Le Pichaley via the Aulon Valley

Park in the hikers’ car park (around ten spaces), situated 50 metres before you reach the Granges de Lurgues (above Aulon). It is also possible to park a little further up, but the car park is usually occupied by residents. There is a spring of very fresh drinking water at the upper car park (you’ll no doubt appreciate it on your return).

(S/E) From the car park, take the path on the left which leads gently uphill away from the barns, heading north-west, through the hazel trees. Ten minutes later, the slope becomes steeper and then, in open country, the path crosses a stream to reach a fork (elevation 1553).

(1) At the fork, ignore the path on the right leading towards Arbizon (signposted). Continue down the valley and cross the torrent.

(2) After crossing the torrent, follow the path along the left bank of the Lavedan to reach the Cabane d’Auloueilh (1,857 m).

(3) From the hut, rejoin the path which climbs through the mountain pastures and heads deeper into the valley towards the north-west. Continue along the left bank of the Lavedan.

(4) From the spring, head straight south-west; the final slope then steepens as you reach the Col de Bastan (2,481 m).

(5) From this pass, if your legs are up to it, you can climb the Pichaley (2,626 m), heading due south. Allow 30 minutes to reach it via a path that runs along the ridge. Although never vertiginous, this path does require some care as the stones are loose and the ground is slippery.

(6) The summit is flat and spacious. Enjoy the view of the Bastan Lakes below, directly to the west.
The descent follows the same path in the opposite direction back to (S/E).

Water can be obtained from the spring (4) and at the car park (E)

Shelter is available at the Cabane d’Aloueih, which is open to hikers (3)

Allow 7 hours for the round trip to Le Pichaley (6); 6 hours if you stop at the Col de Bastan (5)

The ascent, early in the season, from the starting point (4) can be tricky if there are snowfields. That said, when I checked the route in early July, there were none left.

(3) The Aloueih Hut is occupied in summer by a shepherd, but part of it is open to hikers and properly equipped to provide shelter if needed (wood-burning stove, mattress, blanket). The stone enclosures, known as ‘courtaous’, are used to pen in livestock and feature a milking corridor.

It is possible to spend the night at the charming Refuge de Bastan.

In the Bigourdan dialect:
Cuyéu, cuyela, coeyla, courtau: a sheep pen in the high mountains.
Estibe, estive: high-altitude pasture.