your hike
This quiet path goes between the dry stone walls that support the meadows on the sunny side of the valley of the Ariège. This loop, crosses three villages adorned with romanesque churches and passes by Lordat and its castle, perched on a promontory.
On the first day you climb quietly, by the path overlooking the valley of the Ariège, to Appy or Lordat (depending on the type of accommodation chosen).
On the way back, a delightful descent takes you back to the Ariege valley where you then go back to Unac.
If you wish to do 3 days of hiking, you will go up to the high mountain on the second day, following a track unto a pastoral hut from where you have a superb view on the massif.
This hike is easy, so children can ride the donkeys.
Upload technical leaflet
steps
TRIP DESCRIPTION
DAY 1: from UNAC (7000 m) to APPY (1000 m) - 3 hours
You start from Unac, where you can admire the beautiful Romanesque church. The way curves between the dry stone walls which support the meadows in terrace, on the sunny side of the Ariège valley. You will ascend gradually and you will enjoy the sight on the valley. You cross several villages. You will notice the castle of Lordat, perched on a headland.
DAY 2: stroll around Appy
Day 2, you can hike with the donkey around Appy village, towards Caychax cabain. You go up and down by the same path. So you can choose the length of your tour.
DAY 3: from APPY (1000 m) to UNAC (7000 m) - 4 hours
You go down in the valley by the Cassagne beautiful path which was used by Axiat inhabitants in the old days to reach the valley. You go up until Romanesque church of Vernaux which is on the middle of meadows and you come back to Unac.
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 possible in the village of Appy, in the bed and breakfast La Bruyère, nice setting, delicious food. She can welcome you in half board and even prepare your picnic for the next day. Contact: 05 61 64 46 88 website
You can camp at the campsite at Lordat Farm 33 (0)6 35 29 09 41
practical informations
Donkeys
They are used to carry your luggage. For that hike, childre can ride donkeys almost always. Kids ride donkeys under your responsability.
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 : There is a night-park for the donkey nearLa Bruyère and Lordat campsite.
Preparing your hikeking
Departure days are free. You have to arrive at Unac early in the morning so you can enjoy your first day and not get too hot.
It takes about an hour to prepare your hike: study of itinerary, organization of luggage.
Period
This hike can be done during all the year.
Map
This tour is on map IGN Ax-les-Thermes 2148 ET au 1/25000ème. But it’s not compulsory because we lend you a roadbook.
Accomodations
In formula "simple rent" you have to reserve yourself the accomodation.
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
