Gagne slopes via Bigorre

Park in the centre of the hamlet of La Pradette Haute, on the flat area overlooking the Gagne valley.

(S/E) Set off due south, towards the Gagne Gorges, and immediately take the left-hand track at the three-way junction. The track is tarmac-surfaced as far as the last house. About 200 m past this house, another track joins from the left and the descent begins.

(1) You will reach the valley floor and cross a bridge at the confluence of the Gagne and the Ruisseau de Montusclat.
The path climbs to the right and begins the ascent in hairpin bends. You’ll come to a junction with a very steep path and another that climbs only slightly.

(2) Ignore the steep path and take the flat path, which soon winds to the right; leave a path ahead of you that descends and joins the top of the steep path.
Gradually emerge from the forest and climb up through the meadows, along a path that widens into a track, to reach the hamlet of Bigorre and the road.

(3) Take the road on the right and take the opportunity to admire the many thatched cottages.
Leave the hamlet and, after about 300 metres, you’ll come to a track branching off to the right which descends into the valley.

(4) Leave the road and follow this sandy track to the right, which descends gently to a three-way junction.

(5) Take the path on the left which descends into the small valley, veering to the left. The path climbs back up through the woods and joins a wide track.

(6) Take this track on the right, which descends steadily. Head uphill along the track, which then follows a contour line. You will then reach a junction with a path leading down to the right.

(7) Take this path, which very quickly makes a hairpin bend to the right and begins a steep descent amongst the rocks. This brings you to the bottom of the valley, at a ford.

(8) Cross the ford (the stones are quite flat and won’t hurt your feet!) and join a path that runs along the right bank of the Gagne.
Take this path on the right; it offers plenty of places to rest by the river. After about 500 metres, the path begins to wind its way uphill. This will take you to a large open area marking the end of the road coming from La Pradette.

(9) Follow this road to the right as it leaves the gorges and leads to Pradette Haute (S/E).

Sturdy footwear is essential (steep descents over rocky terrain).
Be prepared for the river crossing at (9): it’s refreshing in summer, but wading barefoot across the Gagne in winter isn’t exactly pleasant!
Actual duration without breaks: 3 hours 15 minutes.

To find out more about Bigorre, visit the website.
You can also visit theeco-museum.