessible to all, best done with snowshoes. In addition to its short distance, low altitude and easy level of difficulty, you will be treated to magnificent landscapes all the way to the final cirque of the Cabane de Campuls. The site is very popular in summer, but much less so in winter.

A circular route that allows you to discover a low-altitude pond nestled in the middle of the forest, then a mountain pond in the heart of the mountain pastures, passing by the Campuls hut, and to meet the herds in summer. Author's note: this hike was published a long time ago: for any changes to the original route, please consult the comments at the end of the file.

Don’t fancy just doing the Étang de Bethmale and would rather do a circular route? This route to the lake via the Col d’Eliet is perfect for you.

A pretty lake nestled at the foot of the mountains and a shepherd's hut in summer surrounded by mountains with, on the way back, a beautiful view of the Bethmale Valley.

Summit with a superb view of the Couserans part of the Pyrenees mountain range.

Splendid view of the Couserans peaks with a crossing of a summer pasture and the discovery of an old marble quarry.

A challenging hike that takes you to a summit with breathtaking views of the Mail de Bulard.

This demanding hike takes you to the "Seigneur du Couserans".

A pretty loop in the Couserans valleys, leading to the Rond and Long lakes, overlooked by the iconic peaks of the massif, Mont Valier and Pic des Trois Comtes. The route often runs close to the water and is dotted with beautiful waterfalls, guaranteeing a change of scenery.

A beautiful ridge walk offering magnificent views of the Pyrenean mountains, including Mont Valier and the Piedmont. Moderately challenging, it is fairly easy to complete. It is possible to stay overnight at the Cabane de l'Arraing: maximum four to five places.

An alternative to climbing Mont Valier, passing through the adjacent valley and the Col de Pécouch, offering a change of scenery and magnificent landscapes. This variant adds 1h30 to the return journey compared to the outward route and an additional 250 m of elevation gain. This alternative is also less frequented than the main route.

Start from the village of Alos and its castle. After a steep climb, you will discover the panorama of the Ariège Pyrenees and, at the summit of the Pic de la Quère, a small part of the Mont Valier.

A pleasant climb towards Compussan under the beech trees accompanies the summer pastures. It continues across high-altitude meadows and leads to the rocky massif of Cap de Broc with a beautiful view of the valley floor, returning via Alas and theGR®® which follows the Lez river a little higher up.

Climb up to the Bouriex relay antenna for a magnificent view of the Couserans mountains and the Toulouse plain. At the top, the Bouriex discovery trail information panels provide information on the surrounding mountains and local legends.

An unusual hike along an old mining railway line with tunnel crossings.

A steep climb rewarded by a 360° panorama of the Couserans and Biros peaks.

Two days, exploring both sides of the cool Biros Valley through which the River Lez flows, in a very mountainous setting.One night’s stay in the hamlet of Eylie d’en Haut. The mountain refuge and dining area are separate and welcoming.Both days are spent largely on marked trails, but these are challenging, sometimes steep and often very steep.- The first day is challenging, with 1,200 metres of ascent and 900 metres of descent. Do not underestimate it. The descent from the Col des Cos is not straightforward due to the patous and the path being difficult to follow, despite the markings, as well as the crossing of the Ruisseau du Haurendech (torrent). The views make you forget these difficulties.- The second day begins with a very steep climb (25 per cent gradient). Then, the beautiful balcony path requires great caution as it is not maintained and is very narrow. After the Col des Cassaings, conditions improve. The views make you forget these difficulties.

First day of this trip to the Refuge d’Eylie. A day not to be underestimated.Set off from Sentein along an old track, then take the small road up to Bencarrech, joining the GRP® Tour du Biros. The GRP® in the Isard Valley crosses to the other bank via the Illa Maria footbridge. It then passes the Passerelle du Pichès on the right and begins a steep climb. From there, a PR® trail leads to the Col des Cos (mountain hut, fountain). This is followed by a tricky descent due to fallen trees blocking the path (PR®). After at least 6 hours’ walking, including breaks, with 1,200 m of ascent and 900 m of descent, the Eylie restaurant and bar is a welcome sight.

A circular loop to climb Pic de l'Arraing via Pic de Sérau, following the pretty ridges.

Sunshine, panoramic views of the Vallier massif and the Pyrenees, and barns are all on the agenda for this loop above the village of Balagué.

The route is mainly in the shade. Only the summit is in full sun from the village of Antras. The climb up the Col de Mourères is not difficult. A beautiful walk on the Balcon du Biros

A very pleasant walk through beautiful forests along forest tracks and a few well-marked paths. A fairly difficult section that is fully roped off (to be avoided with dogs, otherwise you’ll have to carry them), with numerous short detours to see the entrances to chasms or viewpoints that are not to be missed. Beautiful beech woods and the regrowth of boxwood give this path a touch of magic. The app will be useful as numerous paths cross at various points.

A round-trip route dominated by water, in the cool valley of the Estours and Artigue streams.

An accessible and charming hike with varied terrain and landscapes and panoramic views of over 180°.

Discover Lastès with a beautiful view of the Ariège mountains – a very pleasant 3- to 4-hour hike.

A circular from the centre to the Aubert Waterfall via Cap de la Bouiche. Beautiful view of Saint-Girons and the heights above Moulis.

This mostly shaded walk offers varied views of the valleys and hills at the foot of the Sourroque massif, with a wild feel in places, all close to Saint-Girons.

A viewpoint overlooking the neighbouring villages at your feet. Full view of the remains of the viscount's castle during the climb. At the summit, the Couserans Pyrenees stretch out before your eyes. A 300-metre climb on a well-marked, brand new footpath created in 2021 by the municipality of Encourtiech offers you a breath of fresh air in a splendid landscape.

A route around the recently renovated and re-erected Croix de Garrié. The route begins in the shade, on a north-facing slope, and follows a gentle gradient for most of the way up this slope. Magnificent scenery on the south-facing slope with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees mountain range and Mont Valier in the foreground. And, before heading down towards the car park at the start, you cross the route to Cap de Garrié and its cross, which the more adventurous can reach in about ten minutes. The return descent is along a slightly steeper slope, but is completely safe, offering views of the Salat valley and the ruins of Encourtiech Castle. This trail, recently renovated and signposted, was created under the supervision of the local council, which oversees and coordinates its regular maintenance.