Cathar Way

Product Description

The Cathar Way is Alan Mattingly’s Cicerone guide to the popular trail that links some of the most famous Cathar castles of southern France, associated with the 13th century Cathar ‘heretics’. The 250km trail runs from the Mediterranean coast westward to the historic town of Foix, traversing the dramatic foothills of the Pyrenees & can completed in two weeks by anyone well equipped & moderately fit. The famous castles of Queribus, Peyrepertuse & Montsegur are also included. The guide is organized into 12 sections describing a different stage of the walk, allowing walkers to choose indivudal routes or to walk the entire length in one attempt. Each walk has a general overview of the route as well as an information box detailing distance, walking time, altitude, ascent & descent & the relevant IGN map. There is also a short note on navigation to help walkers find their way. A comprehensive introduction explores the history of the Cathars & their culture & series of castles as well as practical advice on getting there & around, accommodation, equipment & planning a trek using the Cathar Way. Detailed route descriptions are accompanied by colour sketch diagrams mapping the route ahead as well as colour photographs illustrating some of the historic points of interest along the route.