Walk via Herran

Although Karen and I had planned yesterday on a final caving trip in Gouffre Raymonde and we had all the ropes, etc. ready and packed last night. Today was supposed to be the last day of fine weather and since my wrist was hurting a bit after slipping over while on yesterday's trip, it seemed that it would be a good day to spend our final full day in the Pyrenees by going for another walk.
Elaine was also doing another local walk. Boyd, Steve and Phil were to drive around to walk on Pic de Cagire. Paul, Waggy and Pete Collins were planning on a trip in the Gouffre du Pont de Gerbaut. Keith wanted to walk along the ridge above us, again to take advantage of the fine weather.
Keith joined us as Karen and I drove up to the Fontaine de l'Ours car park where we left my car. Keith set off to follow the beginning of the route Karen and I did the other day, following up the rough track past the Trou Mile and onward past the Cabane. We walked back up the descent route we had used previously, setting off at 10:30 so that we would reach the ridge further along rather than repeat the same walk.
It was a pleasant walk up through the woods with just a very short section of zigzagging, though quite warm. We soon reached the top of the ridge and first had a look around for any roaming Pyrenean Mountain Dogs as we were close to where we had met one the other day. luckily there was no sign of any!
We continued along the ridge covering the part we hadn't been on before, still following red and yellow painted stripes on trees and rocks. The views across to the main Pyrenean chain were as good as the other day as we reached the high point at Sommet de Cournudère (1561 metres). Walking down the other side, still continuing along the ridge, we heard loud "Woof! Woof! Woof!". Obviously Keith had reached the Pyrenean Mountain Dog's lair further back along the ridge!
The path now started to drop down through woods and at around Noon we sat on the ground and had flapjack and drinks. After 15 minutes or so we started off again down the path and not long afterwards Keith appeared coming down behind us.
The three of us continued following the path as it wended its way down to the nearby picturesque village of Herran. Following the road for a kilometre or so brought us back to the gite at Labaderque for about 14: 30 where we met Elaine reading a book in the sun.
After a rest and a tea, we all walked back up the 2.7 miles to the car park to collect the car.
After dinner Karen and I started getting everything packed away ready for the journey home tomorrow after a final session of feeding carrots not only to the two donkeys but also to two black horses next door.
We were booked on tomorrow's ferry from Santander while the others were leaving the next day.