The Layens circular loop via Les Serres

Head to Osse-en-Aspe, climb towards the Capdevielle farm and stop as best you can at the side of the road after the Casteret sign. Take care not to obstruct traffic. Look out for the marker disc at the start of the Layens trail.

(S/E) Head north along the Layens path.

(1) , then at the first bend continue straight ahead along a long, ascending traverse leading to the Serres fountain.

(2) Climb a steep grassy slope via a series of switchbacks, then cross a woodland, and finally a meadow leading to a track (signpost) ascending from the Lourdios-Ichère slope.

(3) Head left to easily follow this good track which crosses the north face of Layens to the Cabanes de Sutché.

(4) Continue along a recent track and take the first valley on the left. Come out onto the ridge a little way above the signpost.

(5) Head right to traverse the Osse slope and climb the summit slope of Le Layens via the grassy areas: few markers. From the summit, a vast panorama.

(6) Descend via the same route until you reach the track linking the Cabanes de Sutché.

(5) Head straight on to the pass: signpost.

(7) Descend along the right-hand slope (poorly marked path) through the grassy areas towards the Cabane du Coum. Reach the hut, situated at the end of the access track.

(8) Head south for about a hundred metres, then turn left at a 90° angle to continue along the hillside until just below the Cabanes d'Arrès.

(9) Continue the traverse along the slope above steep slopes (good path and barbed wire for livestock), then descend in switchbacks above the Capdevielle farm. Finish with a traverse that leads back to the starting path and follow it to the right until you reach the road (S/E).