The Col du Lhéris from the Col des Palomières

In Bagnères, head towards Toulouse, after crossing the Adour (at a place called Pont de Pierre), turn right towards Gerde, but continue straight on along a road that climbs towards Banios, Col des Palomières (D84).

Start from Col des Palomières (810 m) in the large car park opposite a track that begins with a cattle grid.

(S/E) Set off along this track from the sign indicating "Casque du Lhéris" and head south-west for 250 m. Turn left south-east, following this well-marked track. A large bend takes you gently south. Continue along this track. A left-hand bend takes you south-east, passing in front of a "large" black-painted hut.

(1) Continue along this track heading southeast. Below Le Cap de Castet, this track heads west, then very quickly turns south again. Soon you will pass another large hut, this time painted green. The track remains flat. You will arrive at a large crossroads of paths and tracks at Bernadaus (elevation 961).

(2) Continue straight ahead, heading south on flat ground. Pass some drinking troughs on your right. After a small pine forest on your right and an enclosure, turn right (leaving the track that climbs steeply straight ahead). Normally, there will be another sign for "Le Casque du Lhéris". After 200 m, the track turns right and climbs south-west, passing a barrier.

(3) At a left-hand bend, continue straight ahead, heading towards a pidgeon hunting hut. A small hut awaits you, as well as a lovely viewpoint.

(4) Turn completely left towards the east and continue up a steep climb on this wooded spur. Cut across another bend. Continue climbing towards the east. Join the track that heads south-east. Follow the track without veering to the right or left. A clearing will appear.

(5) It is advisable to stay on this track as there are holes and even a chasm in this area.
Head almost due south. After turning left to the south-east, this track arrives at another clearing with several tracks.

(6) Take the track that climbs and turns right due west. Follow this track, which then heads south and then south-east. Soon this track opens onto a very large mountain pasture that takes you straight to the Col du Lhéris via the Lhéris hut (made of concrete). Arrive at the Col du Lhéris (1383m).

(7) Admire the landscape. On your right is Haboura (beech forest). On your left is Casque du Lhéris. The most valiant can choose to climb either peak. Don't forget that this is an 18 km route and you are not even halfway there yet.
After a bite to eat, turn around and go back to the hut, then rejoin the track you came on at the clearing.

(6) Then turn right, heading due east. Follow this track, which zigzags through the forest and leads to another track after passing through a gate.

(8) Continue along this new track, heading due east for 500 metres, to discover the "bizarre" Tournarisse hut (altitude 1058 metres).

(9) Turn around.

(8) Follow the track heading due west and gently downhill. Follow it for a few kilometres as it goes around Cap de Picadès.

(10) It passes Coume de Tournarisse.

(11) It crosses the Crête de Lastouès and arrives at the Coudeils clearing (altitude 919).

(12) Go through a gate and you will find Le Bernadaus (altitude 961), which you already passed on the way there.

(2). From this point, go around Cap de Castet without returning to the trail you took on the way there.
Head due west along a wide path for 200 metres.

(13) Turn sharply right towards the north-west and rejoin a footpath. Stay on the hillside; the footpath turns north.

(14) Follow this path, which widens and becomes a track that turns north and then becomes a very steep track again, descending to join this morning's path when you reach the black-painted hut.

(1) Turn left onto the track heading due north. At a left-hand bend, turn right to follow an old grassy path.

(15) This will take you back to the car park where you started (S/E).

There are several huts (not all of which are mentioned) along the route. Some are open and exposed to the wind. However, they can still be used as shelters.
To my knowledge, there is no water on the trail, apart from the trough near the Lhéris hut. Obviously, you will need to add a disinfectant tablet to this water (or boil it).

During hunting season, be careful to stay on the path described here and even check with hunters that you can "go up" with your helmet. A yellow vest, like the ones used in motoring, may be useful.

As with any hike, you should bring 2 litres of water, food, good hiking boots, warm clothing, a windbreaker, a map, a compass, a camera and, if possible, a GPS device.

There is an inn at Col Les Palomières.

Bagnères-de-Bigorre is a town worth visiting: thermal baths, a very nice mini golf course, the Vallon du Salut, a casino, several parks and a golf course on the "old road" leading to Tarbes, along the old railway line on the D26, which climbs steeply to the right at the end of the straight.