Pic d'Aillary via Lac and Col d'Arlet

Start at the Aubise car park, about three kilometres from Fort du Portalet. It's a cul-de-sac, so you can't go wrong. There is a sign showing the route.

(S/E) With your back to the car park, turn left onto the Piste de Layers, which runs alongside the Gave du Baralet and then enters the woods. Further on, it joins a path coming from the right.

(1) At the end of the track, continue along a well-marked, easy path. It heads south and, further on, crosses a stream before reaching the Cabane de Pacheu.

(2) Begin the climb through the valley, then follow the slope on the Pic du Baralet side. Tackle some steep sections with gradients of around 25%, but these are enjoyable given the scenery and the waterfall. Once on the summer pasture, you will be greeted by grazing herds, including patous, which you should always keep an eye on: they are there to do their job as guardians. Pass by three pretty huts selling cheese for those with a sweet tooth. The path on the summer pastures is very easy and relaxing. Reach the Cabane de Lurbé.

(3) Continue along the well-marked trail, admiring the landscape and enjoying the view of the lake and the Arlet refuge in the distance.

(4) Pass the Cave de Belonce near the lake shore and arrive at a crossroads opposite the Arlet refuge. Take a short break to fill your water bottle, sit by the lake and enjoy the view and tranquillity.
There are two options:
1) Take the path that descends north towards the Col de Saoubathou.
2) Continue climbing to the Col d'Arlet: a gentle climb with no significant elevation gain. This option is shown on the map and in the description.

(6) Once at the Col d'Arlet, continue right towards the Pic d'Aillary. Do this in dry weather, as the path is not marked, so follow the cairns. The climb is not very long but quite steep.

(7) At the top of the peak, your efforts will be rewarded with a 360° view of the valleys and mountains on the Spanish and French sides. After taking in the view, descend by the same route to the refuge and the crossroads near the lake.

(5) Resume the loop by heading left and descend towards the Col de Saoubathou. During the descent , don't miss the sign for Borce.

(8) Leave the Cabane de Lapassa in front of you and turn right towards Borce. After about 100 metres, the path turns completely to the right.You will see the Cabane d'Hortassy, your destination, in the distance. Further on, cross the Gave de Belonce. The path gradually turns north and reaches the Cabane d'Hortassy, which is not particularly interesting.

(9) Continue downhill on the trail that more or less follows the right bank of the Gave, passing through some undergrowth and a field where cows and horses graze. The trail is not well marked but is easy to follow as there are yellow arrows at regular intervals. You will come to a junction with a path coming from the left.

(10) You will see the Trongaillère hut on the other side of the Gave, but it is not worth a detour. Stay on the path and do not cross the river. After a few hundred metres, the descent ends at the signpost for the Col de Lagréou.

(11) Continue to the right in this direction. This is the last climb in the undergrowth, short but steep with a gradient of about 25%. When the slope levels out, you will reach the pass.

(12) Enjoy the view of the valley on the Urdos side and the Chemin de la Mature on the Gorges de l'Enfer side. Begin the descent through the fern thickets where the path is well marked. The descent is steep but eases off a little when the path takes a hairpin bend to the right. Return to the Aubise car park (S/E).

Hike in partial shade and partial sun. Water sources are available at each hut (except the Trongaillère hut) and at the Refuge d'Arlet.

Be careful of patous (mountain dogs) and herds in summer, and don't hesitate to go around them.

This is a long hike for those who are not used to it, with a significant elevation gain if you climb to the pass and then to the Pic d'Aillary.