A circular route around Les Tourelles from the Refuge de l’Abérouat

From Oloron-Sainte-Marie, head towards Spain (Jaca, Col du Somport), then turn right towards Lescun and finally Abérouat: there is a large car park before the Refuge de l’Abérouat.

(S/E) Climb the grassy slopes above the car park (path), cross the scree to the left (cairns) towards a beech wood and climb up through it. Reach a ridge covered in thorny bushes; climb up it and cross to the right (cairn) towards a wide corridor of earth and stones, the Cheminée Ledormeur. Follow this up to the ridge to reach the Col d’Oelharisse.

(1) Take the path on the right to reach Pic Oelharisse, staying below the ridge.

(2) Return to the pass via the same route.

(1) Follow the ridge more or less closely (using the trail, cairns and your sense of direction): there are no particularly distinctive landmarks to help describe the route. Reach a first summit (1,905 m) then a second at an altitude of 2,041 m.

(3) Descend directly to the Pas d’Azuns: a steep descent following a faint track. Join the GR®10.

(4) Descend to the left via switchbacks to the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch.

(5) Continue left on the GR®10 to reach the Cabane d’Ardinet.

(6) Carry on to cross the Bois du Braca d’Azuns and reach the Refuge de l’Abérouat, then its car park (S/E).