High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2016 High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2017 | Page 53

Summit of Auvergne - Tour of Sancy T Independent Walking his self-guided walking holiday explores the stunning Puy de Sancy mountains in northern Auvergne, including its summit, which at 1,885m is the highest in France outside the Alps & Pyrenees. Your holiday takes the form of a circular tour, taking in the most spectacular trails with expansive breath-taking views. It will also explore many of the features that make up this beautiful landscape including beautiful volcanic and glacial lakes set in a backdrop of verdure, mighty volcanic domes, dramatic rocky cliffs, secluded glacial valleys and amazing waterfalls. In between the summits your tour will visit the charming medieval villages of Besse and Murol, with the chance of extending the trail as far as St Nectaire with its wonderful basilica. A rich flora and fauna will accompany your circuit with mouflons, chamois, falcons, and orchids. Walks: day-by-day Day 1: Arrival – Make your own way to Mont Dore. Short transfer to guest house. Day 2: Tour from Mont Dore Today you have the option of two wonderful walks leaving from Mont Dore. Option 1: Lake Guery and col de Guery to see the volcanic towers of Sanadoire & Tuilière. Gentle climb to Banne d’Ordanche & Puy Gros for great views of Mont Dore & Sancy. 21km, +820m This walk can be shortened as required. Option 2: Magnificent walk taking in 3 waterfalls & ridge of volcanic peaks with sumptuous views. After a climb to Col de la Croix Marchand, traverse 4 summits, with the highest, Puy de l’Angle being a great vantage point. 19km, +900m Day 3: Mont Dore - Murol Another great day taking in the eastern flanks of the Puy de Sancy with the opportunity to climb Roc Cuzeau before reaching Puy de Crebasses at 1762m, which has remarkable views into the Chaudefour Valley with its fins of rock. Take a moment to look for falcons & chamois. You’ll then begin a long descent, passing by Chambon sur Lac before reaching the beautiful lake itself & then Murol. 20km, +830m Optional extra day Partial rest day and short walk around the lake & nearby hills for views over the lake and the mountain summits. Chance to visit Murol’s 12th century castle. 7km, +200m. Longer option: walk to St Nectaire and its superb basilica and beautiful rolling countryside passing remote hamlets and pre-historic standing stones. 19km, +490m ♦ A spectacular walking tour taking in the highest and most beautiful summits of the Puy de Sancy with exceptional views ♦ Dramatic waterfalls, beautiful lakes and wild mountain scenery ♦ Historic villages built from volcanic stone with great ecclesiastical monuments ♦ ♦ Rich flora & fauna At a Glance Day 4: Murol - Fontaneix Climb away from Murol before taking a detour to the small village of St Victoire la Rivière with its pretty 12th century church. After traversing the Forest of Courbanges, you’ll reach the delightful medieval town of Besse en Chandesse. Take the time to explore its narrow alleyways and small squares lined with stone houses. You’ll then take a picturesque trail to the beautiful volcanic circular Lake Pavin. A short walk brings you to your guest house on a working farm on the flanks of Puy de Sancy. 22km, +810m Welcoming guest houses in historic buildings GUIDED / INDEPENDENT Price: Day 5: Fontaneix - Mont Dore Grade: A wonderful final day’s walk. You’ll climb onto a ridge on the southern edge of the Chaudefour Valley before reaching the top of Sancy, at 1885m, the highest point in the Massif Central. You’ll then follow a stunning ridge walk, this time on the western edge of the glacial valley, with surprising rock features along the way. The trail summits the Puy de Cliergue and le Capucin before descending to Mont Dore. 16km, +750m, -910m. Profile: Dates: See Price List 20 May - 30 Sept Day 6: Departure - Holiday ends after breakfast. Optional extra day Accommodation Price P/P See Price List or Web Site for details Walking Profile 4 or 5 days independent walking. This holiday will suit those people who enjoy mountain walking as well as exploring different facets of an area. The daily walks on this walking holiday average 19km in length with an average of 750m of ascent. The terrain is hilly & mountainous. The paths are generally good although they can be rough and stony in places with the odd exposed section which requires a degree of surefootedness as well as a good head for heights. Holiday Profile 5 or 6 nights: 4 or 5 days self-guided walks moving between guest houses (except first day). What’s included 5 or 6 nights accommodation, all breakfasts, 2 or 3 picnic lunches, evening meals in Murol & Fontaneix, walking notes and maps, transfers in Mont Dore What’s not included Travel to Mont Dore, lunches on arrival & departure, plus lunches leaving from Mont Dore, evening meals in Mont Dore, visits, travel insurance You will be staying in a mixture of B&B guest houses & small hotels, (good quality 2 & 3 star equivalent). They are often traditional Auvergne properties offering authentic accommodation where the welcome is warm and generous. [email protected] 11 53