Roc de Peyre Caussile and Cap de Campets circular walk

The start point is on the D17, between the Col des Caougnous and the Col de Péguère. You can park easily at the foot of the forest track, which is easy to spot 1 km after the Col de Péguère, on the right-hand side of the road (on the left if coming from the Col des Caougnous).

The trail is marked with yellow trail markers and signs.

(S/E) Follow the forest track north-westwards; the going is fairly level.

(1) At a fork in the road, take the path on the left. Stay on the main signposted path, which descends gently, and ignore any side paths. Cross a few gullies and streams.

(2) Turn right at a 90° angle and begin the climb towards the Roc de Peyre Caussile. Keep heading north-west across terrain that gradually opens out. You’ll reach a ridge.

(3) Turn right, open a gate (close it behind you) and enter a summer pasture. At the Fork in the road that appears immediately, take the left-hand path. Climb north-eastwards and pass directly below the Roc de Peyre Caussille. The path turns north and remains below the ridge, which is on your right.

(4) Take a cattle track to leave the mountain pasture. Continue straight on towards the gate and the small refuge (close the gate behind you). You will then reach the Col de Portel.

(5) Follow the D72 to the right and, after about a hundred metres, leave it to join a footpath. Turn left straight away onto this path and climb Cap de Campets, the highest point of the walk (superb views).

(6) Turn left (north-east) and follow the path along the fence as it descends towards the forest.

(7) Return to the D72 road and immediately take a path branching off to the right. Continue downhill.

(8) Take the sharp left-hand bend and follow the forest track to a junction you passed at the start of the walk.

(1) Follow the track as it continues and head back up to the starting point (S/E).

This walk can be done all year round. From early spring to late autumn, it presents no particular difficulties. In winter, the view of the snow-capped peaks is magnificent, but please ensure you have the appropriate kit and, above all, check the weather forecast, as conditions can change very quickly in the mountains.

This is a wooded walk, offering numerous views of the mountain ranges and valleys. Most of the route is shaded. Some sections are damp on the descent, and there are a few small streams to cross during the first few kilometres. The physically demanding section stretches for just over 1 km, starting at the 4.2 km mark, with an average gradient of 20 per cent, occasionally reaching 30 per cent over a 50-metre stretch, along a narrow path. This section is mainly exposed to the sun; the rest of the main ascent is in the shade.

This walk can easily be combined with a social gathering with those who aren’t walking or who prefer to cycle over the passes. Meet up at the Col de Portel, after 7.5 km, for a picnic with family or friends whilst enjoying an unforgettable view. There will then be a 4.5 km descent to reach the finish.

Important recommendations:
- Between the Roc de Peyre-Caussile and the Cap de Campets, you’ll be passing through a mountain pasture where horses and cattle graze. Please ensure you always close gates and latches behind you and walk calmly around the herds, without trying to approach them or make them move. Do not shout and avoid sudden movements: your presence should be as unobtrusive as possible.
- Please bring a small bag to carry away all your food waste and any toilet paper you use.

Nearby, at the Col de Péguère, you’ll find the Tour Laffont, a former watchtower of the County of Foix. Built in the Middle Ages, it was used to keep watch over the Massat and Foix valleys.