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Drive through the Peyragudes ski resort to park in the large car park near the last buildings, at the foot of the chairlifts.
(S/E) Take the south-facing track that climbs into the resort.
(1) At the first junction, in front of a maintenance shed, turn left until you reach the departure station of the Cabanou chairlift. Then climb up the slope on the "La Grande Traversée" ski run, rejoin the run, then continue climbing, leaving a water reservoir on your right.
(2) Once past the reservoir, cut left to pass in front of the Les Cimes chairlift departure point and then the mountain restaurant. Continue climbing along a small south-facing path before crossing to the other side of the mountain.
(3) Ignore a path branching off to the left (not shown on the IGN map) and continue walking south-east along the grassy slope of the Ourtiga mountain towards a small pass: the Couret d’Esquierry. Do take care on this path, which crosses small landslides in places. You will begin to see the cirque and the Lacs de Nère on your right, dominated by the Pic de Hourgade.
(4) Once at the Couret d’Esquierry, cross the GR®10 and take the path opposite that climbs upwards, ignoring the one branching off to the left. Pass a small hut. The path first climbs south-west before turning due south, passing beneath a rocky outcrop where some sections may require the use of your hands. Continue until you reach the Lower Lake of Nère
(5) Walk along the right-hand side of the lake, then continue the ascent on the rocky path that skirts the upper lake, climbing to its left, first heading south, then south-west, in the shadow of the Pic de Nère. You will reach a tiny pool, often bordered by a snowfield.
(6) Continue the ascent until you reach the magnificent Lac de Nère Arrouge (not named on the IGN map), the highest point of the hike. The path skirts it to the right before climbing due west. Climb a cairn-marked couloir using your hands for support, then emerge onto the summit ridge, to the north of the peak. Follow the ridge to the left until you reach Pic de Hourgade.
(7) Admire the magnificent panorama over the Luchon area before carefully descending to the lower lake.
(5) Leave the path you took on the way up and take another path to the left which descends along the left bank of the Néré stream. Reach a marshy plateau before crossing the torrent to continue along its right bank, avoiding deep gorges. The path comes to a damp rocky outcrop which is tricky to negotiate.
(8) Use your hands to help you climb down this section, taking care. Continue along the path which joins the GR®10 and turn left.
(9) Leave the GR®10 and take the first path on the right, which, running parallel to the outbound path and below it, crosses the grassy slopes of the Ourtiga mountain until it brings you back to the heights of the ski resort.
(10) Follow the mountain bike track and rejoin the main track from the outward journey.
(1) Continue to the car park (S/E).
Visorando Member
Moderate 
Easy 
