• Ardeche - Walks on the wild side

• 27 September – 5 October

• £665

• 9 days: 7 days multi-centre-based, guided walking. Altitude maximum 1753m, average 1200m

• A wild and rugged region, unspoilt and relatively quiet
• Varied Ardeche landscapes and a changing climate giving rise to different habitats and wildlife
• Dramatic waterfalls and gorges
• Picturesque villages streets etched into the terraced hillsides
• A region with a rich historic legacy

• 8 nights accommodation in several exquisite 2 and 3 star equivalent guest houses, double and twin rooms with own bathrooms. All breakfasts included, 7 packed lunches and 7 evening meals

1. Airport and station transfers from Lyon
2. Transport to and from the start of each walk
3. 8 nights' accommodation
4. Full Board. (with the exception of lunches on day of arrival and departure and one evening meal)
5. Services of guide for 7 walks

1. Travel between the UK and Lyon, France
2. Lunches on the day of arrival and departure
   
3. Transfers, other than those from Lyon
   
4. Any excursions or entrance fees
5. Drinks to accompany one evening meal

Walks:

The walks vary in difficulty due to their length and/or altitude gain. In general the paths are good and the terrain rugged, but not overly complicated or mountainous. The holiday is included in the grade Moderate/challenging due to the length of some of the proposed walks.

Day 1: Arrival,

Collection from airport and drive to Ardeche

Day 2: Gorges de Eyrieux

This walk is a gentle introduction to the Ardeche valleys. Here in this stunning gorge, rocky outcrops, terraces and steep forested slopes plunge to the river Eyrieux which cuts an erratic path through the ever-changing picturesque landscape.

Day 3: Mont Mézenc

This walk on the Ardeche plateau explores the highest point in the region, enjoying fabulous views across the landscape of “sucs” (volcanic domes), and the valleys carving their way eastwards. There will also be the opportunity to visit the celebrated mountain, Gerbier Jonc (source of the Loire) and the circular volcanic lake Issarles and its troglodyte dwellings.

Day 4: Waterfall – Ray du Pic

We will have the choice of two delightful walks that lead to the enchanting “Ray du Pic” falls, plunging 30m through a gap in the volcanic rocks. (pictured right) At the head of the river Bourges, our circuits pass between two strikingly different landscapes: rugged rocky gorges and open wild plateaux.

Day 5: Above and below Thueyts

This walk is in two parts. First, a gentle walk to the River Ardeche where you will be able to discover close up some striking volcanic columns that make up the cliffs plunging below the village of Thueyts. Afterwards we will climb up to a delightful ridge terminating at 1350m. Carpeted in moorland heather, the ridge provides fantastic views across the Ardeche and beyond.

Days 6 & 7: The heart of the Tanargue

In the morning we will visit the Abbey “Notre Dame des Neiges before starting our 2 day walk from the tiny spa resort of St Laurent les Bains. Passing through the intimate Borne gorge we will make our way up onto the heights of the Tanargue. After a night at the remote Auberge du Bez in a remote corner of the Ardeche at over 1200m, we will return by following an undulating open ridge. Nearing our departure point we will descend into the craggy basin near the head of the Borne. We will drop off our luggage at our overnight stop so that only normal small day sacks need to be carried during the walk.

Day 8:  Southern Ardeche

A choice of walks are available to us to finish the week including a walk along a desolate ridge riddled with giant granite blocks, a tour of the impressive Chassezac gorge or a stroll in the Paiolive wood, home to strange limestone rock formations. There will also be time to visit a number of charming historic villages near the head of the Ardeche Gorge.

Day 9: Departure

Drive through and visit of Ardeche Gorge (if time permits) and return to airport