Pic Rouge de Bassies depuis Coumebiere

We were a bit disappointed when we arrived to start our walk at Coumebiere, it was cold and we were engulfed in cloud. The forecast had been for good weather and the day before had been fantastic, but we had been unable to go out because of the arrival of gite guests.

We were a bit late (10.15) but we set off into the mirk at a good pace. When reached the crest of the ridge after the abandoned silver mines we emerged into the sun and above the clouds.

Emerging from monochrome into technicolour!

We continued to climb to the next col where views East to the Etang de Bassies and South along the ridge to our objective were revealed. Pic Rouge was still holding some snow despite being just under 2700m and was shining in the sunlight.

The ridge leading to the Peak is fore-shortened and for an hour or more it never seems to get any closer. We stopped for a first lunch at 12.15 on big flat rock in the sun.

We pressed on passing a group of 3, until at last our snowy goal was in front of us. The rocks at the bottom of the peak were teaming with marmots who were unusually not at all timid. Until the group of three, who had a dog, arrived, then up went the alarm calls and they disappeared underground.

Despite the glorious sun the last few hundred meters were snowy and in places there was verglas on the rocks.

Fantastical views and a second lunch before the return by the same path.

On the way up we had spotted a very new cabin a little way off the path, so on the way back we dropped in to have a look. I think it's destined to be for the berger (shepherd) - but it's great to see something a little more modern in design in our mountains.

Back home we had a hot bath, a couple of beers then steak, chips and a bottle of wine. It was a perfect day!