Aygues-Cluses Refuge - Campana de Cloutou Refuge

(S) From the refuge, head east and reach the first fork before Lac de Coueyla Gran.

(1) Take a path heading southeast (clearly visible from the refuge terrace) climbing up a large hill to the Col de Barèges.

(2) Turn left onto a path winding upwards along the fence towards Pic d'Aygues-Cluses. Be careful, the path before the peak passes along a vertiginous ridge (rated T5), you will need to use your hands to climb safely.

(3) Reach Pic d'Aygues-Cluses, then descend north-east towards Hourquette Nère. Be careful, the descent to Hourquette Nère is steeper (rated T5) than via Col de Barèges and requires great caution.
It may be better to climb the peak in the other direction or avoid it altogether if you do not feel comfortable on this type of path. See the possible alternatives in the "practical information" section.

(4) At Hourquette Nère, turn right towards the east, in the direction of Lac de Bastan or Port Bielh.

(5) About halfway across the lake, leave the path descending southwards and continue along the lake to climb up to the Hourquette de Caderolles, passing through several scree slopes.

(6) Cross to the other side of the Hourquette de Caderolles and descend towards Lac de la Hourquette.

(7) At the lake, join the^GR®®10access trail (which leads to the^GR®®10), turning left towards the north to the Campana de Cloutou refuge and its lake (E).

Variants of Pic d'Aygues-Cluses:
Variant 1 --> From the refuge, head towards the Hourquette Nère via the path running alongside the Coueyla Gran and Agalops lakes. When you reach the Hourquette Nère (4), turn right towards the peak (3) to climb the most difficult section (easier than descending it). Once at the summit, descend towards the Col de Barèges (2). At the pass, descend to Lac de Gourguet to the east. Continue descending towards Lac de Coste Oueillère and the Abri de Port Bielh. At the shelter, take a path on the left leading up to the Port Biehl lakes and then Lac de Bastan (5).

Variant 2 --> Avoid Pic d'Aygues-Cluses by going either via Hourquette Nère (refer to point (4) of the description for the rest of the route) or Col de Barèges (refer to point (2) of variant 1 for the rest of the route).