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The route and description have been modified following a diversion put in place by the Haute Ariège Community of Communes.
From Ax-les-Thermes, follow the D613 towards Quillan and the Col du Chioula, which is well signposted. Go past the pass, drive for about one kilometre and then park in a stabilised parking area on the right. There is plenty of space for around ten vehicles.
YellowPR® signposting
(S/E) Start on the right of the car park and take a wide path uphill (signposted 'no vehicles'). Continue to a fork in the path at a small clearing.
No signposts
(1) Turn left onto a wide grassy track that starts off flat and quickly leads to a junction directly below a power line.
(2) Continue left on the path, which begins a gentle descent and leads to another fork.
(3) Take the hairpin bend to the left and continue downhill until you reach a well-maintained forest road suitable for vehicles.
(4) Turn right and pass a wooden sign for Montaillou with a sign for Circuit n°3 mountain bike trail. Follow this forest road for almost 3 km as it winds through a magnificent beech forest. Ignore all the paths and trails on either side and you will come to an open area with a beautiful view of the Prades valley and the Pic de Gérale on your left.
(5) Be careful not to miss the hairpin bend on the right where the grassy track starts, as it is not signposted. Go straight ahead at the fork about a hundred metres further on and follow the wide path that enters the forest again and climbs steadily to the edge, where you will have to cross an electric fence, taking care to close it behind you. Continue gently downhill to the Col de Rieufred, where you will find a signpost with several mountain bike route signs.
White and redGR® markings
(6) Enjoy the breathtaking view to the south-east of the Pic de Brasseil or Dent d'Orlu, with its very distinctive profile. Turn right onto theGR®107, also known as the Chemin des Bonshommes in reference to the Cathars. Further on, the path gives way to a grassy track that winds through the forest. Reach the Col de Pierre Blanche.
(7) Turn right onto the track, which straightens out and makes two hairpin bends before reaching a crossroads, just after a cattle grid.
YellowPR® signposting
(8) Leave theGR® and turn right, then right again 100 metres further on, following the wooden sign for the Refuge du Chioula, which you will soon reach.
(9) Take advantage of this stop to admire the breathtaking view of the Pyrenees and have fun with a good map, identifying and naming the major peaks of the Ariège. An orientation table would be very useful here.
Leaving the refuge, cross the wide track that leads to a small chalet and take the path opposite, which, for the first 150 metres, has been badly damaged by repeated passage of livestock and is completely broken up (as of September 2017). Immediately after passing under a power line, the path reaches a junction with a signpost, where you should continue to the right.
The path widens and becomes grassy as it runs alongside a wood on your left before starting a wide curve to the right. Leave a wide path on your left and continue to a new fork located just below the same power line.
(10) Cross the electric fence and turn left.
(1) At the first fork you come to on the climb, continue straight ahead and return to the car park (S/E).
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