Col d'Ussat (843m) walks

Climb the ridge marking the border with Andorra to the beautiful Étang du Rouch, which seems to sit at the foot of the Pic de Font Blanca, passing by the majestic Étang de Gnioure and its lovely, long valley: - numerous waterfalls during the fairly steep and very stony climb up to the Peyre bridge; - a short, slightly vertiginous ledge section to reach the immense Étang de Gnioure; - a long path running alongside the lake, then the stream, and winding its way into the valley; - a hillside climb that starts off fairly gentle but ends up quite steep, leading up to the Étang du Rouch.

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.

A short, not too difficult hike – very enjoyable. You follow streams all the way, first through the forest, then across a plateau. A very wild, natural atmosphere. Countless spots, ideal for pitching a tent, with trees galore, majestic rocks and a fast-flowing yet calm river. A very good population of brown trout in the river. The lake, too, is teeming with fish – large brown trout and rainbow trout – to potentially delight the palates of food lovers.

First stage of the journey through the Haute-Ariège. A beautiful, steady climb takes you to the Étang d’Izourt, steeped in human history. This is followed by a gruelling climb up to the Orri de la Caudière. Once you’ve crossed the rustic footbridge, there’s another very steep climb up to the small Étang du Fourcat. The rest of the route to the Étang du Fourcat refuge is more gentle. A very steep climb to the Fourcat refuge with an average gradient of 17 per cent. Please note: from the Étang d’Izourt to the refuge, the gradient is 24 per cent.

The first day takes you to the Refuge de Bassiès, passing huts, a valley, mountain passes, an old mine, a pond, and various cols and mountain passes. The stretch from the Col de las Fouzès to the Port de Bassiès is particularly beautiful.The route follows paths and tracks that are difficult due to their terrain (rock, scree, unmarked).See practical information * From (3) to (6) an unmarked path with gradients of 15% and 25%, with the presence of Patou dogs from (4). From (12) to (18) a marked path with gradients of 16% to 30%.The GPX track is necessary in places to avoid any confusion, as the route does not necessarily follow GR®, GRP® or PR® trails.Allow around 6 hours for the walk.

First day of the trip at the Refuge du Rulhe. This stage can be classified as difficult due to the climb up to the Col de la Didorte and the section along the Crête des Isards. The route follows paths that are very clearly marked on the ground, whether signposted or not. In the event of fog or rain: take extra care on the ridge between (4) and (7).

Please note: the approach walk along the road is the only part of the hike that is in the shade if you set off early enough in the morning. This is the only way to complete this loop. It may seem tedious, but the landscape is very beautiful.The hike can be classified as quite difficult. After the footbridge over the Ruisseau de la Coume de Varilhes, the path is not easy: steep, with steps, a paved scree slope, a ledge to cross, etc. But once you reach the top, you will be rewarded. Then the GR®T66 from the largest of the Étang de Fontagente lakes to the refuge is more of the same. This is definitely a mountain hike.