Route de la Fontaine d'Estéret and Plaa Dou Soum

Between Bielle and Laruns, head to the village of Gère-Bélesten, climb up to Gère and park near the cemetery.

(S/E) Walk up Rue de l'Église, continue past it and reach a fork.

(1) Take Rue du Bouchet, which climbs to the right, then turns right.

(2) At the bend in the road, turn onto the grassy track on the left, heading due north, then turn south-west towards the Fontaine d'Estéret.

(3) Continue straight on along the track to the Fontaine de Bart.

(4) Take the track on the right heading north-east and you will come to a fork.

(5) Follow a small path to the left, above the track (marked with red and yellow GRP® signs) until you reach the Courade track.

(6) Follow this track straight ahead until you pass a raised barrier.

(7) Leave the GRP® and continue left along the track until you reach the second hairpin bend.

(8) Take an ascending track to the right up to the ridge, climbing first up the western slope then the eastern slope above a fence to reach the ridge, then easily the summit.

(9) Descend to the left, heading south (west-facing slope), to reach the Col de la Courade at elevation 1347.

(10) From there, descend to the left entirely along the track or cut across the first two hairpin bends. Rejoin the ascent path after passing Plaa Dou Soum.

(8) Follow the route in the opposite direction as far as the Fontaine de l'Estéret.

(3) Take the track to the right along the right bank. A shortcut cuts across the track via the old stony path. I do not recommend the second part of the old path, which is rarely used and obstructed by branches. Instead, follow the track to the village. Arrive at the car park near the cemetery (S/E).

Caution: controlled burning area in February–March.