Refuge du Rulhe walks

Spectacular views on this circular hike to the Étangs de Fontargente lakes, returning via the Refuge de Rulhe.

A hike in the heart of the Aston valley with four lakes to discover, passing through the Col de Jouclar, which forms the border between France and Andorra. There are several options for this hike. I have chosen to present the most comprehensive version here, so that you can discover these circular lakes and enjoy a day's hiking. Of course, it can be done in two days, but I will discuss this option later.

A demanding hike in the upper Aston valley starting from the Laparan dam. After the climb up the Riutort valley, the high-altitude lakes unfold in a magnificent mountain cirque. A stop at the Refuge du Rhule will be welcome after the tough off-trail section leading to the small Étang de Montaut lake. Finally, the descent to the Jasse de Pinet and the Pla de las Peyres will offer a glimpse of the pastoral life that still thrives in these places untouched by mass tourism.

This circular route takes you to several mountain lakes as you cross the Andorran border. The landscapes are varied and the overhangs allow you to admire the valley from several viewpoints.

This beautiful Pyrenean hike takes five days; it is intended for hikers accustomed to high-altitude mountain terrain and confident in navigating. It does not present any major difficulties – the route is straightforward – but you do need to be comfortable in high-altitude mountain terrain. The idea behind this hike is to set off from one railway station and head to another, thus completing a circular route easily without needing a car.

First day’s hike to the Refuge du Rulhe.With a 1,000 m elevation gain over 5.5 km, the average gradient of the climb to the Pyramide de Lherbés is 18%. IBP difficulty rating = 105 (“very difficult” for a hiker of average fitness).Allow 6½ hours with a light rucksack.This day takes place in the high mountains, far from any roads, tracks, etc.The landscapes and environments you’ll pass through are majestic.

A very pretty mountain circuit with an overnight stay at the Refuge du Ruhle. The ascent is via the Coume de Varilhes, the Étangs de Fontagente and the Aston to reach the Refuge du Rulhe. The return journey will be via the beautiful Crête des Isards, the Col de la Didorte and the Cabane de Rieutort.

A long hike in Haute Ariège to admire the lakes, ridges and magical landscapes with a stop at the ideally located Refuge de Rulhe, an opportunity to taste the local rataf'. On the second day, you can admire the whole area from the ridges.

This second day is exceptional. Most of it takes place on ridges from which you can see the Ax 3 Domaines resort on one side and the Plateau de Beille on the other. And everywhere, there are lakes and breathtaking landscapes. This stage is long (nearly 18 km), but you'll never want it to end before you descend into the valley through the forest. It's best to have someone waiting for you in the valley, or else you can reach Ax-les-Thermes on foot or by bus. Be aware that as you will be taking photos and spending time admiring the landscape, you should allow 6½ to 7 hours for the whole trip.

This is a magnificent hike that starts from the Plateau du Saquet, and therefore the Ax 3 Domaines ski slopes, and ends at the Refuge de Rulhe, where a good local rataf will do you good. Once you reach the top of the resort, long desert plateaus await you before you descend into the austere scree slopes at the foot of Rulhe and finish sliding down to the Refuge de Rulhe. This first stage is wild and challenging, in the scree slopes. Be careful on the descent from the Col de Lhasse, which is very steep (but the GR® is well marked).

From the start of the hike, pay attention to the common white and red GR® T66 and GR®10 markings, as there are several crossroads and forks in the trail. Please note: the hike is in open terrain until the descent into the forest, well after the Rieutort hut.From the refuge, via the Crête des Isards and up to the Col de la Didorte, what a view! Of course, you need to be very careful on this ridge, which is often steep and jagged. But as soon as you stop, you can enjoy a 360° panorama.The steep descent to the Rieutort hut is on a narrow but safe path, offering beautiful views. The return to the road is not easy, but the path (GR®T66), although steep in places, is well marked throughout the descent.

Please note: the approach walk along the road is the only part of the hike that is in the shade if you set off early enough in the morning. This is the only way to complete this loop. It may seem tedious, but the landscape is very beautiful.The hike can be classified as quite difficult. After the footbridge over the Ruisseau de la Coume de Varilhes, the path is not easy: steep, with steps, a paved scree slope, a ledge to cross, etc. But once you reach the top, you will be rewarded. Then the GR®T66 from the largest of the Étang de Fontagente lakes to the refuge is more of the same. This is definitely a mountain hike.

The second stage of the “Ax-les-Thermes to Latour-de-Carol” route; this is a beautiful high-mountain stage with magnificent scenery. Favourable weather is recommended. This route follows a path which is initially very poorly signposted, climbing steeply towards the first pass, the Col de Behl, before reaching the Refuge de Ruhle, then the beautiful ascent to the Col de Juclar and finally the descent into Andorra towards the manned refuge of the same name.