dossier

Day 2: Argelès-Arras/Aucun 11km/7mi/3.5hr or 14km/9mi/4hr
Off first through flower-filled fields - gentian, violets and wild anemones - to the Bergons Valleywhere you’re rewarded with a wonderful south facing panorama. The more energetic now continue up to the summit of Mont de Gez (1097m) - we were thrilled to spot a red kite circling overhead when we lunched at the beautiful 360deg picnic spot last summer. Or stroll via the picturesque mountain villages of Salles and Sère-en-Lavedan. We pick all walkers up here for the short transfer to your modern and comfortable hotel with pool in Aucun where you will spend 2 nights.

Day 3: Arras/Aucun 11km/7mi/3.5hr or 15km/9mi/6hr
Lift to Arras from where you enjoy the wonderful views from the airy heights of the Col de Liar and a spectacular ridge walk passing the Soum de la Péne. Otherwise you can take the easier route via the picturesque villages of Arcizans-Dessus and Gaillagos or the alternative path from the col, especially if you are prone to vertigo! Both the museum and the church in Aucun are worth a look.

Day 4: Aucun/Arrens-Marsous 16km/9mi/6hr or 12km/7mi/4hr
Today you explore a different part of the mountains, ending up in the wild and little-known valley of the Ozoum. It takes about an hour and a half for the adventurous to reach the point to which the less energetic accept a lift. From there the two routes are the same, winding up to the Col and Lac de Soum then along high level plateaux, down mountain stream valleys and along the GR10 down to Arrens-Marsous. You stay at the Gîte Camelat or at the nearby chambre d’hôte. Everyone eats at the Gîte in a convivial, relaxed atmosphere.

Day 5: Arrens to Lac d’Estaing 12km/7mi/5hr or 10km/6mi/3hr
The energetic climb via the Turhon des Aulhes (1,358m, fabulous views) to the Col de la Courbe (1,529 m), before descending to Lac d’Estaing. The gentler route follows the GR10 over the Col de Bordères (1,150km) and across the lower slopes to our hotel beside the lake. This hotel enjoys an unrivaled location, and offers superb food, so we have built in two nights here.

Day 6: Lac d’Estaing/& The National Park 14km/8mi/5.5hr or 17km/11mi/6hr
Lac d'Estaing is a wonderful spot with its crystal clear lake fed by the numerous waterfalls tumbling down from the surrounding peaks.  We suggest you explore the nearby National Park - a landscape of rivers, lakes and open plateaux - home to the Pyrenean chamois (isard) who graze peacefully on the slopes.  It is prime marmot country too and, if you glance up above, you should also spot griffon and bearded vultures circling in the thermals.

Day 7: Lac d'Estaing to St Savin  22km/14mi/8hr or 16km/9mi/5hr 
Today’s walk takes you through some truly magnificent mountain scenery. It is the longest day, so an early start is advised. For the first two hours, everyone follows shady forest tracks to Cazenove. From here, the adventurous follow mountain pastures up to 1,660m, while the less energetic descend via the pretty village of Sireix, maybe stopping for a drink at Arcizans-Avant before the final kilometre to St Savin and our hotel, which offers gastronomic pleasures within!

Day 8:  Leave St Savin
Leave St Savin after breakfast.