Circular Pic de la Soucarrane route via the Gardelle and Soucarrane lakes

Starting from L’Orris du Carla-Vicdessos, park in the car park at the end of the tarmac road (D8) leading to Étang de Soulcem.

(S/E) Walk back down the road for about 150 m to a footbridge spanning the Ruisseau de Soulcem

Yellow PR® signposting

(1) As you cross the footbridge, ignore a path on your right and begin the long, arduous climb towards the Étangs de la Gardelle. The clearly marked path crosses several steep rocky sections. The slope is extremely steep, and you’ll need to take breaks to catch your breath and rest your legs. After one final steep climb, you’ll reach a flat area marked by a large boulder bearing a double yellow arrow, pointing left and right.

(2) Enjoy the view of the first lake, then take the fork to the left and head north-east to quickly reach a viewpoint overlooking the fourth lake, which you will be looking down on from a height of about thirty metres.

(3) From this point, take great care as the yellow markings are almost non-existent. Head south-east to move away from the pond (the IGN route, which runs closer to the pond, is incorrect). Follow the numerous cairns to climb up a small valley and, further up, rejoin a well-defined path that will quickly lead you to a pass (elevation 2476).

(4) Descend on the other side, crossing over to the opposite slope. After negotiating a short rocky section by scrambling down (without any real difficulty), continue the very steep descent, alternating between grassy sections and scree slopes. When the slope levels off, the path crosses a small stream and joins a junction with another well-defined path coming from the left (alt. 1810 m).

(5) Turn right towards the Étang de Roumazet and reach another path junction (elevation 2158).

(6) 50 m before reaching the lake, take a small path marked in yellow on your right (heading west). This path crosses a grassy area, then climbs up a gully to the left of the stream. Once you reach a flat area at an altitude of 2,300 m, continue to the left towards the bottom of the valley. Climb up the valley through the scree towards the Port de Roumazet. Make sure you follow the cairns closely, as they provide the best guidance through this chaotic rocky terrain. As you approach the pass, the climb continues mainly on the right-hand side, skirting the edge of the grassy area, before finally reaching the bottom of the valley. During the final section of the climb through the scree, it can be difficult to follow the track, especially as in some places the cairns seem to point in several directions. However, this doesn’t really matter, as there is no longer a proper path at this stage and you simply need to head for the pass, which is clearly visible to the south-west. You’ll reach the Port de Roumazet (2571).

(7) Start climbing the border ridge by turning left and follow a path that winds its way up the stony slopes on the right-hand side of the ridge (Spanish side). Keep following the clearly visible path, discreetly marked in yellow, which leads without difficulty to the summit of Pic de Soucarrane or La Rouge (2902).

(8) Descend straight down the opposite side via the south-east ridge. Generally stay on the ridge line, following a faint path marked in yellow. The first part of the descent is over stony slopes, then the ridge becomes more exposed. When you see the yellow markings heading down the Spanish side, continue your descent whilst staying on the ridge line. You’ll need to use your hands in many places, but the rock is stable and the descent remains relatively easy as long as you stay focused (grade F+). Cairns will be there to guide you and make the tricky sections easier. As you approach the pass, leave the ridge and head down to the right over a fairly steep grassy slope towards Port de Bouet (alt. 2513m).

GR® red and white markings

(9) Here, you’ll rejoin the red and white markings of^{the GR®} T62, which you should follow all the way to the car park without straying from them. Head down to the left along the marked path heading north-east. The path passes close to the Cabane de la Soucarrane (alt. 2,410 m), then continues its descent northwards. Further down, you’ll pass a small lake below on your left. Continue along the stream until you reach the vast Étang de la Soucarrane (alt. 2,300 m).

(10) Walk along the right-hand side of the lake and pass its spillway. Immediately afterwards, follow a path on your right which descends alongside the stream. Further down, the path veers away from the stream and continues its descent to your left. You must follow this path carefully; it will lead you unambiguously to the bottom of the valley where the Ruisseau de Soulcem flows.

(11) Then turn left, heading north, and follow the wide, grassy, almost flat path which continues alongside the Ruisseau de Soulcem as it meanders lazily to your right. Carry on until you reach a junction marked by a signpost at a fork in the path (alt. 1830 m).

(12) Leave the path leading to the Étang de Roumazet on your left and carry on straight ahead on the^GR® T62. Pass the first footbridge on your right without crossing it, go round the Labinas waterfall and reach the next footbridge which crosses the Ruisseau de Soulcem.

(13) Once you have crossed it, turn left onto the wide track and follow it back to the car park where you started (S/E).

• Fitness level: this walk is indeed intended for experienced walkers who are in good physical condition. The slopes are very steep, both uphill and downhill, and the gradient increases rapidly right from the start of the route (as shown in the elevation profile). It is essential to take the necessary breaks to pace yourself throughout the walk. Do listen to your body and take regular breaks to recover during this demanding hike.

• Signposting

- Yellow up to the Étangs de la Gardelle.
- Red and white to the Étang de Roumazet.
- Yellow from the Étang de Roumazet to the Pic de la Soucarrane.
- Red and white from Port de Bouet to the car park.

• Traffic: a little-used route beyond the Roumazet and Soucarrane ponds.

• When?: In summer, when there is no snow.

• There are numerous hiking options in the Soulcem glacial cirque.

• Mérens horses are a splendid sight in the Vicdessos Valley, particularly in Soulcem, during the season. These magnificent black horses, true symbols of the Ariège, move gracefully across the meadows and add a touch of beauty to the region. Don’t miss the chance to admire them whilst hiking through this valley.

• The Orris, those stone shelters typical of the Ariège, are living reminders of the flourishing pastoral activity of the last century. You’ll come across many of them along the route described, although they can sometimes be hard to spot as they blend seamlessly into the landscape. Once back at the car park, take the time to visit the Orris du Carla, which are in excellent condition and feature information boards where you can learn more about their history and importance to the region. It’s a unique opportunity to discover this cultural heritage of the Ariège.