Picq de Burcq and Col de Pau via the Col du Saoubathou

de fr

Climb up, crossing the valley, and arrive at the pasture plateaus to fully enjoy the mountains and the landscape. Hike done in early July, wild irises are present and form magnificent blue fields. You may encounter chamois or marmots and, of course, herds of horses, sheep and cows.

Details

n°79003925
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 14.25 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 9h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,747 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,760 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 6,765 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,261 ft
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Photos

Iris
Summer pastures
Panorama
Summer pastures

Description of the walk

Park in the car park near the Lhers lodge.

(S/E) Take the road on foot to the Aumet car park.

(1) Pass the car park and continue to the Cabane de Pourcibo.

(2) Continue along the track that ends in front of the Cabane det Caillau. It is a little longer than the trail marked on the maps, but the slope is less steep, making it easier.

(3) Leave the track and follow the sign for Lac d'Arlet on the right: the real climb begins here. You will reach a crossroads with another signpost.

(4) Turn right, continuing to follow the signs for Lac d'Arlet: you may see marmots, chamois and even vultures. You will reach a fork in the path, just before arriving at the Col de Saoubathou: signpost.

(5) Keep right, heading towards Col de Pau, on an easy path that runs along the ridge, whereyou can see beautiful summer pastures and peaceful herds. You will reach Col de la Cuarde.

(6) Go up a short climb and continue straight ahead towards the Col de Burcq: fields of wild irises depending on the season. Reach the Col de Burcq.

(7) Take the path on the right to go around the Pic de Burcq, without descending on the Spanish side. Reach the Col de Pau.

(8) Begin the descent on the French side towards the Cabane de Bonaris.

(9) Take a break at the hut, which is very pretty and busy in summer: you can buy cheese and, most importantly, fill up with water. Then continue the descent on a fairly wide path. Pass near the huts of Le Pénot, then Itchaxe.

(10) Cross the stream via the small bridge and cool off if necessary: pleasant descent. You will reach a fork in the path.

(11) Take the path on the left rather than the one on the right, which leads to the same place but involves crossing brambles.

(12) Cross the Labrenère footbridge: signpost "Lhers 5.6 km". Take this direction, following an easy path through the undergrowth, with a few significant climbs.

(13) Ignore the footbridge on the left and continue straight ahead. You will reach a crossroads.

(14) Turn right towards Lhers onto a wide, easy path, which will take you to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,310 ft - Parking
  2. 1 : mi 1.58 - alt. 3,770 ft - Aumet car park
  3. 2 : mi 2.64 - alt. 4,403 ft - Pourcibo hut
  4. 3 : mi 3.24 - alt. 4,760 ft - Cabane det Caillau
  5. 4 : mi 3.73 - alt. 5,269 ft - Col de Saoubathou sign
  6. 5 : mi 4.72 - alt. 6,345 ft - Col de Pau sign - Col de Saoubathoù
  7. 6 : mi 6.07 - alt. 6,417 ft - Col de la Cuarde and freedom trails - Col de la Cuarde (1957 m)
  8. 7 : mi 6.89 - alt. 6,709 ft - Col de Burcq - Col de Burcq (2063 m)
  9. 8 : mi 7.6 - alt. 6,371 ft - Col de Pau - Col de Pau
  10. 9 : mi 8.44 - alt. 5,571 ft - Bonaris hut - Cabane de Bonaris (1710 m)
  11. 10 : mi 9.7 - alt. 4,360 ft - Labrenère stream
  12. 11 : mi 10.68 - alt. 3,684 ft - Fork in the road, turn left
  13. 12 : mi 10.85 - alt. 3,694 ft - Signpost for Lhers
  14. 13 : mi 12.63 - alt. 3,366 ft - Footbridge
  15. 14 : mi 12.96 - alt. 3,343 ft - Crossroads
  16. S/E : mi 14.25 - alt. 3,301 ft - Parking

Notes

The only water source is at the Bonaris hut (9) after 13 km of walking.

Hike with no shade except from (12) to (S/E).

Bring a hat or cap.

The hike is well marked.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

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