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Get to Gourette resort via the D918 from Col d'Aubisque or Les Eaux-Bonnes. At the hairpin bend in the centre of the resort, head south-east and pass under a building, continuing for 300 m and leaving the lower car park behind you.
NB: This small car park may be full: if so, park in the large car park on the right as you go up.
You can join theGR®®10by following a challenging route above the car park, which passes under the chairlift and crosses a wooden footbridge.
The hike starts at the end of the Gourette resort, at the Châlet "Les Jonquilles", above the large car park.
(S/E) Follow the red and white markings ofthe GR®®10towards Lac d'Anglas, heading south-east. Take the first footbridge over the Cardet stream and then follow the right bank of the Valentin torrent for 400 m.
(1) Take a footbridge over the torrent, cross to the left bank and continue climbing steeply up the path. Leave the forest and arrive at a summer pasture. Continue climbing and cross a track.
(2) Continue straight ahead, climbing south on a well-marked path. You will see the Cabane de Coste de Goua, which is in perfect condition and occupied, on the other side of the stream. Do not go down there.
(3) Shortly afterwards, leave theGR®®10and turn left, staying on flat ground, onto a grassy track that heads towards Le Valentin (altitude 1711). Stay on the left bank of the stream. After 300 m, leave this track which heads towards the stream and climb steeply up the path on the right which rises generally southwards. Cross a few streams (at an altitude of 1821 m). You will arrive at the ruined huts of Congues (altitude 1885 m) which were used during the iron mining days.
(4) The path becomes steep and winds through scree. It is clearly marked. You will come to a waterfall. Leave it on your left and continue to the right, following the path. Things are getting serious.
Be careful. Leave the scree behind and arrive at a recess on the right in the wall where there is a tunnel with old pumping equipment.
(5) You now have to climb up following the old penstock.
This route is only suitable in good weather. The path has deteriorated (August 2017).
NOTE: see practical information (1)
In 2024, a handrail (chain) was installed along the entire length of the penstock.
It is essential to follow the steps carved into the rock at first, then follow the old penstock. This passage is safe in good weather. Take your time and climb this steep section calmly, following the old penstock.
Note: after taking the few steps carved into the rock, it is perfectly possible to climb this section by keeping to the wall on your right and the pipe on your left.
You will arrive at a summer pasture and reach Lac d'Uzious (altitude 2,117 metres).
(6) Cross the spillway and follow the well-marked path to the left of the lake, heading south along Lac d'Uzious and towards Col d'Uzious. You will come within sight of Lac du Lavedan (altitude 2179).
(7) Turn right, looking for cairns, yellow, blue and orange markings and a trailer marking, which will take you south-west. Go around Lac du Lavedan on the right and continue looking for these cairns. A large cairn made of ferruginous stones indicates the start of the path.
If the weather changes and visibility is poor, turn back.
This route heads due west towards the Hourquette d'Arré, which you can see. Follow the cairns and yellow markings. Join theGR®®10, below the Hourquette d'Arre, below an old hut in poor condition.
(8) Fork in the path. At an altitude of 2,440 m, turn right and follow the red and white markings. The path quickly descends towards Lac d'Anglas. Continue to follow the red and white markings. Pass the altitude of 2,282 m, then the old iron mines and reach Lac d'Anglas (altitude 2,068 m).
(9) Cross the spillway, turn right and head north-east. The path winds downhill with the Cabane de Coste de Goua, already seen on the way up, in sight.
(3) Follow the same path you took on the way up in the opposite direction. After passing the Cabane de Coste de Goua (on the other side of the stream).
(2) Take the path on the right that descends (GR®®10, red and white markings).
(1) Arrive at the footbridge and return to the cars (S/E).
), but it clears up afterwards.
Visorando Member
Moderate 
Tourist office
Easy 
