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On leaving Arrens-Marsous, follow the Lac d'Estaing road for 200 m. Park in the car park on the right.
Yellow and Red markings – GRP® Tour du Val d'Azun
(S/E) Follow the road for 100 m and take the footbridge on the left over the Gave d’Azun. Follow the track heading due east for about 100 m (arboretum sign). At the left-hand bend in this track, follow a path that climbs steeply (to the right) through the north-eastern forest for about 300 m. This path offers a chance to see a variety of tree species.
(1) Under the high-voltage power line, turn sharply right heading due south-west. After 200 m, the path reaches the D603.
(2) Cross it carefully and continue straight ahead along the path, heading south-east, then south-east. This path then climbs steeply, winding through the old mountain pastures. It then heads due south, passing close to a small stream overgrown with grass. After passing the stream, the path turns left, heading due north-east, and continues to climb. After a few bends, it reaches a ridge and turns sharply right, heading due south. Continue due south for about 300 m.
(3) Cross the low stone wall. Take a pretty path lined with low walls which descends to the left, heading due east. After about 300 m, you’ll reach a fork.
(4) Take the path that climbs slightly to the right, heading due south-east. It soon turns due south. Follow this south-easterly path up to an altitude of around 1,487 m. The path runs more or less along the hillside, staying within the cirque. It then turns due east and reaches a ruined hut.
(5) Turn sharply south and follow the path downwards. It turns eastwards to reach a gate.
(6) Go through it and descend via the south-easterly path, which turns west. Soon the path turns south-southeast, crossing the Ruisseau des Boussus several times. Continue the descent along a wide track, cross the Pont de Miaous over the Gave d'Estaing and join the D103.
Red and white markings – GR®10
(7) Follow the road carefully for about 500 m, keeping to the left on the hard shoulder. Turn left and cross another bridge (marked ‘private property’).
(8) Immediately after this bridge, turn right. Do not go through the gate on your right, but follow the path along the Gave. Very soon, this path runs alongside a campsite. At the campsite entrance, take the road on the right and cross the Gave again.
(9) Do not follow the road. There is a wide path running alongside it. Follow this path for about 500 m. When you reach a road, turn left and follow this road to a new bridge over the Gave.
(10) Cross the Gave and the D103 road with care. Take the path opposite the bridge. This path climbs and turns right, heading due north. After 250 m, the path turns left. Go round the church and follow the edge of the cemetery. When you reach a road, turn left and follow this road heading south-west for about 500 m.
(11) A path branches off to the right, heading due north. After 60 m, turn left and follow a stony path (due west) which crosses the D603 road, and follow it for 300 m. You will need to leave the road at a right-hand bend.
(12) Follow the stony track heading left, north-west. This track joins the road. Follow this road for 100 m, then leave it at a right-hand bend to climb into the woods and overlook the road. After 600 m, this track joins the road (start of the route to Pic De Pan).
(13) Follow the D603 road carefully for about 1 km. Leave it at a left-hand bend to cut across the hairpin bends of this road and rejoin it at another left-hand bend.
(14) Two options:
- Follow the D603 again for 600 m, turn sharply right at the arboretum and turn left until you reach the original junction.
- Head down to the right and join the path through the arboretum, then continue straight on to the original junction.
(1) Return to the fork from the outward journey. Head back down opposite towards the track, the footbridge and the car park (S/E).
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