Col de la Glère – Lac des Gourgoutes

In Bagnères-de-Luchon, take the D125 towards the Hospice de France. Once in the Vallon de Jouéou, drive past the forest ranger’s house and the arboretum until you see the large wooden sign on the right marking the start of the walking routes. Park nearby on the hard shoulder, taking care not to obstruct traffic as this is not a designated car park.

Signposted with yellow arrows and route numbers at the main junctions

(S/E) Return to the wooden sign and enter the forest. A few dozen metres further on, turn right, following the signpost marked 34. Then cross the small wooden bridge over the Ruisseau du Laou d’Esbas near the Barrage de la Glère, which you can glimpse below on the left. Further up, you’ll reach a forest track.

(1) Turn left, pass the junction leading to the Gouffre de Malaplatte – which you’ll see on the way back – and continue along the forest track, which winds round several bends. You’ll reach a junction marked by a cairn and signpost no. 34.

(2) Take the footpath on the left. It narrows, passes through some stabilised scree and runs alongside the Ruisseau de la Glère, which you cross via a bridge to reach the right bank. Continue along the path, which now winds through very rugged terrain, making numerous tight hairpin bends. You’ll reach the stream bed.

(3) Cross back to the left bank, leave the woods and quickly take in the splendid view of the Cirque de la Glère, which dominates the horizon. The slope levels out and the path leads fairly quickly to a junction.

(4) Turn right, following the dual signposting for 31–33 – Col du Sacroux and Col de la Glère. The path moves away from the torrent and begins a steep climb via very tight hairpin bends up the western flank of the cirque.

(5) Continue to the right, ignoring the balcony path on the left which goes round the cirque. Continue the ascent via a further series of hairpin bends, fording the small streams rushing down the slope as you go. You will reach the junction with the Col de la Glère path.

(6) Turn left, following signpost 33. Begin a new, gentler climb along the slope. Cross a few rocky sections and then the bed of the Glère torrent before changing direction sharply.

The path then turns south for a final series of hairpin bends, some of which are poorly marked and stabilised by dry-stone retaining walls. You’ll reach the foot of the ancient moraine and continue to the Col de la Glère via a fairly steep final ascent.

(7) At the Col de la Glère, enjoy the view towards the Spanish side, slightly obscured by the ridge of the peak of the same name. But the Lac des Gourgoutes glistens to the south and invites you to descend via an easy path. Don’t hesitate to push on a little further to reach the south-western shoulder of the Pic de la Glère.

Breathtaking views over the Benasque Valley and the Aneto–Maladeta massif. Head back down to the lake, where a small grassy ledge at its southern end provides a lovely spot for a picnic break.

(8) Follow exactly the same route for the descent.

(2) Follow the forest track to the right. After the hairpin bends, don’t forget to take the short detour of a few metres to the right to see the Gouffre de Malaplatte (signposted). Return to the track and head back to the start at Jouéou (S/E).

The route is fairly obvious throughout. The route includes several very steep sections. This is particularly the case between (2) and (3), between (4) and (6), and towards the end. Do not hesitate to take the necessary breaks, as the hike is long with a significant elevation gain.

The section between (2) and (3) is on unstable and degraded terrain which requires caution.

There are numerous small streams, but do not drink the water as there are herds in the area during the grazing season.

All shops and accommodation are in Bagnères-de-Luchon.

Cirque de la Glère.

Bagnères-de-Luchon, a renowned spa town.

Hospice de France.