Starting from the small village of Norgeat in Haute-Ariège, the route forms a large loop over the crests from Col de Gamel to Col de Larnat, passing through Plan de Montcamp and Rocher de Miglos. The panorama of the route is aerial, offering superb views of the Ariège Pyrenees and, as you traverse the crests of the Lesse, breathtaking vistas of the Quié de Sinsat cliffs and the Tabe massif above. Without any major difficulties, the hike is nonetheless quite demanding, with over 15 kms on the clock and more than 1000m of ascent. The day's conditions were just right, with gispet and patches of snow still colored with Saharan sand, under the low-angled light of a fine winter's day.
Technical summary
Type ✦ Trekking
Location ✦ Norgeat, Commune de Miglos
Region ✦ Haute-Ariège
Country ✦ France
Max altitude ✦ 1905m
Distance ✦ 15.5km
Vertical drop ✦ 1070m
Difficulty ✦ E3 / T2 / R2
Duration ✦ 4h to 5h
Interest ✦ ★★
Access to the place
On leaving Tarascon-sur-Ariège towards Ax-les-Thermes, turn south onto the D8 towards Vicdessos. Pass Niaux and in Capoulet a little further on, turn east towards Miglos, then continue on the small road up to Norgeat at the bottom of the valley. Drive through the village (be careful, very narrow streets) and park near the yellow PR trail crossing.
Itinerary description
Hiking to the start Col de Gamel, 1h à 1h15'
At the end of the village of Norgeat, you can easily find the yellow PR trail. Follow the road/trail to the south, then leave it to take the path up to Col de Gamel. This is the start of a steep, sustained approach through the forest, with 450m of ascent. There are some really steep sections and little respite except at the end with a short traverse to reach the pass at 1390m.
Course 2h30 à 3h
The route follows the GR as far as Pla de Montcamp, from where you descend off-piste but without difficulty. The rest of the ridge is easy to follow. From the Rocher de Miglos to the Col de Larnat, there is a signposted trail (mountain bike?). No technical difficulty or exposure, but a considerable physical effort. Most of the route is exposed to the wind, which can make conditions more difficult.
Part 1: Pla de Montcamp
From the Col de Gamel, take the GR up through the forest to the south. You soon come out on the western flank of the looming dome. The ascent of the Pla de Montcamp is made in successive stages, gradually reaching the gentle, rounded Bède ridge that faces the Pyrenees. At the three-quarter point, there's a first hump-shaped "summit". Descend a few dozen metres to the Col de la Lène, and then tackle the final ramp. The end of the ridge ends on a wide flat, hence its name, which juts out a little further towards the snowy peaks.
Part 2: Rocher de Miglos and Cap Bialac
From the summit and at the end of the flat, head due west to join the ridge that will make the loop and that is clearly visible. A steeper descent to negotiate without too much difficulty, a small saddle-shaped pass and we climb back up to tackle a long, gentle descent on the ridge heading north-east this time. Further down, you come within sight of the Miglos rock, a distinctive rocky protrusion from the grassy ridge. Turn right and find a well-marked trail. It's quite long and climbs a little to reach the Cap de la Lesse de Bialac. The views of the Quié cliffs and the Tabe massif behind are superb. Descend a little further and finally cross the forest track below. Cross a small wood and reach a large grassy area where there's a rock ideally placed for observing the panorama of the Ax valley at our feet. There's very little left to run to the Col de Larnat, the end of the route.
Back
From the Col de Larnat, take the yellow PR path which descends to the west to reach the village of Norrat at the bottom of the valley via the Correc ravine. In this village, you'll find the continuation of the yellow trail, which quickly crosses back to Norgeat, the starting point of the hike.
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