Pas de Broc and Merdanson peaks loop from Durrieu

Coming from Louvie-Juzon or Mifaget, leave the D35 at La Mouletine, altitude 360, and continue towards Pé de Hourat, Durrieu, until you reach a crossroads at altitude 516, where there is space to park a few cars.

(S/E) From the car park, head south-east for 230 metres.

(1) Continue straight ahead on the track for 2.6 km and 228 m of elevation gain.

(2) Leave the track and take a path on the right that climbs fairly steeply for 2 km (and 307 m of elevation gain) to the Col de Nabails.

(3) A break is welcome at the pass or at the nearby hut. Go around the hut on the right, heading south-west, and continue for 1.4 km to Col de Pan (280 m elevation gain).

(4) Continue on the left for 270 m to reach the Pic du Pas de Broc at 1,371 m. Retrace your steps back to the pass.

(5) Enjoy the scenery and recharge your batteries. Then descend towards Col de Pan.

(4) Continue climbing straight ahead towards the summit of Pic de Merdanson (the last climb of the hike), following the ridge as closely as possible or slightly to its right.

(6) If the weather is fine, this is an ideal spot for a picnic. From the summit, head south and take a small, steep but safe corridor for 400 m, losing nearly 100 m in altitude. Be careful, however, and take extra precautions if there is snow or mud.

(7) Continue slowly downhill towards the west.

(8) Pass by four or five fountains in succession.

(9) Turn north, descending a valley parallel to the Baset.

(10) After 2.5 km, the path goes around Moncaut (782 m) on the left. Continue for 1.4 km to reach the intersection of the loop.

(1) Turn left to return to the car park (S/E).

At point (8), you can climb Pic Durban: allow for a 250 m climb and an extra hour and a half of walking.