Lurdé Pass and Peak

A lovely walk to the Col de Lurdé (1,948 m) and then its peak (2,089 m) from the Pont de Goua. You’ll gain altitude from the Cézy plateau to get a better view of all the surrounding peaks. Magnificent views of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau and the Balaïtous, to name but two. From the pass, the climb to the Pic de Lurdé takes 15–20 minutes and is straightforward.

Details

42639267
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.47 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,789 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,789 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 6,831 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,127 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

On the road to Pourtalet, the trickiest part is not to miss the small forest track leading to the Pont du Goua, which is barely visible on the left-hand side of the road. It is tarmac for one kilometre (with plenty of potholes!) and then becomes a gravel track. Follow it until you reach a Fork in the road; turn left for 20 metres to find a wider section where you can park.

(S/E) Take the path at the far end of the car park to reach the Pont du Goua and cross this bridge over the Gave de Soussouéou. Follow the path as it climbs through the forest. Watch out for slippery flat rocks, especially in wet weather. This is the most challenging part of the walk, with plenty of large boulders for three-quarters of the ascent: make sure you’re wearing sturdy footwear, especially for the return journey.

(1) At the junction, turn left onto theGR®10towards Gourette. About a hundred metres further up, continue straight on. Pass the Houn de Mouscabarous and you’ll reach a fork in the path (elevation 1341).

(2) Turn left, staying on theGR®10, which winds its way through the forest and eventually emerges from it (alt. 1510 m).

(3) The gradient levels out. Follow theGR®10to the Cézy Plateau and, at the start, walk alongside a beautiful rock face reminiscent of the Chemin de la Mâture. You’ll reach another fork (elevation 1643).

(4) Turn left, heading north, onto theGR®10variant. The path becomes less distinct as it crosses the plateau. You’ll arrive at the Cabanes de Cézy.

(5) Ignore a path on your left and take another one on the right (less visible) which climbs towards the pass. The path is then well marked all the way to the Col de Lurdé.

(6) Enjoy the superb panoramic view. If you still have the energy and stamina (an additional 141 m of elevation gain), head due east to reach the Pic de Lurdé (alt. 2089 m).

(7) The view is magnificent. Turn back and follow the ascent route in the opposite direction to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,127 ft - Car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.62 - alt. 3,675 ft - Junction with the GR10
  3. 2 : mi 1.28 - alt. 4,423 ft - Junction. Return
  4. 3 : mi 1.48 - alt. 4,987 ft - Exit from the forest
  5. 4 : mi 2.28 - alt. 5,282 ft - Junction. Return
  6. 5 : mi 2.7 - alt. 5,423 ft - Junction. Return
  7. 6 : mi 3.53 - alt. 6,388 ft - Col de Lurdé, junction for the return route to the summit
  8. 7 : mi 3.73 - alt. 6,831 ft - Pic de Lurdé
  9. S/E : mi 7.47 - alt. 3,127 ft - Car park

Notes

From (1) Yellow markings.
From (1) to (4)GR®10. White and red markings.
From (4) to (6)GR®10(Alternative route). White and red markings.
From (6) to (7) No signposting.
A fairly challenging climb through the middle of the forest. Walking poles are therefore strongly recommended, particularly for the descent over the numerous scree slopes.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
User 27315671
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike that took 4.5 hours there and back, with 360-degree views from the peak of Lurdé, overlooking the Pic de l'Ossau and the lake where the hike to the Ayous lakes begins.this hike is rated difficult, but it is accessible to everyone with a minimum level of fitness as it climbs steadily. Just as you leave the forest, the trail levels out, allowing you to recover from the climb and enjoy the breathtaking view at the summit.

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danielfr40
danielfr40

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Easy climb to the pass,
a long way through the forest, too rocky for my liking, tedious. But when you emerge and see the view of the mountain opposite, there's a wow effect that you wouldn't have had otherwise.
You go around the colourful rocky outcrop.
Then it's meadow all the way to the pass.
I managed to lose the path in the area around the hut, but caught up again by climbing up through the grass.
The climb to the peak isn't easy. We aim for the flat, stony ground, thinking that it might be slippery on the way back.
So once at the peak, I followed the ridge and saw that it was easier and shorter to descend on the other side. Then I descended without difficulty into the summer pasture, joining a trail that took me back to the GR.
The return to the forest is steep, but my soles gripped well.
The view from the peak is beautiful.
Thanks for the route and the description.

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Bill Haddock
Bill Haddock

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A really lovely walking route. It isn’t dangerous and is relatively accessible in dry weather. The rocks can be slippery in wet weather. The slope and the significant elevation gain are the main challenges. I completed this walk in 4 hours at a steady pace, stopping only a few times to take photos.

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