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Pyrenean Trail Running
Trail running in the Pyrenees offers spec-
tacular mountain terrain with fine views and
interesting wildlife. See snow capped peaks,
mountain Orris (primitive stone shelters) and
tranquil lakes. There are many opportunities
to find circuits on VTT tracks, in the moun-
tains for example at Soulcem and even along
the river at Sinsat. Several mountain races
or “course à pied” take place here as well as
mountain marathons – see
www.sport09.
com
for events throughout the year.
Caves
There are several spectacular show caves in
the area which are well worth a visit - their
scale is quite amazing. There are also
several easy caves that can be explored
with a torch, decent footwear and some
commonsense. The one at Sabart (pictured)
is a good example.
Bédeilhac Cave -
A huge cave, with a long
but easy tour.
www.grotte-de-bedeilhac.org
Grotte de la Vache, Alliat -
Just off the path
to the crag (see page 126).
Lombrives, Ussat-les-Bains
- Said to be
the largest cave in Europe.
www.grotte-lombrives.fr
Grotte de Niaux -
A long tour with cave
paintings.
Via Ferrata
The huge cliff and ridge to the east of
Vicdessos are home to a couple of
worthwhile and quite long Via Ferratas (see
the Goulier crag information on page 178).
They are open daily in July and August and
at weekends from May to September. The
approach starts at a small wooden cabin
above one of the bends partway up the road
to Goulier. The parking is a little further up
the hill on the right-hand side of the road.
In the season the cabin hires out kit and
charges an entrance fee.
Castles
The area is teeming with castles; most of
which have a fascinating, if brutal history
behind them as strongholds during the
Cathar Crusade of the 13th Century.
Montségur is a particularly striking example.
Th e P l a n t a u r e l
Ca l amè s A r e a
N i a u x A r e a
Au z a t A r e a
S i n s a t A r e a
Ax - l e s -Th e rme s A r e a
Moun t a i n
Wa l k s
30
Ariège Other Activities
Trail running at Soulcem. Photo: John Arran
The bridge on the Vicdessos Via Feratta. Photo: Chris Craggs
Deep in the Sabart Cave. Photo: Chris Craggs