Pics of the Arraing and Serau in a circular loop from Balacet

Take the D4 from Les Bordes-sur-Lez / Bordes-Uchentein, pass Lascou and then take the D704 on the right to reach Balacet. Leave the first hikers' car park at the entrance to the village and continue to the second hikers' car park at the exit of the village, towards Uchentein: a few spaces to share with the locals.

(S/E) Go to the wash house above the car park, then take the yellow and red marked path (GRP® Tour du Biros) which climbs to the left towards the north-west. You will soon reach a first fork in the path.

(1) Take the path on the right and continue the steady climb, following the yellow and red markings. Pass the first path on the left and continue straight ahead until the next fork.

(2) Take the path on the left and continue through the woods.

(3) The path turns right at this point (ignore a faint trail that continues straight ahead) and now progresses in the open towards the north-east. The Col de l'Arraing is now clearly visible and the two huts at the Col de l'Arraing also quickly come into view. The one on the left is open, while the one on the right, which is larger, is reserved for shepherds. Reach the Col de l'Arraing.

(4) From the hut, look for the yellow marked path that climbs north-west towards the Pic de l'Arraing. Take this path, leaving the GRP® which branches off to the left and is almost level. The Pic de l'Arraing (altitude 1,674 m) is reached after a few hairpin bends.

(5) Follow the ridge to the left, towards the west, to reach Pic de Moussaou.

(6) Stay on the ridge until you reach Pic de Mardans, which you will reach after passing Col de Portet.

(7) Continue to Pic de Sérau, the highest point of the route at an altitude of 1,720 m.

(8) Descend to the left, heading south on the very steep slope, following the yellow markings to Col des Morères, and rejoin the yellow and red markings of the GRP®.

(9) Leave the well-marked path that branches off to the right and descend to the left down the slope, heading east, to reach the Cabane des Morères.

(10) Take the path that branches off to the left, heading east and remaining almost level. This path, which is very well marked and still marked in yellow and red, progresses through the undergrowth and along a balcony. Follow it until you return to Col de l'Arraing.

(4) Turn right to retrace your steps and return to the Balacet car park (S/E).

Water is available at the yellow drinking trough near the Cabane de l'Arraing.
A fountain is marked on the map at Cabane des Morères, but we did not look for it.