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From Lannemezan, head towards Saint-Lary-Soulan on the D929. On reaching Arreau, turn left onto the D618, heading towards Bordère-Louron and Loudenvielle, on the left bank of the Neste du Louron. On reaching Avajan, turn left, crossing to the other bank of the Neste, and continue on the D618. Before reaching Estarvielle, turn left, continuing on the D618. After 400m, turn sharply left onto the D25, heading towards Cazaux-Féchet. Pass through Cazaux-Fréchet. On reaching Cazaux Dessus, turn right and park on the right, in the large car park before a left-hand bend. The road is a dead end.
(S/E) Head south-east along the tarmac-surfaced Balencous forest road, which climbs and very quickly takes a left-hand bend. Continue climbing, passing a stone-clad drinking water catchment, and reach the two pylons at a right-hand bend. Follow this road due north and arrive at a junction by another pylon.
(1) Take the tarmac road straight ahead, which then turns into a forest track. Ignore the adjacent tracks and paths. The forest track turns right, heading due east, and reaches a fork.
(2) Continue straight on uphill, passing a barrier.
(3) At the altitude of 1469, continue straight ahead, ignoring the adjacent tracks and paths. The forest track ends at the altitude of 1565.
(4) On your right, a clearing between the two fir forests. The path continues straight ahead due east. Cross the Balencous stream and follow it along the right bank. Pass by the closed Cabane Christau du Bas, then at the 1597-metre altitude, and continue climbing up the valley. After the end of the forest, which is on your right, stay on the right bank of the stream, heading east. You will reach the closed Cabane Christau du Haut, which is in perfect condition (alt. 1,721 m).
(5) Leave the valley floor and head left towards the north-east, aiming for the pass. The path turns north before reaching the Col du Louron at an altitude of 2001 metres.
(6) Continue due north and climb the ridge leading up to the summit to reach the Pic du Lion (alt. 2,012 m). Magnificent views over several valleys.
(7) It is time to think about the return journey. Turn back to the closed hut (alt. 1721 m).
(5) Head left, due south, cross the stream and take care to stay at the same elevation. Cross another stream then begin to climb gently up the mountain pasture, aiming for the top of the fir forest. Do not enter the forest. At the 1,750 m contour line, head south-west, moving away from the forest. Follow a fairly well-defined path (depending on snow cover) and continue climbing to the right towards the hillock, heading for the line of fence posts on your left. Reach the summit of Cap de Tuquet at an altitude of 1,844 m.
(8) Another magnificent landscape unfolds before you. Now head right, towards the north-west, descending via the snow-covered Portet ridge. Pass the altitude of 1729 and continue in the same direction, keeping the pine forest on your right. Leave the tracks and adjacent paths behind as you descend. The wide path at the edge of the forest widens and becomes a track. You’ll reach an altitude of 1,533 m at a left-hand bend.
(9) Turn sharply left, following this track as it descends. Head south-east, then south. Pass above a barn on your right. Leave the adjacent tracks and paths and continue descending along this track, which is in poor condition in places. Cross a stream in a gully, and at an altitude of 1,381 m, the track heads due west. The slope levels out.
(10) At the junction, turn right, heading due north, towards the village. After 300 m, you’ll come out onto the tarmac road. The car is on your right, a few metres away (S/E).
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