Mont Fourcat, Pic du Han and Etang d'Appy

A mountain walk, starting from the hamlet of Framis and climbing up to Mont Fourcat; the walk continues along the undulating ridge to Pic du Han before descending to Etang d'Appy. There are fantastic views over the Ariege to the north and the Pyrenees to the south (weather permitting!) Retrace your steps for the return.

The walk starts at the hamlet of Fremis (altitude 960m) and climbs steadily through woodland to a height of about 1,500m, where it emerges into open pastures. At 1,560m you come to the refuge of Le Coulobre (which is now more of a home for sheep than a refuge for walkers!)

From here it is a good climb along a ridge, with stunning views over the Ariege and Aude, to the summit of Mont Fourcat (alt. 2,001m). From the top of Mont Fourcat, head due south across the Col du Ayge Torte and onto the Sommet de l'Estagnol (alt 1,934m). From here the path heads south-east to the Col du Han and then to a steep scramble up to the Pic du Han (alt. 2,074m).

All along this ridge and from the Pic du Han itself, there are fantastic views down into the valley of the River Ariege and across the Pyrenean range into Andorra and Spain. From here the path follows the ridge and drops steeply down to the Col de Cadene (the top of the ski station of Les Monts d'Olmes) before cutting across the valley side and down to the Etang d'Appy (alt. 1,730m). Retrace your steps for the return.

Details of total length, duration and height gained are given for return walks to Mont Fourcat, Pic du Han and Etang d'Appy.

France - South West France - Midi-Pyrenees - Ariege

Walk id: 3267

Walk grade

Mountain Challenge

Length

15.6 Miles

Height gain

2100 Metres

Duration

9 Hours 45 Mins

Average rating

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