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Head to Argelès-Gazost and follow signs for Aucun and Arras-en-Lavedan. At the entrance to Arras-en-Lavedan, take a small road towards Lac d’Estaing.
Pass through the village of Estaing, continue to the end of the lake, cross the lake bridge and park your car (1163m).
(S) Follow the track (suitable for vehicles) for 2km south-east. Continue along the rough track heading due south.
(1) A large footbridge, known as Pont de Plasi (1,323m), takes you to the edge of the forest. From there, the path becomes steeper and climbs eastwards, winding its way up in numerous hairpin bends. Further on, the path heads due south again. Continue climbing, carefully following the path’s hairpin bends.
(2) The path emerges from the forest and becomes less steep. A sign indicating “la Cétira” stands by the path (1591m). From this point onwards, you are within the Pyrenees National Park and must observe its regulations.
(3) Pass an old stone hut, Toue de la Cétira, 1591m.
(4) You reach the first lake, Lac de Langle (1605m). Continue climbing due south.
(5) You’ll reach Lac du Plaa de Prat (1,656m).
(6) Continue on to reach the hut (1,668m). A little further on, a signpost indicates two directions. Take the left-hand path towards Lac du Pic Arrouy, heading south-east. A cairn-marked path starts in the mountain pasture and heads towards the forest (east).
(7) The path crosses a small stream and follows the other stream of the Pic d’Arrouy. A magnificent waterfall lies beside the very steep path that climbs due east. Exit the forest.
(8) Climb up through the mountain pasture, passing a restored hut reserved for the shepherd. Continue climbing due east. Soon the path follows another stream. You must cross it at a flat section. The path becomes very steep again through a maze of rocks. You must pass a spot with a few trees.
(9) The path turns south-east. Continue climbing this path through the rocks. Follow the cairns closely as you follow the switchbacks. The hike is long, so pace yourself. As you emerge from the rocks and scree onto a flat section, Lac Nère (2241m) comes into view below. Follow the path climbing south-southeast, overlooking Lac Nère. The path levels out and then descends slightly.
(10) You’ll reach Lac Long (2,326m). You’re in high mountain terrain, so stay alert.
If clouds gather or rain threatens, then after a light meal and a drink, do not hesitate to head back down to the shepherd’s hut where you can, at least, find shelter.
The return journey follows the same route in the opposite direction, taking care on certain fairly steep sections. Take extra care if the ground is wet.
). Superb views: the climb towards Lac Long and the pass offers more pleasant scenery than the descent from the pass towards Lac du Barbat, but the circular route is well worth the detour!
Visorando Member
Moderate 
Very difficult 
