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In Oloron-Sainte-Marie, head towards Somport on the N134. Pass Urdos and just before the tunnel, head towards the pass. Follow this road for 3.5 km, then take a fork to the right at elevation 1329 on the map. The arrival at the car park is in poor condition. This is a very popular hike, so don't arrive too late in summer.
(S/E) Take the path below the car park. This path leads to the Gave d'Aspe river, which you should cross. Follow the track until you reach a fork with a sign.
(1) Leave the track and turn right. Cross a small footbridge and you will come to a second signpost. Continue straight ahead and after two hairpin bends in the forest, rejoin the track you left at the start.
Turn right and head towards a sheepfold, the Cabane d'Escouret (cheese shop). Follow it to a fork.
(2) Leave the sheepfold on your right and climb up to the left (north-west), then follow the hairpin bends towards the west. At the edge of the woods, you will reach the Spanish border next to border marker 292.
(3) Head due west and arrive at a flat area with a small stream at the junction with the GR®11.
Fork the stream at the most suitable place and continue along the path, which is mainly westward. You will reach a mostly dry ravine and then a flat area. Descend a few metres to reach the lake shore.
(4) Go around the lake on the right. At the northernmost point of the lake, take a path that leads to a small chimney.
(5) Enter this chimney.
Be careful here: some people may need to sit down on the ground.
It's nothing too dangerous, but the view of the precipice opposite can be quite impressive. In any case, take great care with children.
Continue along a sort of ledge until you reach a ladder, which gives the trail its name. Keep going and pass close to a cliff, enter the forest and arrive at an EDF hut.
(6) Continue along the path, winding downhill to the Espélunguère clearing at the edge of the woods.
(7) Do not descend to the plateau, but take a slight diagonal climb to the northeast and then east. Pass at the foot of a cliff and reach a large clearing.
(8) Cross it heading due east, then re-enter the forest and reach a fork.
(9) Take the path on the right that runs horizontally into the woods and follow it straight ahead until you reach the Escouret hut.
Continue past the cabin and rejoin the path you took on the way there.
(2) Follow the same route back to the car park (S/E).
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