Refine your search for walks in Col du Pichaca (1315m)
Col du Pichaca (1315m) walks
Five Passes Route in the Pays d'Aillou
Visorando Member
8.88 mi
+1,644 ft
-1,634 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Prades (Ariège) (Ariège)
A peaceful hike in the mid-mountains, passing through the five passes of Pichaca, Balaguès, Canons, Rieufred and Pierre Blanche. You will walk through forests that are particularly beautiful in autumn and summer pastures where herds are very present during the season. Not to mention the truly exceptional panorama of the Haute Ariège that can be seen from the various passes.
Easy Walks near Col du Pichaca (1315m)
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Refuge d'en Beys - Refuge des Bésines
5.61 mi
+2,178 ft
-1,759 ft
4h 30
Difficult
Departure from Orlu (Ariège)
Amendment on 12 September 2022: new route marked on the ground, approved on Saturday 10 September 2022.Third stage of the Tour des Pérics. Day classified as difficult. Short distance but difficult terrain.The climb from the refuge d'en Beys to the passage through the Orlu Reserve (2,400 m) is difficult.The balcony path from (6) to (8) is very beautiful.
⚠️ From (S/E) to (5)you are in the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.