Pic de la Journalade via a circular loop from the Col de Port

Head up to the Col de Port from Tarascon-sur-Ariège or Massat: large car park.

(S/E) Take the path heading south-south-west, then, near the bend in the track, take the path leading up to the left, due south, along the edge of the forest. After a lovely, steady climb, you’ll reach the Pic d’Estibat: 360° panoramic views.

(1) Head south-east, turning left, following the fence to reach the large rocks of the Sommet des Griets.

(2) Turn right, heading south, whilst continuing to follow the fence. You’ll reach the Col de l’Estagnou.

(3) Continue straight on towards the south up a very steep slope leading to the foot of the rocky outcrops. Cross the fence to the left about 200 m before the start of the climb. Put your walking poles away and climb over three rocky outcrops, taking great care. Do not attempt this in rainy or even damp weather, as it could be extremely dangerous. After a final very steep climb, you’ll reach the Pic de la Journalade at 1,945 m: another 360° panorama.

(4) At this point, there are two options:
_ either turn back and descend the three rocky outcrops,
_ or carry on to complete a circular route. The downside: there is no path for 2 to 3 km over rough and treacherous terrain (choice of route). Descend south-east towards the Cap de la Dosse. Halfway down, turn left, heading due east, to descend into the valley.

(5) Choose your turning point according to the terrain to bypassthe impassable rocky outcrops on the right . Descend north, north-east, navigating the terrain as best you can to rejoin the path coming from Saurat.

(6) Turn left onto this path, which joins and broadly follows the Loulmet Stream – at least at the start – before veering off to the left to join a forest track in the Sauzet Forest, leading to a forest warden’s cottage.

(7) Continue straight on along the track through the woods. You’ll then emerge from the woodland to reach the Cabane d’Estibat.

(8) Go round the hut and continue along the path which climbs north-westwards to reach the ridge and join the ascent path. Descend to the Col de Port and the car park (S/E).

From (S/E) to (3): a slightly steep section in places but not a problem.

From (3) to (4): a tricky section; not recommended in wet weather or for less experienced walkers.

From (5) to (6): a treacherous and rather unpleasant descent.

(1) Beautiful 360° view: to the north, the Prat d’Albis ridge stretching as far as Cap de Carmil. To the west, the Vallier and perhaps the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, weather permitting. To the south, the Rouch, the Pique Rouge de Bassiès, the Pic des Trois Seigneurs, the Journalade of course, and the Cap de la Dosse. To the east, the Tarbésou, the Soularac and the Saint-Barthélémy, and the Fourcat.

(4) The same view as from the Pic d’Estibat but closer to the Pic des Trois Seigneurs.

(7) A lovely coniferous forest crossed by a forest track – a welcome sight at the end of the walk!