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From Ax-Les-Thermes, follow the D25 towards the Ascou-Pailhères ski resort. Drive through the resort and continue towards the Col de Pailhères. Park your car in the large car park on the left, before the pass.
(S/E) Follow the road towards the pass for about 200 metres (take care), then turn right, following the red and white markings ofthe GR®7B, which heads off towards the south-south-west plateau. The path is flat and easy to follow and leads to a fork.
(1) Ignore the left fork (GR®) which leads directly to the Etangs de Rabassoles. Turn right and follow the path which heads north-west, goes around the small outcrop called Picou de Mounégou, turns south and climbs to reach the Crête de Mounégou.
(2) Follow this ridge, which is easy but still a little steep, to the summit of Pic de Tarbesou, where you can stop to enjoy the 360° view of the high peaks of Ariège and the Rabassoles ponds.
(3) From the peak, descend eastwards and follow a faint trail marked with cairns to quickly reach a wider and more obvious path.
(4) Turn right and descend straight down to the small pass at the foot of Pic de la Coumeille de l'Ours.
(5) Continue a little further and you will see the Etang Noir, the first of the three Rabassoles ponds. Follow theGR®7Btrail, which leads easily to this magnificent pond. Walk along its eastern shore and reach its outlet.
(6) This is a good place to stop for a picnic if you wish. Continue on theGR®, still heading south. Below, to your left, you will see the Etang de Rabassoles and in front of you, to your right, the Etang Bleu.
(7) At the junction with theGRP® Tour du Pays de Donnezan, continue straight on theGR®, which climbs steeply. Pass a small lake on your right and continue to the Col de l'Egue (2,121 m).
(8) From this point onwards, the route we are taking is no longer obvious or clearly marked. Follow the signs carefully.
Leave theGR® and turn right, descending towards the valley and the small stream of Coume Grande, heading north-west.
(9) Follow the switchbacks as the slope is steep and join the stream, leaving behind a few tracks that head right towards Font de Casalins. The track is very faint and disappears at times. It is essential to head for the stream and the line of the slope.
(10) Cross the stream on a slight plateau and join a more clearly marked path, which you will follow, maintaining a north-westerly direction.
(11) The path enters the woods, crosses several small meadows and leads to a wide dirt track after the Jasse de la Libeseille.
(12) Continue straight ahead on this track, which quickly leads to a footbridge and then to the D25 (E).
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