Pic de la Calabasse loop via the Col de l'Herbe Soulette

From the A64, take exit 20 (Saint-Martory), then the D26 towards Aspet, then Sengouagnet. Next, take the D618 towards Portet d'Aspet, then Saint-Lary. From Saint-Lary, take the D57 towards Autrech. Shortly before Autrech, join the Route Forestière de Pressec to reach the Osque du Couret car park.

(S/E) With your back to the car park, take the Route Forestière des Trémailles, negotiate a hairpin bend to the right and continue to the next one.

(1) Look for the return path on the right and stay on the forest road.

(2) Turn right and head towards the Col de l'Estrade.

(3) Leave the forest road and turn right into the forest onto an old forest path. Further on, this path rejoins the forest road you have just left and ends at a fence that appears to be electrified.

(4) Cross the fence, leave the forest and enter the mountain pasture at Col de l'Herbe Soulette.

(5) Opposite, follow the direction of the cross to the south. Continue in this direction until you reach a fork near the orientation table facing east.

(6) Turn slightly to the right. The hike becomes a little challenging due to the slope. In hot weather, I recommend hiking in this direction (west), as it allows you to stay in the shade longer. The paths are not very well marked, but just keep going in the same direction and you will come to a clearer trail.

(7) Follow it, keeping to the right.

(8) Use the cairn as a landmark to find the path, which climbs up to the right, heading west. When you reach the top of this small hill, take the path south and join the Cap de la Coume d'Oueillet ridge near the Col de la Terme.

(9) Head left and climb the ridge to reach Pic de la Calabasse: enjoy the 360° view. In hot weather, flying ants take up residence in the traditional cairn at all the summits and will invite you to move several metres away for photos or a picnic.

(10) Begin the descent towards the north: this section is marked in yellow. Pass close to (7) and turn right to return to Col de l'Herbe Soulette.

(5) Head left for about a hundred metres.

(11) Leave the track, turning left again. After crossing the Goute de la Sapinière, cross the Ruisseau de la Clote.

(12) The path then turns north and becomes very difficult to spot due to the numerous fallen trees. Be sure to descend while staying as close as possible to the stream without venturing too far into the forest. Do not hesitate to turn back if, for example, you can no longer hear the stream. Return to the forest road you took at the start at the hairpin bend.

(1) Follow this road downhill to reach the car park (S/E).