Jean Arlaud Mountain Hut – Pic des Spijeoles – Espingo Lake and Mountain Hut

(S) Leave the Jean Arlaud Refuge and follow the route taken on the ascent on the first day. Continue to the end of the plateau, before the first hairpin bends of the descent towards the Coume de l’Abesque.

(1) Turn left (west) onto a narrow, inconspicuous path marked by a few cairns, which quickly leads to the start of the miners’ path. This path, initially heading south-south-west, veers to the right and begins to climb towards the northern ridge of the Tusse de Montarqué.

(2) At the top of the first ledge, cross the ridge via an exposed and dangerous passage where you must be very careful. Then continue climbing along the slope, skirting the base of the west face of the Tusse, before ascending the rocky barrier that encloses the Lac Glacé or Lac du Port d’Oô.

(3) Follow the northern shore of the lake, beginning a new ascent up a ridge of weathered rock interspersed with grassy patches. Approach a small lake nestled in a hollow in the Vallon des Spijeoles, where the route joins the standard ascent route from the Refuge d’Espingo.

(4) Continue across flat rocks and scree, heading for the lowest point of the ridge linking Pic Gourdon to Pic des Spijeoles. Then veer slightly to the right towards a clearly visible chimney, recognisable by its brown rocks.

(5) Climb this chimney, preferably on its left-hand side, which is more accessible. You’ll need to use your hands, but no climbing experience is required. Once at the summit, do not attempt to cross a particularly dangerous overhanging rock; instead, veer left (cairn) to avoid this difficulty.

The ascent continues over scree, which you should cross whilst keeping the summit in your sights.

(6) Facing the final rocky outcrop blocking access to the peak, veer slightly to the left and cross the second chimney, where you’ll need to use your hands again to reach the summit ridge. Then press on to the summit.

(7) Summit of the Pic des Spijeoles (3,065 m): your efforts are rewarded. An exceptional 360° view of the 3,000-metre peaks of the Luchonnais, the Aneto, the Posets, the Pic des Gourgs Blancs and so many others. Not to mention the Lacs des Gourgs Blancs, nestled to the west in a rocky valley.

Descend carefully along the same route, taking extra care when climbing down the two chimneys. Make your way to the small lake in the Spijeoles valley.

(4) Turn left and begin the long descent over scree that is generally stable but gruelling, occasionally interspersed with welcome grassy sections. Further down, the north-facing path veers sharply to the right to cross a rocky barrier marking the western slope of the Cirque de la Coume de l’Abesque: another steep section to negotiate with care.

You look down on the small Lac de la Coume de l’Abesque, with Lac Saussat visible further to the north. You reach the path taken on the ascent on the first day, near the footbridge.

(8) Turn left and descend to Lac Saussat.

(9) Walk along the lake.

(10) Cross the footbridge, then head back up to the Refuge d’Espingo on the left (E).

Warning: whilst this ascent does not require any climbing skills, it is intended for hikers accustomed to high-altitude mountain terrain and off-trail walking, and who do not suffer from vertigo.
The section at (2) is exposed and dangerous, even in ideal conditions, and is strongly discouraged in the event of late snow.
The two chimneys to be climbed to complete the ascent of Pic des Spijeoles are accessible to any experienced hiker.

Ensure you carry a sufficient supply of water.

In the event of bad weather, cancel the trip and do not hesitate to descend safely via the route taken on the first day.

The choice arises after reaching the summit. You can either descend directly to Les Granges d’Astau, thereby avoiding an extra night in a mountain hut, or – and this is the option suggested here – make the most of the late afternoon and evening at the Espingo mountain hut in a remarkable setting.

Espingo Mountain Hut

360° panorama from the summit of the Pic des Spijeoles.

During the descent, after the ‘4 ’, take in the exceptional view of the Cirque d’Espingo and Lac Saussat.

The Espingo Lake area.