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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.
(S/E) Follow the road for 100 m and take the footbridge on the left over the Gave. Follow the track that climbs eastwards for about 100 m (arboretum sign). At the bend to the left on this track, follow a path that climbs steeply (to the right) into the north-east forest for about 300 m. This path allows you to discover a few tree species.
(1) Under the high-voltage power line, turn sharply right heading south-west. After 200 m, the path reaches the D603.
(2) Cross it carefully and continue straight ahead on the path, heading south-east, then south-east. This path climbs steeply and winds through the old summer pastures. Then the path heads south, passing close to a small stream overgrown with grass. After passing this stream, the path turns left, heading 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 metres.
(3) Cross the low stone wall. Take a pretty path lined with low walls that descends to the left, heading due east. After about 300 m, you will reach a fork.
(4) Take the path slightly to the right, which climbs south-east. It quickly turns south. Follow this south-east path to an altitude of about 1,487 metres. This path remains more or less on the hillside, staying within the cirque. It then turns east and arrives at a ruined hut.
(5) Turn sharply south and follow the path downhill. It turns east to reach a gate.
(6) Go through it and continue along the path that descends south-east and turns south. Soon the path turns west and arrives at a well-maintained barn in a clearing.
(7) Cross a wetland area before heading south after crossing a stream.
Then head due east, cross this forest and pass a stream. Next, continue downhill along the Ruisseau des Boussus stream.
Please note: widening work has been carried out. Vr oru left a message about this on 08/09/2019.
==> A very wide track is currently being built, which makes the descent challenging.
(8) Cross the bridge over the Gave and turn left towards the north-east. Follow the road (for about 500 m), keeping to the left on the hard shoulder. Turn left and cross another bridge (marked 'private property').
(9) 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 entrance to the campsite, turn right and cross the Gave again.
(10). Do not follow the road. There is a wide path running alongside it. Follow this path for about 500 metres. When you reach a road, turn left and follow this road to a new bridge over the Gave.
(11) Cross the Gave and the road. Take the path opposite the bridge. This path climbs and turns right, heading due north. After 250 m, the path turns left. Go around the church and walk along the cemetery.
Reach a road, turn left and follow this road heading south-west for about 500 m.
(12) A path branches off to the right, heading due north. After 60 m, turn left and follow a gravel path (due west) that crosses the road, and follow it for 300 m.
Leave the road at a right-hand bend.
(13) Follow the gravel path heading northwest. This path joins the road. Follow this road for 100 metres, leaving it at a right-hand bend to climb into the woods and overlook the road. After 600 metres, this path joins the road (start of the Pic De Pan).
Follow the road for about 1 km. Leave the road at a left-hand bend to cut across the hairpin bends. Follow this road again for 600 m.
(14) Turn sharply right to descend into the arboretum.
(1) Return to the fork in the road. Descend towards the track, the footbridge and the car park (S/E).
Visorando member
Easy 
Difficult 
