A great picnic spot at the top with views all down the valley on the other side. A few walkers, and cyclists on skinny bikes, share the sights. Mike and Keith can't resist throwing snowballs. Orange butterflies search out the meadow flowers. We reluctantly leave this paradise to belt down the through farming hamlets to Castillon-en-Coursans for beer and ice cream.
We manage to bypass much of the main road back to St Girons by winding in and out of ancient villages, most with 12thC, squat stone churches. Crossing on narrow bridges over rushing weirs, past houses covered with climbing, fragrant roses, we eventually come across Kirby in the town centre. Another excuse for a coffee stop, before heading back to the hotel for showers. We await the others, to find out how they got on.
They appear a few hours later looking remarkably fresh considering they not only completed "our" Col but another around 950m! Our helmets off to them!
Location:St Girons - the Cols.
