Growing up between the game reserves in South Africa and the wilderness of the Australian outback, Ian Pendry discovered a love for nature early on in life. At university in Sheffield he met Angela, an international mountain bike racer and skilled ski mountaineer. The rest, as they say, is history.

This small medieval walled town, listed as one of ‘les plus beaux villages de France’,  has it all, from its architectural significance, breathtaking views, magnificent walks, three caves (Grottes des Canalettes), historical Fort Liberia, lively…

At 10.00am on a beautifully clear day, we assembled at the col de Creu between Matermale and Sansa for the second of our winter snowshoe walks.
Our previous walk in the valley of Planès had been a great success so this time we had planned a bbq at the unguarded refuge les Estagnols, on the slopes of the Madres peak.