Above Lees-Athas

A short, well-shaded loop to explore the village of Lees and its surroundings. No difficulty except for carefully following the route at the numerous junctions and crossroads. Don't forget to look up, as the view over the Bedous valley is vast and picturesque!

The starting point is easily accessible: the bus stop (on the N134) is very close by.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.77 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 139 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 140 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 515 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 434 m

Photos

Description of the walk

The loop is described from the car park near the EDF power station in Esquit because the bus stop (on the N134) is very close to this location. If you are coming by car, you can also park in the centre of Lees; in this case, first follow the directions from (5) and then start again from the beginning.

To reach the car park from the bridge over the Gave river, drive over the power station and immediately turn left at the first fork. Park immediately.

(S/E) The path starts from the car park, almost horizontal, then climbs uphill through the woods. A few rocks equipped for climbing appear.

(1) At the end of the climb, the path joins the trail that goes from Lees to Lescun. Continue straight ahead, descending, first through the woods, then between meadows as you approach the village. The path becomes a small paved street.

(2) Just after a narrow passage between two houses, take a stony path that branches off to the left and climbs uphill (also between two houses). Climb between meadows lined with trees, pass over a barn and rejoin a street (the highest in the village, Chemin de Matachot). Continue along Rue du Chourrout until you reach a right-angle crossroads.

(3) Turn left onto the road going uphill (signposted "Sauf services et ayants droit"). This is a very small road closed to traffic. Follow it (going uphill) for about 1 km. At the junction with a larger road (Chemin de la Mâture), turn right (going downhill).

(4) After about 300 m, a small paved road branches off to the right, with a yellow signpost (upside down). Take this road, then follow the path that goes straight ahead, climbing up a wooded hill. This path continues through the woods, then through meadows until you return to Lees.

(3) Return to the right-angle crossroads. Turn left onto a road that quickly leads downhill to the village church.

(5) Pass in front of the church, then along the town hall and the sawmill before leaving the village via the departmental road 237.

(6) 300 m after leaving the village, take a small road on the left at a wayside cross. This road leads to a farm and then an old level crossing. At this point, a farm track follows the old railway line and leads to the EDF power station. Turn right at the crossroads to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 463 m - Car park at the climbing site - Gare de Pont-D'esquit
  2. 1 : km 0.5 - alt. 497 m - Crossroads of paths
  3. 2 : km 1.27 - alt. 445 m - Leave the street
  4. 3 : km 1.86 - alt. 457 m - Right-angle crossroads
  5. 4 : km 2.93 - alt. 480 m - Leave the road on the right and take a signposted path
  6. 5 : km 4.01 - alt. 441 m - Lees Church
  7. 6 : km 4.51 - alt. 437 m - Calvary
  8. S/E : km 5.77 - alt. 462 m - Car park at the climbing site

Practical information

  • Numerous fountains and picnic areas in the village of Lees
  • Shaded path, suitable all year round (but best avoided in very hot weather)

In the nearby area

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author. Do not copy them without permission.