The Rochers de Péne Blanque as seen from Baderque

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From the hamlet of Baderque, looking south-west, you’ll notice a white limestone outcrop – the destination of this short walk – which is accessible to all, except for the summit itself, where you’ll need to use your hands for both the ascent and descent (no equipment required), with a sheer drop of over 100 m on the western side. The first section follows a track suitable for vehicles, then a forest track and well-marked footpaths. The yellow markings are sometimes faint, as some of the markers on the outward journey have been scraped off, but the return journey is straightforward. A large part of the route passes through the Campas woods, where the abundance of moss makes you feel as though you’re in the Amazon. Return via the same route.

Details

n°97384229
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.36 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,348 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,322 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,596 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,575 ft
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Description of the walk

To reach the start point from Arbas, take theD13A towards Baderque and, once in the hamlet, park in the car park in front of the Paloumère community lodge.

(S/E) From the car park, go up the steps and follow the road to the right until you reach a three-way junction at No. 4.

(1) Keep to the right and, at the hairpin bend to the right of the road, continue straight ahead onto the track. Follow it for about 2 km until you reach a hairpin bend to the left with a take-off area car park.

(2) Head down to the right, towards Arbas, then turn left straight away onto a track that turns into a footpath.

(3) Pass by the ‘Trou du Souffleur’ rock formation and continue along the footpath to the ridge at the Col de Couenque.

(4) At the cairn, head up to the right and reach the end of the path at the edge of the woodland.

(5) Continue towards the summit of the Rochers de Péne Blanque via an unmarked but obvious route, keeping the ridge on your left. A few small cairns mark the way, and you’ll need to use your hands in places.

(6) After taking in the views, head back to the Baderque car park via the same route you took on the way up (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,575 ft - Baderque
  2. 1 : mi 0.16 - alt. 2,657 ft - Three-way junction at marker no. 4
  3. 2 : mi 1.44 - alt. 2,890 ft - Hairpin bend, take-off area car park
  4. 3 : mi 2.02 - alt. 3,018 ft - Trou du Souffleur
  5. 4 : mi 2.44 - alt. 3,422 ft - Couenque
  6. 5 : mi 2.57 - alt. 3,507 ft - End of the access path to the ridge
  7. 6 : mi 2.68 - alt. 3,596 ft - Rochers de Péne Blanque (1117 m)
  8. S/E : mi 5.37 - alt. 2,575 ft - Baderque

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