Pic de Portarras via the Campana du Cloutou refuge

The car park at the start, at the Garet bend, can accommodate around thirty cars parked properly. It can get full on fine days, so it is advisable to arrive early. Otherwise, you will have to park nearly a kilometre further down.

(S/E) At the bend, a building marks the start. Head down to the stream and cross it via the wooden bridge. After a fairly steep descent of about fifty metres, the well-marked path levels out until it joins the^GR®10.

(1) From this point onwards, red and white markings are frequent and visible all the way to the Col du Bastanet.
The path is completely flat at the start until it reaches the Ruisseau du Garet, alongside which it begins to climb gently.

(2) A small rocky gorge breaks up the monotony. Take the path to the right of the ‘Danger’ sign before reaching it to avoid the rocky area. Continue to the Réservoir des Laquets.

(3) Walk along its left-hand side, then follow the Lac de Gréziolles on your right. On the second third of the lake, there are a few rocky scree slopes to cross, but these do not present any major risks. Around the middle of Lac de Gréziolles, the path gradually descends towards the water. The Campana du Cloutou refuge then comes into view. Head towards it and then make your way to the shore of Lac du Campana, an ideal spot for a break.

(4) Return to the refuge and continue due south along a path that presents no difficulty as it avoids the wetlands around the lakes. Head for the Col du Bastanet.

(5) At the pass, enjoy the view over the Aure valley, then turn left and follow the ridge. The loose, powdery path for the first fifty metres requires a bit of care. Continue to the left of the ridge to the Pic de Portarras, passing a few large boulders.

(6) Return to the car park (S/E) via the same route.

Due to the presence of livestock, dogs must be kept on a lead.
A drinking water point and dry toilets are available at the Campana du Cloutou refuge.
The wind is much stronger at the Col du Bastanet and for about fifty metres as you climb towards the peak. If it is too strong, stay as far north as possible under the protection of the ridge separating the upper Campan valley and the Aure valley.
The Campana du Cloutou refuge has been recently renovated and is small. Remember to book early if visiting during the season, including for meals. Bivouac space is limited: 5–6 tents next to the electricity hut by the lake. Another flat but noisier site is available near the refuge for one tent.
The first reservoirs are dammed lakes. Do not stay near the torrent downstream to avoid being caught out by a sudden release of water.
And speaking of water, in wet weather some of the rocks between the lower section and the Réservoir des Laquets are slippery; proper hiking boots are therefore essential.

Keep an eye on the peaks to the right as you climb from the refuge: the Pic du Midi de Bigorre is clearly visible.
There is another path starting from the same point, which does not cross the stream. It does not appear on OpenStreetMap but is shown on Google Maps. It is shorter but is not signposted.