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Independent Walking

TOUR of QUEYRAS: An Alpine Secret

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n this exciting independent walking holiday you’ll explore
the spectacular and relatively undiscovered Queyras Region.

Its range of accessible summits linked by good trails makes this
unspoilt region a paradise for walkers wishing to have a real
high alpine experience. In addition, its southern location on the
border with Italy means it enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year.
The circular tour passes through a range of varied landscapes:
with mountain torrents snaking down deep gorges and valleys,
whilst above, alpine meadows merge with astonishing rocky
deserts capped by a succession of stunning mountain ridges and
peaks. Its fauna and flora is exceptional with chamois, ibex,
marmots, golden eagle and a vast array of rare wild flowers.
The region also has a rich architectural heritage which is
encapsulated by the pretty alpine village of St Veran.

Walks: day-by-day
Day 1: Arrival –

Welcome & pick-up from Mont Dauphin-Guillestre station

Day 2: Molines en Queyras - Ceillac
Today you'll climb gently through forests to reach the Col Fromage (2301m). From here you
have the option of continuing on to the summit of the Crete de Chabrette (2582m) for some
stunning views of the glaciated peaks of the Fonte Sancte, or descend directly to the village of
Ceillac in its deep valley setting. 6hrs, +800m

Day 3: Ceillac - St Veran
The climb out of Ceillac is fairly steep, but you are rewarded at the Col des Estronques
(2651m) with a stunning panorama. This makes a great place to stop for lunch. Ridges snake
off on both sides with the rocky slopes of the Crete de Rasis providing a stark contrast to the
flower-filled meadows below. Possibility to summit Tete de Jacquette at 2757m. Descent to St
Veran with its alpine dwellings with high hay lofts built from Larch. 5hrs,+1050m

Day 4: St Veran - Refuge Agnel
Your walk starts by following the torrent of the Aguille Blanche. You then pass through a
landscape of tumbling streams, meadows and rocky bluffs. The path climbs steadily to the Col
de Chamossiere from where it’s possible to easily summit a 3000m peak. The path descends
to the refuge Agnel. Refuge or taxi trip to hotel in St Veran. 6hrs, +1050m

Day 5: Refuge Agnel - Abriès
After a short ascent you reach the col Vieux (2806m) at the foot of the impressive Pain du
Sucre. From here it’s a spectacular descent along the Bouchouse Valley. You'll pass a couple
of beautiful alpine lakes before joining the Guill Valley. 6hrs, +220 m ; - 1250 m

♦ An unspoilt, rugged Alpine region with

breath-taking scenery, dramatic walking
& a great variety of landscapes

♦ An alpine circuit where your luggage is
transported for you

♦ Accessible mountains, sunny climate &

good paths make it an ideal alpine destination for novices & experienced alike

♦ Plenty of historic and cultural interest

with remarkable & varied architecture

♦ Rich alpine flora and fauna

Day 6: Abriès - Aiguilles
A steady climb out of Abriès along a steep valley leads to the Grand Laus (2579m), a
stunning mountain lake where the surrounding peaks are reflected in its clear blue waters.
Summit option & dramatic and pretty descent to the village of Aiguilles. 6 hrs, +/- 1000 m

At a Glance

Day 7: Aiguilles - La Chalp, Arvieux

GUIDED / INDEPENDENT

An enjoyable walk with less climbing. You overlook the Guill valley including the 16th century
Chateau Queyras located on a rock pillar in the valley bottom. The path then winds past the
traditional village of Souliers and Lac de Roue to reach the Arvieux Valley. 6 hrs, + 450 m

Price:

Day 8: Tour from La Chalp, Arvieux
Choice of 3 possible walks to explore the surroundings of the Arvieux Valley with its rugged
limestone peaks, unique Italian style architecture and wonderful alpine meadows. 6hrs
+900m. Extra days & nights possible in Arvieux Valley.

Day 9: Departure -

Transfer to train station after breakfast

Walking
Profile

7 days independent walking moving between guest houses. Average days
are about 6 hours long and include height gains of between 800m and
1000m. In addition, most walks will take place between 2000m and 3000m
where the effects of altitude can be felt. A good level of fitness is required,
and you should be comfortable on mountainous paths. Walking experience
in the mountains is advisable. You should be able to navigate in case of poor
weather. The paths are mountainous in nature and sometimes exposed, but
they do not require any technical abilities. Early in the season, i.e. in June,
you could experience snow at some of the higher cols.

Holiday
Profile

8 nights: 7 days independent walking moving between guest
houses. Starts every day of the week subject to availability.

What’s
included

8 nights' half board accommodation. Full walking notes and maps,
transport of luggage between guest houses, transfer to & from Mont
Dauphin-Guillestre train station.

What’s not
included

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See Price List or Web Site for details. Price dependent on choice
of refuge option or hotel option on day 4. Also dependent on
inclusion or exclusion of transfers to and from station.

+

Grade:
Profile:
Dates:

Price p/p

See Price List

15/6

15/9

Accommodation
Your accommodation is a mixture of small family run hotels,
chambres d'hôtes, auberges and a mountain refuge. (Option
available to stay at a hotel instead of the mountain refuge).
The comfort varies according to the style. All of the guest
house rooms have private rooms for 2 and all but one or two
have private bathrooms. The mountain hut has small dormitory
style rooms and is much more basic. However there is a convivial atmosphere and the surroundings are magical. Meals are
taken in your guest house and are local specialities. Your last
two nights are in a good 3 star hotel with pool.

Travel to Guillestre, France; lunches, drinks with some evening meals,
any excursions or entrance fees, travel insurance

Book now on [phone] or visit

www.highpointholidays.co.uk