Espingo Lake
On the trail of the GR10, the Granges d’Astau and Espingo Lake, via Lake Oô.
Technical sheet No. 4098437
Calculated time: 6h35 ? 
Distance : 11.66 km
Vertical gain : 1,136 m
Vertical drop : 1,128 m
Highest point : 1,985 m
Lowest point : 1,135 m 
Difficulty : Moderate
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Areas :
Pyrénées
, Massif de Perdiguère
Location : Oô
(31110) 
Starting point : N 42.763752° / E 0.501934° 
Today's forecast :
Description
Which route to take to the Espingo Lake, is an ancient path created during the construction of the EDF Lake dam gate of which is much higher, and the dam of Lake Oô. Vestiges of this stony path still exist in places.
From the car park of the Granges d'Astau (S) (1130 m), the path heads south. It is well signposted and marked (GR10, red and white) to Lake Oô. It takes about 1.5 hours to get to Lake Oô and its shelter/hostel (2 hours if carrying a heavy load).
From the dam of Lake Oô (1) (1,500 m), continue to follow the GR10 south to access the Espingo Lake via the many loops leading up to the top of the Oô waterfall. Then we begin the climb to the Col d’Espingo, leaving the GR10 on the left (which goes up to the Superbagnères resort). Expect an additional 2-3 hours from Lake Oô to arrive at the pass.
At Col d’Espingo (1,967 m) discover the lake below at 1,880 m, and the refuge on the right.
From here there is a splendid view of the Cirque d’Espingo and about 3,000 m away (Spijéoles, Grand Quayrat, Mont Arrouy, Pic Lézat).
Come back by the same route.
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 1,135 m
1 : km 2.78 - alt. 1,531 m - Refuge du Lac d'Oô
2 : km 2.87 - alt. 1,534 m - Lac d'Oo
3 : km 4.74 - alt. 1,969 m
4 : km 4.97 - alt. 1,972 m
5 : km 5.18 - alt. 1,950 m
6 : km 5.78 - alt. 1,899 m - Lac d'Espingo
D/A : km 11.66 - alt. 1,136 m
Useful Information
Water isn’t a problem when heading to Espingo even in late summer as there is the refuge of Oô mid-trip, a few waterfalls on the way between Oô and Espingo, and water at the shelter at Espingo .
In principle camping is not allowed during the summer season, but bivouacking in Espingo is tolerated (if you make sure not to leave a trace of your having stayed when you leave), there are often people fishing at the lake.
Booking is essential for the Espingo shelter, which is often full.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
During the walk or to do/see around
Espingo Lake alone is worth a look, but for those who want to continue to Lake Portillon (shelter) at 2,600 m, continue south along the same path, and passing Saussat Lake below.
Opinions and comments
Average
Global average : 4.89/5
Number of opinions : 3
Clarity of route description : 5/5
Clarity of route map : 5/5
Walk interest : 4.67/5
Walker
Global average : 4.67 / 5
Date of walk
: 27/06/18
Clarity of route description
: ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map
: ★★★★★ Very good
Walk interest
: ★★★★☆ Good
Nice views of high pyrenees. Crosses border into Spain.
Walker
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 19/07/18
Clarity of route description
: ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map
: ★★★★★ Very good
Walk interest
: ★★★★★ Very good
A wonderful walk with stunning views of waterfalls along the way and lots of beautiful orchids, lilies and iris to look at. Distances and timings were spot on
Walker
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 24/06/18
Clarity of route description
: ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map
: ★★★★★ Very good
Walk interest
: ★★★★★ Very good
This was one of the best scenic routes I have ever done along the GR10
The GPS track and description are the property of the author.