Exploring Castelloubon around the Tuquet de Lhési

Park, preferably, on Rue de Castelloubon, near the eastern exit of the village of Juncalas.

(S/E) From the car park, head to the bridge over the Louey and follow the road to Saint-Roch.

(1) At the next bend, take a shortcut and follow the road again to the D7.

(2) A sign indicates route no. 6, the Boucle des Enfers – Gazost circular loop, which you follow straight on towards a drinking trough.

(3) The path is somewhat hidden behind the trough. Head towards the sign for route no. 6.

(4) Leave the path towards Ourdis, turn right, and head south-east, then south-west to reach Gazost.

(5) Walk through the village, going round the church on the left, cross the D7 with care, and follow a road heading south-west. Leave it at a house, before the bridge over a stream, and head down to the Nès.

(6) Cross it via a footbridge. The climb that follows is very steep, then the path follows the wooded slope to a small road at a place called Habouse.

(7) Continue along the road leading to Ourdon, where there is a wash house (drinking water).

(8) A wide path branches off to the left from the wash house, heading west. Take the path uphill, which then narrows and, via a pleasant climb, leads to an open hut (unfurnished shelter): sweeping views over the plain as well as the Montaigu and the neighbouring peaks.

(9) Follow the wide grassy ridge to the left, heading south-west, to reach the Tuquet de Lhési.

(10) From this summit, head down to the path below, crossing the pasture. Once in the woods, the path descends very steeply to the Lias road, at the Croix du Pouey.

(11) Follow the road to the right, heading north-east. After about 300 m, you’ll reach the signpost for Circular Loop 2.

(12) Leave the road and turn right, heading north-east. The path leads out into a vast meadow, and the trail may be obscured if the grass is tall. Follow the bottom of the hill, then head downhill. You will soon come to a well-marked path and pass by some barns and a shed.

(13) Before reaching a large meadow, just before a barn, take a narrow path on the left, on the left bank of the Ruisseau d'Alli. It leads onto a road with a signpost.

(14) Follow this small country road to the right, heading north-east, to Ousté.

(15) Walk past the church and leave the small village by heading down the Route de Juncalas. Cross the Nès again and come out onto the D26.

(16) Follow it to the right, pass the Juncalas town hall, and return to the car park (S/E).

Parking: there are numerous car parks, though with limited spaces, scattered throughout Juncalas. It is best to park on Rue de Castelloubon, near the eastern exit of the village.

A very pleasant hike to do in spring. However, until 30 March, or by special dispensation until 31 April, there may be controlled pastoral burning (‘écobuages’). Departmental information is listed on an interactive map: Map of controlled burns. It may also be useful to contact the local councils of the areas concerned in advance. Advice is available on the website ‘Planning your mountain outing during controlled pastoral burning (écobuages)’ – Forests – Environment and Major Risks – Government Actions – Government Services in the Hautes-Pyrénées

Watch out for ticks: take precautions with your clothing and, above all, check your entire body as soon as you return from your hike.