Circular Pic de la Géla hike via the Hourquettes de Chermentas and Héas

Take the D118 to Piau Engaly and park in the large car park to the north of the resort.

(S/E) From the car park, take a wide path heading west and passing by the Mouscadès chairlift. Stay on this wide path, which heads south to Lac de Badet.

(1) Walk along the western shore of the lake and pass by Montagne de la Laquette to arrive below Pic de Bassia de Nère at a fork in the path.

(2) Turn left, heading south-east, onto the path leading to the Hourquette de Chermentas, which offers a beautiful view.

(3) Turn around to return to the fork below Pic de Bassia de Nère.

(2) Turn left towards the west until you reach a fork below the Hourquette de Héas.

(4) Turn left onto the Crête des Aguilous path leading to the Hourquette de Héas.

(5) Pass the pass and continue straight on the ridge path towards the south-east. You will reach an intersection (altitude 2,717 m).

(6) Be careful, shortly after this intersection the ridge path becomes a little vertiginous and requires some vigilance in three sections where the path on the ridge is very narrow and close to the edge, reminiscent of the section at the finger of the false breach on the ascent of Pic du Taillon. Although not extremely difficult (rated T4), this ridge requires the use of your hands, but no climbing skills are necessary. It is nevertheless reserved for experienced hikers. It is better to take this path on the way up rather than on the way down. Continue along the ridge to reach Pic de la Géla.
Those who are less confident can take a path on the right that descends to the foot of Pic de la Géla (altitude 2851) and climb it from the other side via (8).

(7) Once at the summit, to avoid descending via the technical sections of the ridge, continue straight ahead to descend a large scree slope. This may seem steep but is easy to navigate. Some may wish to use their hands to make it easier. Numerous cairns mark the path to follow.

(8) Once you have descended the scree slope, take the path on the right that passes under Pic de la Géla until you return to the easier sections of the Aguilous ridges and the intersection you passed before the ascent.

(6) Continue straight ahead, in the opposite direction to the outward journey, to return to the Hourquette de Héas.

(5) Turn right and descend, in the opposite direction to the outward journey, on the north-east slope towards the fork below the pass.

(4) Continue straight ahead towards the north. Follow a few hairpin bends and you will reach a fork
(altitude 2,300 m).

(9) Turn right towards the east until you reach another fork.

(10) Shortly before the cattle pond, take the path on the left heading west, then north-east.

(11) Cross the stream on a footbridge to rejoin the outward route. Continue left to the car park (S/E).

This hike requires a good level of fitness, but the view from Pic de la Géla will reward all your efforts!
The section along the Aguilous ridges (rated T4) from point (6) may seem daunting for those who suffer from vertigo. It is best suited to experienced hikers.