Balbonne Pond

Coming from Mijanès on the D25, at the first hairpin bend on the right, leave the main road and take the Route Forestière de la Bruyante opposite. If you are coming from Ax-les-Thermes, look out for this road, which will be on the right in the bend.
Further on, the forest road loses its surface and gives way to a well-maintained track, which you should follow to the car park.

^YellowPR® markings

(S/E) Continue along this track for a few metres, then turn right and go around a forest barrier. Climb gradually to the beautiful Restanque meadow, where a few picnic tables await hikers under the fir trees.

(1) Cross the footbridge on the left, following the "Balbonne" sign on the wooden signpost. Further on, ignore a path on the left and continue to the right. The path sometimes runs very close to the stream, with some extremely muddy sections that can be avoided by taking the detours on the left.

(2) Carefully cross a small tributary of the stream on a makeshift footbridge made of tree trunks placed side by side, which are very slippery when wet.

(3) Begin the climb up the most difficult part of the day, the Échelle de Balbonne, which consists of a series of very tight and steep hairpin bends that sometimes even follow the slope. Cross the rocky outcrop that leads to the Étang de Balbonne.

No markings - cairns - off-trail section

Once you can see the lake, veer left to follow a multiple trail that leads to a small meadow where you turn right. Cross a first stream descending from the west face of Pic de la Camisette and continue to the next one.

(4) Turn right to descend to the lake shore, coming out at a bivouac area with stones and a barbecue grill.
It is essential to pass through this point to find a clear trail that will allow you to walk along the lake and avoid getting lost in the rhododendrons and bumping into an impassable rocky outcrop.

Follow this trail to the left, cross a tricky rocky section if it is wet, and then head south-west to reach the Balbonne stream after a few potentially very muddy sections. Start climbing up the right bank of the stream on a faint trail where cairns are very useful for finding your way.

(5) Cross the stream to reach the left bank. Continue until you see the letter R in red with a white circle (very faded paint) on a small rock face. This serves as a landmark for crossing the stream again and returning to the right bank. Higher up, go around a rocky outcrop on the left, skirting a rock face on your left.

Continue climbing southwards. The slope is uneven, sometimes very steep, sometimes gentler, and the terrain alternates between grassy and rocky sections where cairns are essential for progress.
After a fairly strenuous climb, you will reach a ledge where you will join the^GR®7B.

White and red^GR® markings

(6) Turn right and then left onto the path to reach an unnamed pass where an iron sculpture indicates the entrance to the Orlu Reserve in the opposite direction. Follow the^GR® which runs along the southern shoulder of the Pic de Balbonne.

(7) A few passages here require caution and the use of your hands.
Continue to follow the^GR®, which veers to the left, losing a little altitude. In the rocky sections, cairns provide useful reinforcement for the red and white markings. Leave the Étang des Llauses lake below and climb up the steep grassy slope on the right to cross the western shoulder of the Pic des Llauses. Continue across to the Col de l'Egue pass.

Yellow^PR® markings

(8) Leave the^GR® markings, which continue towards the Étangs de Rabassoles, and follow a narrow path on the right that descends the Coume de l'Estagnet. This section is difficult due to the very steep slope and the ground, which is damaged in places. Approach with the necessary caution.

Descend to the Étang de l'Estagnet, nestled in a beautiful setting, and walk along its western shore.

(9) Cross the outlet, then turn left to begin a steep and very uncomfortable descent where you may need to use your hands, especially if the ground is wet.

(10) Reach the break in the slope and continue along the Ruisseau de l'Estagnet, which winds lazily through a magnificent jasse. Stay on the path that follows the right-hand edge of this jasse and be careful not to lose the yellow markings, which then veer left to join the correct path that descends from the Étangs de Rabassoles.

(11) Follow this path to the right, paying close attention as it becomes more confusing in the undergrowth.

(12) Cross the footbridge over the Ruisseau d'Artounant and continue downhill to La Restanque.

(1) Turn left to rejoin the track you took on the way up and return to the car park (S/E).

Rating

This hike is classified as difficult for the following reasons.

• Three very steep sections:

- (3) Balbonne ladder.
- Between (5) and (6), in the Coume de Balbonne. Very difficult terrain.
- Crossing the shoulder of Pic des Llauses, before Col de l'Egue (8).

• Very uncomfortable passages:

- (2) Makeshift footbridge
- (7) Narrow and sometimes damaged path with very steep slopes on the west side.
- Between (8) and (9): the descent to Estagnet requires great care as the steep path is very narrow and slippery on the earthy ground.

• Long off-trail section between (4) and (6), with difficult navigation due to the often rocky terrain. Use cairns for orientation and locate the next one before continuing. The trail follows the stream, crossing it twice. These crossings may vary depending on the water level and the (5) may need to be moved.

These difficulties may be exacerbated depending on weather conditions and the time of year.

• This route is not recommended in foggy conditions as it will be almost impossible to find your way off the trail.
• Even partial snow cover can be very disruptive as it can obscure the trail and make progress tiring and difficult. This is particularly the case on the climb up the Coume de Balbonne between (4) and (6), during the crossing between (7) and (8) and the descent to Estagnet.

The route recorded on 8 October 2020 is not intended to be a definitive model. It has been adapted to conditions with partial snow cover and may differ in places from the summer route.

High-top hiking boots with very good soles are recommended due to the stony terrain and particularly treacherous sections of scree. Walking poles will be useful for the descents.

No water sources have been identified along the route. Bring sufficient quantities with you.

The mobile app will be a very useful tool for the off-trail section.