Friday 10th August 2018. An ascent of l’Arpelin 2604m/125m, from Col d’Izoard (2360m), Cottian Alps, France. 2.6km, with 275m of ascent. 1hr 40mins.

From Col d’Izoard, a road col frequently used in the Tour de France, a rugged serrated ridge called Crête des Oules runs eastward, forming a cirque, and culminating in the soaring peak of Pic de Rochebrune (3320m). On the western rim of this cirque is l’Arpelin, a subsidiary peak of the twin-topped Côte Belle (2914m).

I had viewed this graceful mountain across Col d’Izoard on my ascent of Clot la Cime (2732m) four days earlier (see at https://peakery.com/clos-la-cime-france/summits/179264/), and was keen to make its ascent. Its sweeping ridges, plunging slopes of limestone scree, and sharp summit made it a challenge I was keen to accept. The north ridge was the obvious route to the top, starting from the Col d’Izoard. It would be a short outing, but in dramatic scenery.

We parked the car at the col, taking a narrow path north-east towards le Col Perdu, the connecting col between l’Arpelin and Côte Belle. As we approached this point, my wife decided to turn back, as she was finding the plunging scree slopes to her right not to her liking. I continued to the col alone to inspect the route up the north ridge of the peak. A faint path on scree followed its crest, close to the plunging drop to the left. To improve safety, I decided to keep further to the right, where the eastern flank of the mountain was slightly less vertiginous. I made slow progress up the very steep slope, pausing often to draw breath, but eventually gained the very small summit plateau, perched above the sweeping plunge of scree on the western side of the peak.

The view was dramatic, and worth the effort of my ascent. To the east, the rocky head of Pic de Rochebrune dominated the view. To the north, the rugged twin mountains of le Lasseron (2702m) and Cime de la Charvie (2881m) did similarly.

I made my way down, very gingerly, by my outward route, taking great caution on the slope, due to my stiff legs. I was amused when two young French women passed me, making light of the ascent, putting my own aged efforts in perspective. I was further amused when they passed me again on descent only a few minutes later.

This was the last day of our stay in the Cottian Alps of France. I hope I return. It is a little-known area in the Alpine Chain, and all the better for it.