The ascent of Tibles via the south-east

The route starts from the forest hut south of the Tibles Massif. It can be reached by road from Suplai, heading north, by mountain bike or by car (note: the track is not always passable, except for 4x4s). See a useful link in the practical information section.
In July and August, it is often possible to accompany the blueberry pickers very early in the morning; they set off in lorries or minibuses, often before dawn. The route starts from the car park by the post office/bar and Nati shop.
You can do this hike as a day trip by driving to the start point from Nàsàud.

(S/E) From the forest hut car park, follow the path northwards.

(1) After about 250m, leave a path on the left and continue east-northeast, following a river on the right.

(2) At the fork in the road, take the left-hand hairpin bend and head uphill (leaving the path that runs alongside the river). Take another hairpin bend, this time to the right.

(3) At the next hairpin bend, continue straight on (north-east) uphill (do not turn left). The path runs parallel to the river below. Then pass two paths that climb up to the left.

(4) Ignore another path on the left. Further on, pass a river on the right (usually dry) and follow the stream of water north-eastwards. Pass a path on the left, then one on the right, and two on the left. Then ignore a path climbing opposite and a path on the left to continue north-west.

(5) At the junction, turn left (south). The path then heads south-west and then west.

(6) At a fork, climb to the right (north-north-west) via tight hairpin bends. Further on, the bends are longer, amongst the blueberry bushes (take care not to trample them; do not pick the blueberries, as this is the livelihood of many villagers).

(7) At the crossroads, head up to the right, still following the switchbacks, heading north-northeast. The slope then levels out and the path turns north-west to reach the summit of Bran.

(8) Continue west-north-west, descending then climbing again to the summit of Tibles.

(9) Continue northwards, losing little altitude, then climb east-northeast to reach the third and final summit, Arcer.

(10) Take the same path in the opposite direction to the junction leading to the summits.

(7) Descend southwards, leaving the path taken on the way up—which heads due east—on your left.

(11) At the edge of the forest, you can make a short detour to the south-east to a hut ideal for a picnic.

(11) Head west and continue downhill. After entering the forest, the path turns sharply left; then ignore a path leading uphill to the left and another to the right.

(12) At the junction, head down to the right. Ignore a path coming from the left and continue down the main path. You’ll reach a small river and some pastures.

(13) The path follows the river downhill to the crossroads you passed at the very start of the walk.

(1) Then head down the path on the right to reach the car park at the forest house (S/E).

Follow the access path to the starting point.

Wear high-top hiking boots. Walking poles may be useful in very steep and stony areas. At the summit, the air is cool even in summer. A jumper and rainwear are essential. Don’t forget your compass and do not climb to the summit in the event of a storm or fog.