A circular route to the Pic du Merdanson from Arthez-d’Asson

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An excellent way to climb the Merdanson whilst remaining almost entirely under tree cover, which is very pleasant in summer. No technical difficulties during the summer months. There is also the option of climbing the Pic de Pas de Broc.

=> Map and GPX track are very useful.

Details

n°105466817
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.93 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,855 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,865 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,033 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,293 ft
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Description of the walk

After Arthez-d’Asson, take the D126 towards Ferrières and Soulor. 100 metres past Claria Farm, leave the road and head up to the end of the track, a former training rock in a quarry: ten spaces available.

(S/E) Head back down towards the road for about a hundred metres. About fifty metres before the road, turn sharply right. Follow a path which soon climbs steeply through the ferns. Pass two hunting posts. After the ferns, a wooded area leads you to the Col d’Isou.

(1) Take a good track to the left (south-west). After about 2 km, you’ll reach the Col de Nabails.

(2) Carry on straight ahead (east) for about a hundred metres, until you reach a hut and a junction.

(3) Carry on straight ahead and, after about fifty metres, turn right. Climb up and, after a few hairpin bends, reach the Col de Pan.

(3) If you wish, turn left (north-east) and make a quick ascent of the Pic du Pas de Broc.

(5) Descend via the same route back to the Col de Pan.

(4) Continue south (to the left when returning from the Pic du Pas de Broc, to the left if you have not attempted this ascent).

(6) At the Fork in the road that appears immediately, take the path on the right. Follow the ridge up to the summit of the Pic du Merdanson.

(7) Continue south-west for about a hundred metres until you reach a Fork in the road. Then turn left (south-south-east) and descend steeply. Turn left again (east) and continue the descent.

(8) Turn left again (north) and go round the Merdasson on the right. Then head north-east, continuing to descend.

(6) Veer slightly to the right to reach the Col de Pan straight away.

(4) Turn left, then immediately right, and, following the outward route in the opposite direction, return to the hut situated near the Col de Nabails.

(3) Turn right (north-east) and follow the long descent through the wooded Turounet valley.

(9) At a fork in the road, veer left (north-north-east). Continue downhill to a T-junction.

(10) Turn right (east) and follow a path downhill.

(12) You’ll come out onto the D126; follow it carefully to the left. Pass through the hamlets of Tort and then Milla, ignoring the turn-off to the left for the hamlet of Boué. At the start of a right-hand bend, turn sharply left to quickly reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,368 ft - Car park (former ‘rocher école’)
  2. 1 : mi 1.89 - alt. 2,762 ft - Col d'Isou (847 m)
  3. 2 : mi 3.15 - alt. 3,484 ft - Col de Nabails (1065 m)
  4. 3 : mi 3.23 - alt. 3,494 ft - Hut – Southern junction of the northern circular loop
  5. 4 : mi 4.01 - alt. 4,400 ft - Col de Pan (1340 m)
  6. 5 : mi 4.16 - alt. 4,482 ft - Pic du pas de Broc (1371 m)
  7. 6 : mi 4.36 - alt. 4,409 ft - Junction with the southern circular loop
  8. 7 : mi 4.75 - alt. 5,033 ft - Pic de Merdanson (1540 m)
  9. 8 : mi 5.04 - alt. 4,705 ft - Junction
  10. 9 : mi 7.46 - alt. 2,070 ft - Fork in the road
  11. 10 : mi 7.94 - alt. 1,657 ft - T-junction
  12. 11 : mi 8.22 - alt. 1,339 ft - D126 road
  13. S/E : mi 8.93 - alt. 1,368 ft - Car park (former ‘rocher école’)

Notes

It is advisable to wear high-visibility clothing or a yellow high-visibility vest during hunting seasons and when on the road.

A map is required. It is recommended that you follow the route using the Visorando app.

Worth a visit

Excellent cow’s and sheep’s milk cheeses at Claria Farm (S/E).

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