The first Neych pond from Bouychet

From Tarascon-sur-Ariège, take the D8 towards Vicdessos (Val de Sos). Pass through Capoulet-et-Junac and, 2 km further on, turn left towards Siguer via the D24. Drive past Siguer and continue towards Bouychet via the D224. Drive to the end of the road at the large car park in Bouychet.

Old, very sparseyellow markings.

(S/E) Please note: the IGN base map is inaccurate => there is no^GR® T65 route, nor any red and white markings.
With your back to the access road, head towards the forest and the wooden signposts. Climb quite steeply towards Peyregrand until you reach the first footbridge over the Ruisseau d’Esacales at an elevation of 1290.

(1) From here, a magnificent, entirely stoned path begins.
How many people and how much time were needed to build these retaining walls and this stony path?
You’ll reach a second footbridge at an elevation of 1,401 metres.

(2) Climb steeply up the right bank of the Ruisseau de Brouquenat. The stony path then becomes less steep and leads into a large mountain pasture. Magnificent views of the valley floor. You’ll reach a rock marked with a yellow left turn and a yellow right turn. To the left, a barely visible path leads to the Pic de Siguer.

(3) Head right, cross the Pont de la Peyre at elevation 1492. You’ll reach another unmarked junction. Take care. There are no directional signs. No^GR® T65, no^PR®! The path along the stream leads to the Étang de Peyregrand.
With your back to the stream, climb straight up the slope, heading south-west for about a hundred metres, until you find a good path. Then turn right, heading due north-west, and climb steeply. Beautiful scenery.
You’ll reach a small flat area; go down a magnificent flight of wide stone steps, then head back up towards an Ariège-style stone hut with a tent attached *. Altitude 1,620 m.

(4) Cross a footbridge and climb steeply to the left along the Ruisseau d’Auruzan. Pass a rock shelter at around the 1,697-metre mark. Take care: you will need to cross the stream.

No signposting. Cairns

(5) Look out for cairns on the large boulders. Descend towards the stream and cross it. Head right, behind the boulder, for about twenty metres. Then climb up to the left.
Do not venture onto the scree slope. Above this, you’ll find a good path.
Head north-east up a very steep slope. The gradient is steep. Keep following the cairn-marked path. Then turn generally south and arrive at a flat area at a barely marked fork (alt. 1,975 m).

(6) Turn off to the right towards the south-west, on almost level ground, and come within sight of one of the Étangs de Neych. This one is reserved for the residents of Siguer! Head down to it.

(7) A vast and beautiful spot for a restorative break. *
For the return journey, simply follow the route in the opposite direction to the outward journey and head back to the Bouychet car park (S/E).

• Most of the huts are used by shepherds and are reserved for them from mid-June to mid-September.

Water in the streams (torrents) must be filtered or disinfected.
No springs or water sources along the route. Except for the Source de la Coume du Four after the (5), continuing a short way along the GT64.

This is a mountainous area: bring rainwear, water, a packed lunch, a GPX track, route description, map, GPS or the Visorando app, a camera, good walking boots and walking poles.

The route is largely exposed => set off early during hot weather. The weather can change quickly.

• (7) Option to continue southwards towards the second pond (elevation 1986). At the fork (elevation 2012), turn right heading due west. Walk past two further Étangs de Neych and the hillock on the right. Then turn sharply right heading due north and join the well-marked path after the spring. Descend to the right and rejoin the (5).

Val de Sos
Siguer Town Hall