A very pretty circular reserved for very good walkers who are not afraid of heights. The hike is classified as difficult because of the passage over a ridge, but there are no particular dangers anda good sense of direction is essential. (¹)
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Access: From Lourdes, head towards Cauterets and Gavarnie on the D821 dual carriageway. Take the second exit at the end of the straight road towards Argelès-Gazost D921B. Pass the first village of Vilados and turn right at the next crossroads towards Ouzous and Salles D102. When you reach the village of Salles, continue left at the church, still on the D102. After 150 m, turn right onto a very narrow road between the houses. A yellow sign indicates Col d'Andorre 6 km. Continue along this small road, ignoring the adjacent roads and paths. After about 4.5 km, at altitude 936, the road becomes a moderately passable track. Take care with low cars. Pass altitude 1031 m, and 300 m after, you will arrive at a clearing on the left with an information sign. On the right is an area with a fence and a large drinking trough. Park here.
Red and whiteGR® 101 markings.
(S/E) Car park with wooden table. A yellow sign indicates the direction of Col d'Andorre. Follow this sign heading due west, following the track for 300 m.
(1) Fork in the road. Turn right, heading due north, and climb up a track suitable for vehicles. Please note: there are no signs. Follow the red and white markings forthe GR®101. After a few metres, go through a fence. Close the gate behind you and continue climbing up the track. The track turns north-east.
(2) Fork: at the bend to the left of the track, turn right and continue climbing due east.GR® 101.
Leave the track on your left. A sign points to the Col d'Andorre. Another track then heads north-east, climbing upwards. It continues to climb, heading east. Pass the altitude 1190. Continue climbing.
(3) Fork in the road. The correct track ends. Head due east along a path that is flat at the start.GR®101. Leave the grassy track on your left. The path then climbs up into the mountain pasture. Continue for 400 m.
End of the markings.
(4) Slight fork at the entrance to the forest. Leave the red and white markedGR®101path which leads to a stream.
- Climb left, heading due north on the grassy spur. I have placed a few cairns to help you (October 2016).
- Just follow the cairns, staying on this spur, which is safe. The path is marked on the ground (animal trail). At around 1,430 m, go around the highest point on the right, following a path marked on the ground.
On your right, below, is the Cabane d'Andorre (marked but not named on the IGN map). The path heads north towards the Col d'Andorre.
(5) Just above the Col d'Andorre (altitude 1443), head due west, following a small animal trail that climbs up this new rocky and grassy spur. Follow these narrow paths, which are well marked on the ground. You will arrive above the forest.
Caution: you will be on the ridge path itself. Take extra care. Stay on this narrow path at all times. It is right on the ridge.
(6) Soum d'Andorre (1684 m). Beautiful 360° panorama. Continue to follow these narrow paths, which are clearly marked on the ground. Continue along this narrow ridge path, which climbs and descends, heading due west. You will arrive at a small, unnamed peak, altitude 1737 m. Descend a little, still following this narrow ridge path. Then climb back up into an open area, heading for what looks like a pass. The path heads slightly north-west for 30 m.
(7) Soum de Conques (1759 m). Beautiful 360° panorama. You will now need to follow the animal trails in this large summer pasture. Head southwest, leaving the few steep paths that descend steeply on your left. Then continue towards the Col de Las Escures (not named on the IGN map) where you will find a scrap metal enclosure and a more or less dry lake.
(8) At the pass, below the altitude 1654, head left towards the east, following the paths and tracks that descend steeply towards the forest. I have placed a few cairns (October 2016). Head south-east, aiming for a clear area with a wide track below.
Please note that the IGN map is not accurate in this area. Some tracks are not marked on the map. My route follows existing tracks throughout. I did not cut through the forest. You must follow this route.
(9) Join the track. I have placed a large cairn. Head left, due east on this track for about 200m. The forest is growing back in a haphazard manner. It is possible to cut some of the bends in the track by descending steeply via other open tracks. I have also placed a few cairns (October 2016). At around 1,250 m, you will find a steep track that has been opened up and allows you to descend by cutting across the track in several places. Continue descending due south.
(10) Open area with several tracks. Head left, due east, following a track. Join the morning track. Head right. The car park is visible on the left. Cross a fence. Close the gate behind you.
(1) Turn left and head towards the car park (S/E).
Visorando Member
Moderate 
Easy 
