your hike
From Unac, located at the bottom of the valley of the Ariège you climb by a path in the undergrowth to the plateau of Chioula, wonderful belvedere where you admire the whole Pyrenean chain.Installed in the middle of these quiet mountains , the Chioula refuge is a small haven of peace.
During the second day you'll do a small or great walk, as you like because there is an important network of very easy paths on this area.
On the third day, you go down by a ridge path.
The first and the third day, slopes are rather important and the children can't ride the donkeys. That's why we recommand this hike if your chilcren are more than 7 years old.
Upload technical leaflet
this trek in formula "all inclusive"
steps
TRIP DESCRIPTION
DAY 1: from UNAC (700 m) to CHIOULA REFUGE (1600 m) - 5 hours
You leave the bottom of the valley where Unac is sheltered to reach the first heights and discover a wonderful panorama of the Pyrenean range.
Chioula refuge accomodation - Possible camping near the refuge. No providing. www.refugeduchioula.com tel 05.61.64.06.97
DAY 2: Walk around Chioula Refuge
Right in the middle of the forests and the pastures, Chioula refuge is the starting point of many easy walks . On one side you are above the Ariège Valley, with Sault Plateau on the other side, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
If you are fit, you can make a great day of walking by following the GR7; You go along the ridge line in the direction of the Col de Pailhères. If you are tired, there are many possibilities for looping tours.
DAY 3: from CHIOULA REFUGE (1600 m) to UNAC (700 m)- 4 hours
Wonderfull prospect during the whole day. You follow the path on the top of this smooth mountain.
The times indicated are the time you go on hike, excluding breaks.
accomodations
In formula "simple rent" you have to reserve yourself the accomodations.
Accommodation is available at the Chioula refuge. He can welcome you in half board and even prepare your picnic for the next day. contact: 05 61 64 06 97 website
You can also camp in the neighbourhood of the refuge. You have to pay for sanitary use and common room.Camping in the wild is always possible in that area and we shalll indicate some nice places near springs.
Campfires are forbidden because of risks of fire.
practical informations
Donkeys
They are used to carry your luggage and occasionally your young kids, under your responsability, and along certain paths within your tour.
The kids must be able to sit by themselves (so being over 2 years old) and must be looked after to avoid any kind of problem (being ready to fall asleep,...)
When there is a child on its back, the donkey has to be hold by an adult with the tether. For security, it's better to protect child's head with a ridehat or a mountain bike helmet. If your child is very small, you must take with you a special bag to carry the baby on your own back to put him when sleeping.
* Their équipment : each donkey wears a halter, a tether, a wooden pack-saddle, with a big bag clipped on each side.
It can carry a load of 35 kilos, that is to say the luggage for 2 or 3 walkers.
This load must be perfectly balanced (17-18 kg on each side). On top of that, only light stuff (such as matress) can be added, to avoid weariness or lack of balance.
* Food and nights of the donkey : In case of accomodation, a donkey park is already set nearly.
If you camp in the wilderness, you'll be provided with a hike park (very light glass fiber sticks, a fence wire and a mobile battery as big as a torch).Like this, you build a fence near your tents and the donkey eat grass in this fence during the night.
Preparing your hikeking
You choose your departure day, the best way being arriving the day before, between 15pm and 19 pm. Then you'll get all the instructions concerning your tour, modify it according to your wishes or the characteristics of your group. At that stage, during one or two hours, we will talk about the details of your tour and we trace it on the map. The next morning, you are introduced to your donkey and you are tought how to load it and lead it. Then we share the first loading.
Period
This hike can be done from may to october
Map
map IGN Ax-les-Thermes 2148 ET 1/25000
Accomodations
In formula "simple rent" you have to reserve yourself the accomodation in Chioula refuge.
Groceries
There is no grocery along the way. You must therefore arrive with the necessary (especially your first picnic). For the following day (s), accommodations can prepare picnics if you book them in advance.
For water, you need a gourd per person, which you can fill along the way if necessary
Your luggages
In High Ariege, the climate is irregular, proper to medium heights : bright sunshine during the day, surprising coolness at night.
Packing:
* Walking boots, and light shoes
* Change clothes, a warm pullover, a sunhat
* Rain clothing (waterproof raincoat)
* Warm coat
* Flask, torch, notepad, pen, lighter, knife, string, medecine (don't forget aspivenin), suncream, sunglasses
* Plastic bags to wap your gear within your rucksack (very efficient in case of rain) and to carry your waste back
* Stove and cooking equipment, tent, sleeping bag (if camping)
* Sheet (only blanquets are provided in refuges)
* Compas and altimeter( for higher mountain tours) Wherever you walk through a village, you'll find drinkable water. If you only walk in the mountains, you'll get water from the numerous springs. Take chlorine tablets with you.Your luggages
For certain tours, food is provided every 2 or 3 days. Others happen in very wild areas and you often are several hour walk from the first inhabited spots. Think about this while packing.
S.O.S. donkeys service
In case of a problem with one of your donkeys, we freely replace it the same day.
Your dog
Your dog may accompany you during your hike.
After a time of adaptation and mutual observation, it will cohabit with the donkeys.
But note that it does not simplify the organization of your hike. It is sometimes difficult to manage everything at once: the donkey or donkeys, children, luggage, map and follow the right path and ... the dog. Especially since it is sometimes necessary to keep away from the donkey with the dog on a leash.
You keep your dog on a leash in areas of grazing cattle. Dogs can not sleep in accommodation; In general, a shelter is provided for them outside.
Remember to let us know if you plan to walk with a dog.
Your car and various things
It will stay on the church square, at Unac near from our farm. If you have precious stuff (bicycles, computer,...), we can keep it safe at home.
prices
Price of simple rent for 1 donkey 2024
including only the donkey, its pack-saddle and bags.
Accomodation and maps will be priced separately
2 days : 130 €
3 days : 193 €
Reductions
family and group
- second donkey:-10%
- third donkey:-15%.
Departure and arrival at Unac
