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From Bagnères-de-Bigorre, take the D935 towards ‘La Mongie’ – ‘Payolle’. After the village of Beaudéan, at a wide left-hand bend, leave the D935 and turn right onto the D29 without crossing the Adour de Lesponne. After 10 km, the road ends; park in the Chiroulet car park.
(S/E) From the car park, walk back down the D29 for 600 metres and turn left onto a track heading due north-north-east.
(1) After 250 m, a chain blocks access to motor vehicles. Go over it and continue climbing.
(2) After 800 m, turn left heading due west, now following a cairn-marked path that climbs steeply through the forest and cuts across the track in places. Follow the cairns carefully. Leave the forest after crossing a small stream, before emerging onto a large mountain pasture. Head due north towards the “Cabanes de la Lit”.
(3) A stunning view of the mountain range – a great spot for a break.
Above the restored huts, take the small path heading north-west as it climbs up through the mountain pasture. The path turns due west to cross the Riou Grande. Continue along the path heading south-west, which leads to the Cabane de Bénaquès.
(4) If in doubt or unsure, you can head straight to (6).
The Ruisseau de Bénaquès flows at the foot of the cosy hut. Another lovely viewpoint over the Chiroulet and Ourrec valleys.
Look for a narrow track on the left bank that heads due north and climbs steeply. After about thirty metres, the track becomes a path that continues to climb steeply due north. Once you’re overlooking the stream, the path levels out and very quickly leads to the tiny, pretty little lake at the foot of the Montaigu. A lunch break at this little-known spot is a real treat.
(5) Please note: in the event of fog or if you are unsure of the direction, turn back and return via the same route you took on the way there to (S/E).
Carry on a little further and join a path slightly higher up that takes you back along the same route. Join the path you took on the way up, turn right and head back down to the Cabane de Bénaquès.
(4) If in doubt or unsure, you can head back the way you came directly to (S/E).
Head south-southeast, staying on the mountainside for 50 metres. You’ll soon come across a path that crosses the stream (which is sometimes dry). Now descend gently, due south, towards the forest (200 metres from the hut). Keep a close eye on the cairns along the path, which turns into a stony track. Continue for about 1 km.
(6) Follow the track which branches off to the left, heading due north-east, and winds round a few bends before heading due south again. After crossing the Ruisseau de Bénaquès, the track turns right and descends steeply. You’ll reach a junction where several tracks meet.
(7) Take the track that bends sharply to the left. It leads to the little chapel of Le Chiroulet. Then turn left onto another track: the car is 200 metres away, a little further down (S/E).
Visorando Member
Difficult 
Very difficult 
