From the Col d’Astún to the Col des Moines

Access: Astún ski resort (2 km from the Col du Somport); take the ‘Lakes’ chairlift (telesilla de los Lagos). We recommend buying a return ticket, as the descent from Ibón de Escalar to Astún is a bit of a slog.

(S/E) On arrival, take the path leading towards the lake. The Lac des Truites is a good spot to rest and have a picnic, but you won’t be tired just yet!

(1) The path climbs gently towards the Astún Pass, becoming a little steeper towards the end.

(2) This pass is on the border and leads to several paths: towards Lac de Houer (south-east), towards Punta Malacara (south) and towards Pico de Astú (north-west). We’ll take the latter, climbing up the ridge.

(3) The first peak already offers a lovely viewpoint, but carry on – there’s even better views to come. A short descent, then another climb, still following the ridge. There are a few rocky sections where you’ll need to use your hands, but nothing too difficult.

(4) You’ll reach a beautiful summit, the Pic d’Astún, below which lies a curious cave carved into the red sandstone. An excellent vantage point.
The descent from the peak includes a section where you’ll need to use your hands; it’s nothing too complicated or dangerous, but it’s best to be wearing sturdy footwear.
Carry on in this way, still following the ridge. A final summit then comes into view, and is easily crossed (Trampolingeles, 2,278 m), before you begin another descent.

(5) The Col des Moines is usually a very busy spot, so there’s no need to linger. Set off again downhill (to the left, heading west); the path leads you to the edge of the Ibón de Escalar.

(6) If you’re planning to walk down to Astún, turn right here. Otherwise, the path leading straight up will do. After a short climb, you’ll find yourself on a dirt track that’s almost level.

(7) The chairlift is in sight! Ignore the shortcut straight ahead, which is unnecessarily steep, and go round to reach the chairlift at the boarding point (and the refreshment kiosk) (S/E).

• Sturdy footwear is recommended.
• Do not walk along the ridge in stormy weather (risk of being struck by lightning).
• If you miss the last chairlift down, head back in the opposite direction towards Ibón de Escalar, where the path on the left will take you to Astún.
• It is difficult to say exactly where on the route you are in France or Spain, but you should treat the area as part of the Pyrenees National Park, with the associated regulations: no litter, no dogs, no picking of plants, etc.

From the Col d’Astún, it is very easy to climb Punta Malacara (2,261 m). Magnificent views over the Canal Roya and the Pic d’Anayet (and, of course, the Pic du Midi d’Ossau).

From the Col des Moine, it is fairly easy to climb the Pic des Moines (2,349 m), with an easy climbing section near the summit. An excellent vantage point overlooking the three valleys and all the surrounding peaks.