Pombie – Astún

(S) Leave the Pombie refuge via the path signposted for the Col de Peyreget, heading due west. The path is well-marked and the climb is fairly short. Reach the Col de Peyreget, situated just below the peak. Here, enjoy a sweeping view, particularly of the peaks further east in the range (Balaïtous, Vignemale).

(1) Begin the descent, which is easy at first, before entering a challenging scree slope. To navigate this, follow the cairns placed here and there – though not always in the best positions – choosing the most suitable boulders to place your feet on. The use of walking poles is not recommended here. You’ll reach the end of this scree slope at two charming little lakes.

(2) Continue on and walk alongside the large Lac de Peyreget. Carry on downhill to reach another junction near the Cabane de Peyreget, which is clearly visible on the left.

(3) Head diagonally left towards the hut. Descend this valley, finishing the descent by crossing a steep slope that ends in a path with tight hairpin bends. You’ll reach the junction at the Cabane de Cap de Pount. Here, join the^GR®®108. From now on, you’ll be on well-used paths.

(4) Take the path to the left uphill, follow the Gave de Bouis and pass close to the Cabanes de la Hosse. Follow the tight hairpin bends to reach Lac Castérau.

(5) Follow the lake along its right bank and continue uphill until you reach the^PR®® junction above Lac Bersou (altitude 2008).

(6) Turn left, staying on the^GR®® marked in red and white. Continue uphill to reach the Col des Moines (2,169) on the French-Spanish border.

(7) Begin a short descent to reach the Ibón del Escalar, which is usually quite busy.

(8) Head up to the left to join a dirt track and follow it until you reach the top station of the Astún chairlift.

(E) Take the chairlift back down to the Astún ski resort.

• This is a high-altitude route and should only be undertaken in safe weather conditions: no risk of thunderstorms or fog.
• There is little guaranteed drinking water along the route (due to livestock).
• Be aware of the timetable for the last chairlift descent (usually around 5 pm – check in advance). If the chairlift is not running, take the path down from the lake’s spillway (Ibón de Escalar).
• An IGN map is recommended; the Spanish map is also useful. You can access it via the Visorando app, but please note: there is no mobile signal except in the vicinity of the lakes’ chairlift, and you cannot be guaranteed to be able to charge your phone at the refuge. Consequently, you should also bring a paper map and always put your phone in aeroplane mode. Please note: Visorando also allows you to download the map in advance so you no longer need to rely on 4G.
• High-top boots are recommended (safer for navigating the rocky terrain).
• Shelter is available at the Peyreget shepherds’ hut.

You’ll see the Pic du Midi d’Ossau (also known as ‘Jean-Pierre’) from every angle.