The Pène d'Udapet circuit

The Pène d’Udapet is that curious rocky peak ‘perched’ above the village of Borce, guarding the entrance to the Belonce Valley. Isn’t the best way to appreciate it to walk around it, rather than climb it (which is perilous)? That is what we offer with this highly varied route featuring picturesque views.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.62 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,045 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,041 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 6,293 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,251 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

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).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,251 ft - Lassière (1010m)
  2. 1 : mi 1.38 - alt. 3,793 ft - Car park on the Belonce road
  3. 2 : mi 1.67 - alt. 3,947 ft - Start of the quad bike track
  4. 3 : mi 2.47 - alt. 4,826 ft - End of the quad bike track
  5. 4 : mi 4.15 - alt. 6,194 ft - Col des Pises (1891m)
  6. 5 : mi 4.83 - alt. 6,270 ft - Ridge route: to the left, do not go to ... - Col de la Nabe (1849m)
  7. 6 : mi 5.5 - alt. 5,243 ft - Col de Barrancq (1601m)
  8. 7 : mi 6.3 - alt. 4,593 ft - Lower Udapet hut
  9. 8 : mi 6.39 - alt. 4,528 ft - A fork in the path not to be missed
  10. 9 : mi 6.64 - alt. 4,360 ft - End of the forest track
  11. 10 : mi 7.54 - alt. 3,343 ft - Lassière (1030m)
  12. S/E : mi 7.62 - alt. 3,251 ft - Lassière (1000m)

Notes

Difficulty: The main challenge lies in navigation, which is not always straightforward. A GPS device combined with an IGN or OpenStreetMap hiking map is recommended.
Season: the route is accessible as soon as the slopes are clear of snow (usually in May or even earlier). The hunting season (autumn) is not recommended.
Equipment: hiking boots recommended. Sun protection also (hat, sun cream, etc.).
Water source: at the lower Udapet hut (7).

Worth a visit

From the (4), the Pic de Labigouer is within reach! It will depend on your fitness and the time available.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
3.8 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
bobca
bobca
• Edited:

And yes, you really do have to drive very slowly on this track, that’s for sure!

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bobca
bobca
• Edited:

Thank you for this information

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SEMMEZIZS
SEMMEZIZS

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 14, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

To add to my previous comment, I should mention that the track at BELONCE is just about passable (several drainage channels are in poor condition and there are some very deep ruts).
TAKE CARE with your shock absorbers!!!

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SEMMEZIZS
SEMMEZIZS

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 14, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

TOUR DU PENE UDAPET: this route requires a good understanding of GPS and map reading.
Beautiful scenery and terrain covered in rhododendrons and other flowers at this time of year.
The first section up to the Col des Pises, as well as the final descent through the woodland to the track, are not very busy.
A very beautiful spot
Thank you

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User 8160865

Overall rating : 2.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 06, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, but the GPX route was very difficult, if not impossible, to follow on two occasions: between waypoints 3 and 4, where we had to improvise as we couldn’t find the path, and from waypoint 8 to the finish. At waypoint 8, the path was blocked by a rope, and as we progressed, it disappeared in places, so we had to improvise again. What’s more, lots of fallen trees hindered our progress. It’s a shame, as it took some of the enjoyment out of the walk.

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bobca
bobca

Thank you very much!

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Isard64
Isard64

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Having completed the circular hike, this hike offers a wealth of variety. It showcases the full splendour of the Aspe Valley. The path is generally well marked, except for one section leading up to the Col de Pises: a GPS is a good idea here, as it is before the approach to the Cujalatte hut, where the path has practically disappeared due to the damage caused by wild boars.
Wear sturdy footwear, bring walking poles and water; avoid in wet weather.

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bobca
bobca

Thank you for your feedback; it’s very helpful.
We were up on the hills above Escot at the same time... cloudy, but no rain or wind!

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MICHEL.SOL
MICHEL.SOL

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Thank you for this lovely hike – not too difficult, but you still have to work for it! We set off in what was almost summer sunshine, but encountered a wind before reaching the ridge – something Météo France hadn’t forecast… and it didn’t let up until we reached the Col de Barrancq, where we had to get our raincoats out as the rain started too – again, completely unexpected! At point 8, the path wasn’t hard to find; there are plenty of red markers and the path is well signposted. Thanks again – highly recommended, though probably not in very hot weather.

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