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Park at thefourth bend on the left (altitude 1,261 m) where there is a signpost. See the ‘Practical Information’ section for details on accessing this car park.
(S/E) Walk up the road. Pass under an EDF high-voltage power line. Walk past a barn adjoining a well-maintained hut on your left. Continue up the road to the next left-hand bend.
(1) Turn right (signpost). The path climbs very steeply through the forest. It turns left, heading due south, and runs above the road for 80 m. Follow the well-marked path through the forest (I’ve placed a few cairns to help, as the IGN map isn’t entirely accurate). After a few hairpin bends, the path climbs steeply through the forest, heading due west.
You’ll reach an old mountain pasture; cross the Ruisseau de Lisse in an open area (follow the cairns I’ve placed). The path is easy to make out and continues due west.
The IGN map does not match the actual terrain. The path stays on the left bank of the stream and climbs steeply through the forest, emerging into an overgrown former mountain pasture. Make sure to stay on the left bank of the stream, at the edge of the forest. The view opens up. The path is now very well marked. Continue climbing.
(2) At the junction (elevation 1740), turn left onto a wide grassy track (signpost). An electric fence blocks the way. Make sure you close it properly. I’ve placed a few cairns along the track as it climbs and winds through the mountain pastures.
(3) At the junction at the 1,762-metre mark, turn right onto a wide stony track (signpost: Col de Riou, snowshoes).
You’ll reach the closed Conques hut (alt. 1,790 m). Drinking water available.
(4) Alternative route for those prone to vertigo => see Practical Information to reach the (8) then the (6).
Otherwise, head left along a wide, stony track. Yellow markings and wooden posts will guide you. Follow this wide track as it winds its way up to the Col de Riou.
Stunning panoramic views: opposite, the Cauterets valley; behind, the Luz-Saint-Sauveur valley.
(5) Col de Riou (elevation 1949). A junction of paths and tracks. Turn right towards the old ruined hotel.
- First option: the yellow-marked path stays below the ridge and leads to the Soum de Counques (see description and warning).
- Second option: it is possible, via various paths, to follow the ridge safely. You must then pass, in turn: the Pène de Bassats (elevation 2012), the Escalabor (elevation 2048), the points at altitudes 2054 and 2026, the Pène Nère (elevation 2058), the point at altitude 2030, the Tuc des Arribans (elevation 2088), and the Soum de Counques.
Here, you’ll rejoin the yellow markings. Continue to the junction at elevation 1990.
Caution: from this point onwards, you must be very vigilant and sure-footed. There is a tricky section, although it is marked in yellow.
(6) Head straight on, climbing very steeply along a clearly marked path.
Caution: It is essential to proceed slowly, staying strictly on the very well-marked path. There are sections along ledges. You must not be prone to vertigo. You may sometimes need to use your hands for support. The walk can end at this superb spot.
(7) Pic de Viscos (elevation 2141). A stunning 360° panorama. A large scrap-metal cross confirms that you have reached the summit. A well-deserved break is recommended here.
Carefully make your way back down to the unnamed pass.
(6) Turn left, heading south-east, along a lovely, very well-marked path that winds through the mountain pastures. Yellow markings help you find your way. Follow the path closely without trying to take a shortcut. The descent is very pleasant and gentle as you follow the path marked in yellow.
(8) At the fork (elevation 1737), turn left. Leave the yellow markings and the path coming from the Conques hut behind.
Head down towards a clearly visible hut, following the path that winds through the mountain pasture. Cross a small stream (former fountain). You’ll reach the Counques plateau at the Cabane du Boussu.
(9) Cabane du Boussu is closed (alt. 1,640 m). The water point is out of order. This is also a lovely spot to take a break. Continue due east, leaving the hut on your right. The path widens slightly and enters the forest.
The IGN map does not accurately reflect the actual route. Continue down this lovely path, which winds through a section of woodland that was devastated by a storm and leads to a junction.
(10) Turn right onto a grassy track (signpost). Head down this track, keeping the other tracks on your left. Continue downhill. Cross the Ruisseau de Lita (avalanche) via a concrete ford. Cross a second stream and continue downhill to a fork at elevation 1350.
(11) ⚠️ Report from a user on 18 April 2026 => Please note: a rockslide has occurred after the second bend. The path is blocked; getting past it is difficult as the rocks are unstable.
Continue straight ahead on this stony track. Leave the overgrown track on your right. Pass the two hairpin bends on the track, then the Barets stream. The barrier at the entrance to the track is in sight. Reach the car park (S/E).
Visorando Member
Moderate 
Easy 
