Walking - Explore the Pyrenees!

Discover the hidden gems & see magnificent wildlife

Guided walks:

Hill walking, hiking, trekking - the options around Ussat les Bains for walking trips are endless! Choose relaxing day walks or challenging ridges, or opt to stay out on a hut-to-hut or night camp adventure. Take a picnic up to one of the nearby mountain lakes, perhaps take a swim or just relax by the shore.  Why not include a Cathar castle to appreciate some of the regions fascinating culture and history? We cater for all fitness levels, tailoring trips to meet your expectations.

We have guided all ages and offer walks from 2 hours to full-day excursions. We can take you off the beaten track and explore on well marked paths or take a trip into more adventurous terrain - the choice is yours. Day ascents can range from just 150m to over 1000m - it's up to you!

On half-day walks we can finish at a mountain restaurant to sample tasty local cuisine.

• Enjoy stunning mountain views
• Learn about the flora and fauna, history and culture with a qualified International Mountain Leader

Peaks & Lakes days

• Etang de Comte (1726m) + 300m. Walking time: 2hrs

• Mont Fourcat (2001m) +750m. Walking time: 4hrs

• Etang de Appy & Pic Saint Barthelemy (2368m)+1550 m Walking time: 6.5hrs

• Pic Rouge de Bassiers & Cirque (2676m) + 1500m Walking time: 11hrs

• Pic Estabet and Pic Journalade (1995m) +700m Walking time: 7hrs

• Dent de Orlu (2222m) Walking time: 3hrs 30.

The Wildlife reserve of Orlu is a protected area, home to chamois,

marmots, bearded vultures, golden eagles, foxes, deer and otters.

Make it 2 days and stay at the Refuge d'en Beys.

Price

*Family special offer 135 euros*

Historic Walks

Take a look back to the 11th Century & beyond

• Mountain Orris of Soulcem and Lake
• Cave entrances, Spouglas and cathar culture around Ornolac
• Cathar Castle Walks and meal: Roquefixade and Lordat

A great way to improve your fitness or just enjoy the views. We meet in the morning and head off for a relatively gentle day with little height gain and an emphasis on history, culture, fauna and flora. Camera essential.

*Family special offer 135 euros*

Equipment: Hiking shoes, Backpack, clothing suitable for hiking (wind, polar, waterproofs ...), Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Hat, Picnic, energy bars and water. Map and compass/GPS optional.

Overnight Mountain atmosphere camps

• Overnight mountain atmosphere camp including tents, cooking facilities, food, night explore and star spotting. Night navigation/game optional.

Equipment: Hiking shoes, backpack, clothing suitable for hiking (wind, fleece), sunglasses,

sunscreen, hat, picnic, energy bars, head torch, sleeping bag, thin mat and water.

For longer walking holidays and treks starting in 2012 drop us an email and we will send you a link. 

The Chemin de la Liberté

The great escape by night - see the Second World war escape route walk sections

The Chemin de la Liberté starts from the nearby town of Saint-Girons.  During the Second World War more than 33,000 civilians and 6000 allied servicemen climbed over the peaks of the Pyrenees from France to escape Nazi occupation and regain their liberty in neutral Spain.  The whole trail can be walked in 5 days staying in huts, or the walk can be shortened to 3 days starting higher up the trail.  Parts of the trail also make really nice day walks and you can see or even climb the spectacular Mont Valier where one of the the crossings into Spain took place.   For more information have a look at Scott Goodall's book "The Freedom Trail". We are happy to guide groups on this walk and organise the overnight camps as needed. This walk is in partnership with Ruth Jenkins of Gîte de la Borde, also an International Mountain Leader. We have 4 available itineraries of varying difficulty trekking along the Chemin de la Liberté, some finish in Spain and others just reach the boarder and return through France - the choice is yours.

Price: Cost approx. 45 euros/person/day including night camp. Ratio 1:10 max, 6 people minimum. If you have less people please do enquire and we can organise something for you.

TO BOOK: Indicate what you would like on your booking form & we will send the activity booking form.

Walkers doing your own thing?

We offer:

• Free use of our maps and walking guide books
• Free advice on your chosen route
• Drop offs and pick ups