Trek the Cathar Trail

Transfer from Toulouse to the medieval town of Foix, where you spend the first night. If time allows take time to visit the castle of Count Gaston Fébus or stroll around the medieval city.

A coach transfer of 45 minutes will take you to the beginning of today’s walk at Montségur and to meet your leader.

You'll meet at the Castle where you can enjoy magnificent views of the valleys and mountains around you. You'll also enjoy an introduction to Cathar history and legend on your visit to this famous castle, before traversing the spectacular Frau gorges where the Mediterranean influence is more present.

You’ll walk from Ariège to the Plateau de Sault before a 30-minute coach journey to the spa town of Ax-les-Thermes for the night with its hot springs and thermal baths.  (If time allows, you can relax in the wellness centre “Les Bains du Couloubret”- €20.00 for 2 hours).

9½ miles (15km) with 3,000 feet (900m) of ascent and 2,700 feet (800m) of descent.

Today we take a short train transfer to Mérens and a beautiful walk, giving close-up views of the high mountains of Ariège. Taking shepherds’ paths and forest trails, we reach the high-point of the day with spectacular far-reaching views of the Pyrenean chain. Descending through the meadows and woods surrounding the village of Mérens, we can revive our feet in the natural springs, before taking the short train or bus journey back to Ax-les-Thermes.

8 miles (13km), with 2,500 feet (750m) of ascent and 2,500 feet (750m) of descent.

Today we take a 40 minute coach journey on the famous route to Porté Puymorens and the Mediterranean Pyrenees. From here we begin our ascent to the Portella Blanca (8,257ft above sea level), and the border of France, Andorra and Spain.

Crossing into Spain, the landscape changes yet again, as we are greeted by the stunning sight of the Sierra del Cadi. You'll be rewarded by beautiful scenery as you cross into Spain. A short transfer from the end of your walk takes you to your hotel.

This is the longest day, as you cross the border and it involves a very early start.

14½ miles (23km), with 3,700 feet (1,100m) of ascent and 3,700 feet (1,100m) of descent.

Today, on the agenda, a nice loop on the heights of Bellver de Cerdanya. It allows you to discover the geological richness of the Sierra de Cadi and undoubtedly admire the wild vultures, these Pyrenean giants, from very close up.

7 miles (11km), with 2,000 feet (600m) of ascent and 2,000 feet (600m) of descent.

From Bellver we take a 20 minute transfer to Gisclareny where we begin our walk through the heart of the Cadi-Moixero national park and in the shadows of the emblematic fortress of Pedraforca’s Peak. Our trail ends today at the town of Gosol with its castle, a place of refuge for many Cathars.

10 miles (15km), with 2,400 feet (700m) of ascent and 2,000 feet (600m) of descent.

The final chapter in this legendary journey leads us from Fumanya (after a short transfer from Berga), to the Cathar sanctuary of Queralt, the ‘balcony of Catalonia’, and through the Mediterranean forest to Berga, where we can toast the life and legend of the “Bon Hommes”, and enjoy the final section of our journey.

9½ miles (15km), with 1,400 feet (400m) of ascent and 3,000 feet (900m) of descent.

Free time in Berga before your transfer to Barcelona airport which takes just over an hour.

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.