To reach the start, take the road above Borce towards Parc Ours and continue to the first hairpin bend. Shortly afterwards, a forest track branches off opposite (the Belonce forestry and grazing track). This track is unpaved but remains passable for all vehicles, provided you drive very slowly. Pass through four hairpin bends. Shortly after the fourth, stop at a track branching off to the right, at an altitude of 1,000 m (approx.).
(S/E) Start by following the forest road uphill; it’s about 2 km.
(1) At the car park at the end of the forest road, take a wide forest track leading uphill to the right (signposted: Pic de Labigouer).
(2) After a short climb, you’ll reach a fork just before crossing a stream. The wide forest track makes a hairpin bend to the right, whilst a narrower path branches off opposite. This is the quad bike track used by shepherds to easily transport their equipment uphill. Follow it (even when it climbs steeply).
(3) Just after a final stretch through the undergrowth, you’ll reach a fairly wide valley, covered in ferns, where the quad bike track soon ends. Leave the track and take the livestock tracks heading sharply right up the slope.
From here on, the path becomes patchy, sometimes very well marked, narrowing to cattle tracks or even disappearing altogether. Follow the suggested route more or less to reach your destination, without trying to stick to these pastoral tracks, which are designed for ruminants rather than humans! The aim is to reach the ridge at its lowest point at the Col des Pises, at an altitude of almost 1,900 metres.
(4) The view opens up on the western slope, but if you want to take a break, walk a little further along the ridge (northwards); the difference is obvious! Head right; from this point to the Col de Barrancq, you will stay on the ridge.
(5) A quick note: at this point, three ridges meet – the one you have just followed, the one leading to the Col de la Nabe and the Pène d’Udapet, and the one that will take you to the Col de Barrancq. You must therefore turn left (heading north-north-east); the descent begins here.
(6) The Col de Barrancq is clearly in the woods. This is where you join the GR®10; follow it down to the right, alternating between woodland and clearings, until you reach the superbly situated Cabane d'Udapet de Bas (note the Pic du Midi d'Ossau in the distance, to the south-east).
(7) Follow the path as it bends left and heads into the woodland.
(8) About 100 m after entering the woodland, join a wide farm track leading off to the right. There may be a fence to keep livestock out; cross it with care (it may be electrified) and leave the GR® at this point. The fairly wide farm track winds its way downwards.
(9) After about 500 m along this track, you reach what appears to be a dead end; however, a cairn at ground level suggests you should look more closely. A small path branches off from this point, descending into the woodland. This path is used and maintained by hunters and shepherds; its markings are very discreet (a few dots of red paint on the tree trunks).
Please note: you must take care when following this path, as it is barely visible on the ground. If in doubt, turn back and look carefully. A GPS (with route tracking in Visorando) could be very useful here! Furthermore, as this forest is extremely peaceful and well-preserved, you should walk through it in silence and show the utmost respect for the surroundings.
(10) After passing through a few fern-covered areas (which is easy thanks to regular clearing), the path reaches an abandoned house situated on the boundary between two slopes. Make sure the cattle gate is properly closed!
All that remains is to head down a small path to reach the forest road and your starting point (S/E).