Refine your search for walks in Etang d'Escales
Bassiès ponds
Walker 
11.99 km
+896 m
-897 m
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Auzat (Ariège)
The granite cirque of Bassiès, near the Montcalm massif, is impressive for its size and its lakes. It is accessed from the right bank of the steeply-sided Bassiès stream via a comfortable but steep path that passes through a beautiful forest before coming out onto a rocky outcrop that marks the first lake. The descent is on the other bank, which is just as steep, following a well-maintained stony mule track.
Walks near Etang d'Escales
Marc's Lodge - Refuge du Pinet
Walker 6.94 km
+1,223 m
-11 m
5h 30
Difficult
Departure from Auzat (Ariège)
The first stage of the journey, the shortest and easiest, to warm up your legs, passing through the Bois de Fontanal and the Étang Sourd to the Refuge du Pinet. The elevation gain is still significant.
Refuge du Pinet - Montcalm/Estats/Verdaguer Peaks - Refuge Vallferrera
Walker 12.61 km
+1,154 m
-1,460 m
6h 55
Very difficult
Departure from Auzat (Ariège)
The second day is a high-mountain stage passing through the highest point of this itinerary: Pic d'Estats, as well as two other peaks over 3,000 m nearby, Pic du Montcalm and Pic de Verdaguer. The route is largely over scree and rocky terrain, which will greatly appeal to mineral enthusiasts. The trail largely follows the Porta del Cel hike and the GR®T61. Although not particularly technical, this stage should not be taken lightly due to its altitude (three peaks over 3,000 metres), its length, its elevation gain and its trails composed of loose stones that can make progress difficult.
Refuge Fourcat - Marc's lodge
Walker 15.71 km
+380 m
-1,816 m
5h 35
Difficult
Departure from Auzat (Ariège)
This is the sixth and final stage of the Tour des Géants des Trois Nations, which has a steep descent (1,800 m of elevation loss, which will hurt your joints) to return to the starting point of this journey. This stage passes by the Fourcat Waterfall, the beautiful Izourt Pond and the forests of Goulier-Auzat and Montcalm.
Vallferrera Refuge - Pic de Comapedrosa - Comapedrosa Refuge
Walker 11.07 km
+1,136 m
-777 m
6h 25
Very difficult
Departure from Alins (Lleida)
Third stage passing through the highest point in Andorra: Pic de Comapedrosa. A high-mountain stage with no particular difficulties apart from the climb to Portella de Baiau over scree and the descent along the somewhat exposed ridge of Pic de Comapedrosa.
El Serrat - Pic de Tristagne - Refuge de l'Étang Fourcat
Walker 9.89 km
+1,319 m
-450 m
6h 35
Very difficult
Departure from Ordino (Andorra)
The fifth and final stage of the high-mountain route passes by the iconic Pic de Tristagne, which towers over the many lakes in the surrounding area, and its short, fairly exposed ridge route, before returning to France via the magnificent Étangs Fourcat site.
Comapedrosa Refuge - El Serrat
Walker 13.91 km
+710 m
-1,405 m
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from La Massana (Andorra)
The fourth stage is in the high mountains, easier than the previous two, allowing you to reduce your effort. Many trails through forests and woodlands make for a more bucolic and enjoyable hike. This stage presents no technical difficulties, but orientation and following the route are complicated due to numerous crossings and intersections of hiking trails. It is essential to have a hiking app and the GPX track to avoid getting lost.