Étang de Moulzoune - Pic de Soularac - Pic de Saint-Barthélémy

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Loop starting from the Étang de Moulzoune via the peaks of Soularac and Saint-Barthélémy. To be done between June and November, checking that there is no snow on the north side (visible from Lavelanet), as access would be difficult.

Details

n°78987416
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 15.66 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 8h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,263 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,260 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,359 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,293 m
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Photos

Soularac and St Barthélémy

Description of the walk

Access via Lavelanet, towards Les Monts d'Olmes. Turn left onto the forest road (in fair condition) which leads to the car park, about 2 km away.

(S/E) Take the path heading south-west, which climbs towards the Étang de Moulzoune.

(1) When you reach the lake, continue straight ahead and climb up to the fountain: don't miss the description of the history of the old quarry that you will see a little further on.

(2) Continue straight ahead to climb up to the small ridge: beautiful view of the pond and the old quarry.

(3) Turn left, heading south-southeast until you reach the crossroads.

(4) Continue right, passing the Cabane de Coumayret.

(5) You will reach a fork.

(6) Turn left towards the ponds. The path on the right will be the return route.

(7) Cross the stream and admire the view. Go around the Étang des Truites on the left and continue climbing towards the Étang du Diable.

(8) At the crossroads, turn left and continue climbing towards the Col du Trou de l'Ours, going around the Étang Supérieur.

(9) At the pass, head left and follow the ridge to the summit of Pic de Soularac, at 2,368 metres. You will need to use your hands quite often on this section.

(10) At the summit, enjoy a 360° view of the entire region, including Saint-Barthélémy to the west, which is at the same level (20 m lower). Turn around and descend back to the pass.

(9) Go straight ahead and climb up to the Pic de Saint-Barthélémy at 2,348 metres: enjoy the 360° view.

(11) Turn back a few metres and turn left to descend northwards to the fork you passed on the way up.

(6) Continue straight ahead, heading north, and retrace your steps to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,293 m - Parking
  2. 1 : km 0.46 - alt. 1,366 m - Étang de Moulzoune
  3. 2 : km 0.83 - alt. 1,417 m - Fountain
  4. 3 : km 2.3 - alt. 1,618 m - Small ridge
  5. 4 : km 2.69 - alt. 1,679 m - Crossroads
  6. 5 : km 3.37 - alt. 1,787 m - Cabane de Coumayret (1777 m)
  7. 6 : km 3.84 - alt. 1,874 m - Fourche, junction of the loop
  8. 7 : km 5.53 - alt. 1,852 m - Etang des Truites - Étang des Truites
  9. 8 : km 6.28 - alt. 2,001 m - Etang du Diable, junction - Étang du Diable
  10. 9 : km 7.42 - alt. 2,215 m - Col du Trou de l'Ours (2215 m)
  11. 10 : km 7.97 - alt. 2,359 m - Pic de Soularac (2368 m)
  12. 11 : km 8.84 - alt. 2,340 m - Pic de Saint-Barthélemy
  13. S/E : km 15.66 - alt. 1,296 m - Parking

Notes

Avoid the winter months as the route to the Col du Trou de l'Ours via the Truites and Diable lakes is dotted with snowfields wedged between rocks, making it difficult to access and even dangerous (except for very experienced winter hikers).

This route passes through multiple protected areas, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

View of the Tabe Massif, the Monts d'Olmes resort and, to the south, the Ariège and Andorran Pyrenees.

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