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Col de Riou walks
The Pic du Viscos
Visorando Member
7.70 mi
+3,297 ft
-3,330 ft
6h 25
Difficult
Departure from Viscos (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A very beautiful hike, but one that requires good physical fitness, good weather and sure-footedness.On a very short section along the ridge, you’ll need to be extra careful. The climb to the peak is difficult.Those prone to vertigo or wearing unsuitable footwear should take a lower path towards the pass, starting at (4), and reach the foot of the final ascent to the Pic de Viscos.
The Col de Riou from Cauterets
9.64 mi
+3,593 ft
-3,579 ft
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A variant ofthe GR®10which takes us from Cauterets to Col-de-Riou. A pleasant trail, mostly through woodland, then across mountain pastures to the pass. In summer, enjoy the magnificent fields of azaleas near the pass. Magnificent view from the pass over the valleys of Cauterets and Luz-Saint-Sauveur and the surrounding peaks.
Walks near Col de Riou
From Cauterets to Ilhéou
9.24 mi
+4,295 ft
-1,217 ft
8h 00
Moderate
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
First day of a three-day route in the Central Pyrenees National Park.
This circular is best done from mid-June until the first cold spells.
Ascent to Lac Noir, Col d'Ilhéou, Ilhéou Refuge and Lac d'Ilhéou.
3 days in the Central Pyrenees Park from Cauterets
30.88 mi
+10,197 ft
-10,226 ft
3 days
Difficult
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Explore the Pyrenees National Park (central section) with a trip to Spain, lakes and mountain passes at an altitude of 2,600 metres.
With an average elevation gain of ± 1,230 m and a distance of 17 km per day, this trip is, all in all, quite strenuous.
Please take into account the cumulative elevation gain and the distance to be covered.
The trip takes place between 1000 m and 2655 m altitude.
The start of this route is accessible by public transport (coaches and shuttle bus from Cauterets in summer).
Pont d'Espagne - Bayssellance Refuge
7.06 mi
+4,147 ft
-279 ft
6h 50
Difficult
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Approach walk starting from Pont d'Espagne, passing by the magnificent Lac de Gaube, the Oulettes de Gaube and the refuge of the same name. The stage continues with a steeper climb to the Lacs d'Arraillé, then the Hourquette d'Ossoue pass before descending to the Refuge de Bayssellance.
Lac de Gaube - Cabane des Tousaus
13.88 mi
+3,950 ft
-3,638 ft
9h 50
Difficult
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Second stage of the four-day adventure from Cauterets to Luz-Saint-Sauveur via Petit Vignemale and Gavarnie. It can be done in one day, but I think it would be more enjoyable to split it into two days to take the time to appreciate the magnificent scenery!
From the Ilhéou Refuge to the Wallon Refuge via the Opale Lakes
8.41 mi
+3,114 ft
-3,507 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Estaing (Hautes-Pyrénées) (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Second day of a three-day route in the Central Pyrenees National Park.The day will begin with a fairly steep climb, but will allow you to see a multitude of high-altitude lakes before arriving at the Wallon refuge.If there is not enough time, the visit to the Opale lakes can be omitted.
From the Refuge Wallon to Cauterets via the Col d'Arratille and the Col des Mulets
13.24 mi
+2,789 ft
-5,502 ft
8h 30
Difficult
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
This circular is best done from mid-June until the first cold spells.
This isthe third and fairly longday of a three-day route in the Central Pyrenees National Park.
In case of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, it is possible to shorten the route by descending directly from the (1) to the (8).
From Tournaboup to Lac de l’Oule
11.29 mi
+3,957 ft
-2,785 ft
8h 40
Difficult
Departure from Barèges (Hautes-Pyrénées)
First day of a three-day circular route, from the Tournaboup car park to Lac de l’Oule. The first section up to the Col de Madamète is quite stony and requires good footwear, but after that it’s a real pleasure to walk past the magnificent Néouvielle lakes, including, amongst others, Lac d’Aumar, Lac d’Aubert and Lac de l’Oule.
Tournaboup - Bastan Refuge
8.80 mi
+4,337 ft
-1,742 ft
7h 50
Difficult
Departure from Barèges (Hautes-Pyrénées)
First stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakes.
From the Tournaboup car park to the Bastan refuge.
This is a fairly challenging hike due to its elevation gain and short distance.
At (6), you can listen to the stage and remove some of the elevation gain. See Practical Information.
At (7), you can shorten the route and remove some of the elevation gain by starting on a south-facing balcony trail.
Aygues-Cluses Refuge - Campana de Cloutou Refuge
4.62 mi
+2,146 ft
-1,867 ft
4h 00
Difficult
Departure from Barèges (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Day three of the four-day Tour du Massif de Néouvielle, the shortest route of the four days, but no less magnificent.This hike is classified as difficult due to the ascent of Pic d'Aygues-Cluses (T5 ridge). See the variants if you wish to avoid the peak or climb it in the other direction (less complicated).
Gavarnie to the Espuguettes Refuge
7.16 mi
+3,868 ft
-1,677 ft
6h 40
Difficult
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Day 1
The Cirque de Gavarnie needs no introduction; it is a monument, a cathedral, a colossus.
The route via the Plateau de Bellevue allows you to discover it from this remarkable viewpoint.
The path running along the slopes of the Bosquet Long adds an extra dimension, allowing you to appreciate it in all its splendour and enjoy a tranquillity not found on the more well-known routes.
The return route along the ledge on the right bank takes you back to the Refuge des Espuguettes, where you’ll spend the first night.