Country:
District:
Access: In Ax-les-Thermes, head towards Ascou-Pailhères, turning left at the roundabout. Pass the village of Ascou and after Goulours, follow the D25 towards the Ascou-Pailhères ski resort. The starting point is at the car park on the left. If you pass the Col de Pailhères, you have gone too far.
(S/E) Start at the car park. There's no mistaking it: cross the road and head towards the Pic de Tarbésou (you can't miss it). Cross a large field; you can even cut across (as the circuit does to save a little time).
(1) Once you reach the foot of Picou de Mounégou, follow the main route to the right. Leave Pic de Tarbésou behind you; the path will return to it a few hundred metres further on. There are many intersecting trails, and you can always cut across if necessary. Ideally, follow the main trail, which is well cleared, to reach the Pic de Tarbésou.
(2) As soon as you reach the top of the peak, the view is very clear (see Practical information). Begin the long traverse along the Sarrat des Escales ridge, then the Sarrat de Gabensa ridge to reach an altitude of 2,090 metres after the Roc de Bragues.
(3) Descend to this point. The landmark is a small unnamed pond below, which you will follow. Continue left on theGRP® Tour des Pays de Donezan trail, marked in red and yellow. Join the Étang Bleu.
(4) You will pass a fork in the path where you can turn right towards the Étang Bas or left towards the Étang Bleu. Turn left, as the Étang Bleu offers a place to rest in the shade.
(5) After your break (see Practical Information), return to the previous crossroads.
(4) Turn left onto the path to reach the crossroads leading to the Étang de Rabassoles.
(6) Turn right and walk slightly downhill to reach the Étang de Rabassoles.
(7) Retrace your steps to return to the previous crossroads.
(6) Continue straight ahead and you will soon reach theGRP®. Turn right to reach the Étang Noir.
(8) You will arrive at the Étang Noir, the highest of the three lakes. Continue along theGR®7Btowards the Pic de la Coumeille de l'Ours. A beautiful climb will take you to the summit.
(9) Continue along theGR®7B. The trail is very well marked and will take you back to the original crossroads.
(1) Turn right and retrace your steps to return to the car park (S/E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
