HISTORY under your feet will definitely be on offer for any keen walkers wanting to take up the opportunity to visit the Cathar castles of the French Pyrenees, but be warned - it will definitely test your fitness.

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays – the experts in guided walking adventures across the globe – is offering a one week, full board holiday to explore some of the most stunning fortresses, many of which are situated on the top of seemingly impregnable cliffs.

 The 125 mile Le Sentier Cathar (The Cathar Trail) runs from the Mediterranean to the Pyrenees through beautiful French countryside.

South of Toulouse lie some of the most awe-inspiring medieval fortresses in Europe and this holiday will allow you the exploration of these castles and the opportunity to walk this historic route once taken by the Cathars themselves, reliving a moment of medieval history in France.

 Highlights include, Tuchan itself; the Castle of Quéribus; the great fortress of Peyrepertuse; the magnificent Galamus Canyon; Quillan; Puilaurens Castle above the Boulzane Valley; Axat on the Ande River; the Nebias Highland; Puivert Castle; Montségur Castle; Roquefixade castle and Foix castle – once the property of Gâston Fébus – Count of Foix.

  The 125 mile Sentier Cathare trail runs from the Mediterranean to the Pyrenees and highlights of this route, with walks starting in Tuchan and finishing in Foix.  Walkers will enjoy days rambling in a variety of magnificent landscapes, from hillside vineyards, gorges and mountains to Pyrenean forests and hilltop castles.

  The journey of discovery opens in Tuchan where you will take a linear walk along the Sentier Cathare with a visit to the castle of Quéribus.  A circular walk from Duilhac then heads high up to the great fortress of Peyrepertuse, allowing magnificent views across the Pyrenees. On another walk the party will descend to the astonishing Galamus Canyon, finishing off in the town of Quillan located in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

From Quillan the walk continues along the Pays Cathare walking trail to one of its most spectacular castles, Puilaurens, standing proud on the top of a ridge above the Boulzane Valley, and then descend to Axat, a remote village near the Aude River.

Throughout the trip travellers will find the area is perfect for walking and with added historical interest creates a memorable holiday.

Days will typically be around eight to 11 miles, with approximately 5-6 hours walking a day, but anyone thinking this is for them it should be noted that some walks are regarded as being at the top of the grade.

The price is from £1,199 per person and includes return flights, transfers, full board accommodation at Hotel du Vieux Moulin, Duilhac (3 nights); Hotel de la Chaumiere, Quillan (2 nights); Hotel Lons, Foix (2 nights) and services of a dedicated tour leader.  Departures began last month and continue to October, and then will resume again in May next year.