Lake Port Bielh

From Saint Lary, take the Route d’Espagne to Fabian, then take the Route des Lacs. A few kilometres further on, after crossing two bridges and negotiating a few hairpin bends, you’ll reach the Artigusse car park, the starting point.
(S/E) From there, cross a small footbridge and follow a path leading to the first Artigusse car park (EDF private).
From there, follow the track which climbs along the mountainside towards Lac de l’Oule (signposted).
On reaching Lac de l’Oule, a splendid view of the lake unfolds before you, with the ridges of Port Bielh in the distance.
Walk round Lake de l’Oule on the left-hand side until you reach the other end; on the way, you’ll pass an old shepherd’s hut.

(1) On reaching the far end of the lake, where the Lahude hut is situated, cross a small old stone bridge under which the Port Bielh stream flows; a little further up, a junction (signposted) indicates the direction of Lake Port Bielh to the left (the Bastan lakes and refuge to the right, marked in red and white).
Turn left and follow the cairn-marked path, after crossing a second stream coming from the right, flowing down from the Bastan Lakes. A few hundred metres further on, cross a small clearing. The Pic de Bastan rises above the forest; the path running alongside the Port Bielh stream is clearly visible and pleasant, with a gentle gradient. Further up, you re-enter the forest, and the path continues alongside the stream as it rushes down the slope.
After passing through this woodland for about one kilometre five hundred, you’ll cross a small ledge, and shortly afterwards reach the Coste Ouillère hut and the lake, which is partly overgrown with grass.

(2) Carry on, leaving the hut behind you; a hundred metres further on, a small promontory offers a fine view of the path you have followed through the valley, with Lake Oule in the background.
Further up, pass by the first small lake of Port Bielh, with its calm, clear water; go round it, pass close to a renovated sheepfold, and follow the path that leads straight ahead up a final rocky outcrop.
You’ve now reached the lakeside; the view is splendid, overlooking either Lake Bastan or Lake Port Bielh, with a ring of rocky peaks stretching from the Pic d’Aygues Cluses on the left to the Pic de Bastan on the far right.
There’s also a lovely view of the valley from the lake’s spillway, with Lake Oule five kilometres further down in the distance.

(3) Follow the same route back to the starting car park (S/E).

Regulations concerning the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve:
• Dogs are not permitted in the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park, even when kept on a lead
• Dog boarding facilities – enquiries at Aragnouet Town Hall – Tel: 05 62 39 62 63
• No open fires, to prevent fires and soil damage
• Please keep quiet to preserve the peace and tranquillity of the area
• Please bring bin bags with you to carry your rubbish back down
• No picking or collecting of plants, minerals or fossils is permitted
• Capturing animals is prohibited
• Regulated camping is permitted more than an hour’s walk from a road access point, between 7 pm and 9 am
• No camping or overnight parking of motorhomes to preserve the beauty of the sites and prevent pollution
• Hunting and fishing are prohibited

Standard kit: Rucksack, water, snacks, waterproof jacket, good walking boots, 1:25,000 map, compass.
Shelter available: A small shepherd’s hut at the far end of Lac de l’Oule provides shelter in the event of heavy rain.
The Coste Oueillère hut, which sleeps two to four people, is suitable for an overnight stay.

There is a spring nearby the renovated sheepfold, which is inhabited by a shepherd in summer.

Lac de Gourguet and the Col de Barèges above the Coste Oueillère hut.
Complete a circular route by walking along Lake Bastanet and heading to the Bastan mountain hut.
The Nére pass.
The Caderolle pass.
The Bastanet Pass.
The Hourquette Bracque – for experienced walkers.