Caire Gros

Peaks: Pic de Colmiane (1790m/5873ft), Le Caire Gros (2087m/6847ft), Tete de Clans (2081m/6827ft)
Area: Maritime Alps, France
Given my solo Alpine trip, I'd already pledged not to make another solo trip to the Mercantour. But our final weekend seemed an ideal opportunity for a family visit, so we took the chairlift from Colmiane above St Martin Vesubie up the eponymous peak in more superbly clear weather: again, a stiffish breeze had blown the haze away. Weather now far more stable than it had been for me on the big peaks a fortnight ago. I took the opportunity to run from Pic de Colmiane over the wooded hill of Le Faut to Col du Varaire. Here, I picked up the mega-route of the GR5 (for the first time since 1992!) to contour through pine forest SW to the Col des deux Caires and a sudden emergence from the treeline to fantastic views over unfamiliar hills west towards the Castellane Pre-Alps. I left the GR5 for the zigzags up east to the summit of the Caire Gros. All runnable, gaining the top in about 27 minutes from Colmiane. Stunning 'new' views into the heart of the Mercantour: satisfying and fascinating to gaze from a different angle on previously climbed peaks like Agnel, Clapier, Gelas, Capelet, Ponset - as well as those still to come like Maledie and Argentera. Perfect clarity to the north, where Mounier and Pelat were obvious highpoints. The immediate surroundings were also appealing, and I couldn't resist running a section of the ridge to Tete de Clans. This was an exhilerating grassy romp with wonderful views on both sides. Dropped down steeply to the GR5, which I took back to the col and then Colmiane for lunch with the family at the informal restaurant on the summit with perfect views over the Mercantour.