The Freedom Trail trek, starting from La Soumiere near Seix in the Ariege. Day one of the trek is past grass meadows and through forest skirting the slopes of Dom de Seix to the Gite d`etape at Aunac. Day two starts with a steady climb up through a pretty valley to the Col de la Core (1395m). From the col the route generally traverses the slopes through the Bois de L`Aube which opens up to the high alpage above the forest and on to a camp by the Cabine de Subera (1499m). The third days trek is the longest day and the climbing begins straight away. Steepening slopes to lead to the crags above Subera and the climb leaves the mist behind to climb above a wonderful inversion. The climb continues past snow fields and the wreckage of a WW2 bomber to eventually reach the narrow Col de Craberous (2382m). From here it is a steep descent down loose rock and scree to lunch at the Cabane des Espuges (unmanned). Further descent brings us to the Etang de Milauga and then a scramble over large blocks before the ground eases to a steady climb up to the Col de Pecouch (2462m) just below the summit of Mont Valier. From here you can see the welcome sight of our hut, Refuge des Estagnous, a short descent away. The final day begins with a descent to Estang Rond before the steep ground above the lake. There is a climb here protected by cables (marked as via ferratta on the map!). Most folk will get up this easily but some nervous clients will need extra help and some are happier being protected with sling and crabs. Once the excitement of the climb is over it is a steady climb up through the snowfield to the Col de la Pale de la Claurere (2522m) and the border between France and Spain. After crossing into Spain it`s a long descent through alpine grasslands with a mass of wild flowers to the finish point at Borda Perosa.
