Pic Rouges de Bassies, Pic Rouge de Belcaire

A griffon vulture on the crest below Pic Rouge de Belcaire

Climbed up Pic Rouges de Bassies (2676m) today with Ian. Starting from Coumebiere we were on the summit in about 2hrs 40min, but it was hot and airless and felt hard work. Last climbed the peak 3 years ago when it was in deep cloud and I saw virtually nothing all day.

The last part of the ascension past Pic Caumale (R) to Pic Rouge de Bassies (centre R) and Pic Rouge de Belcaire (centre L)

After soaking up some rays and looking at future climbing projects, we decided to scramble across the ridge to Pic Rouge de Belcaire -great fun.

The continuation of the ridge to point 2554 was abruptly halted by 25m vertical drop requiring an abseil or at least a rope for protection.

A gulley provided an escape but it was clear that the rest of the ridge is a 'roped' project. Some close encounters with vultures provided some photo opportunities, before we made our way to the Etang des Lavants de l'Escale where some swimming gave us restbite from the heat.

A speedy descent to the car, then cold beer in Ercé and ice cream in Oust before home.