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The route suggested here is not a loop: if you want to return to your starting point, simply take the bus that runs regularly through the valley (see information below).
(S) We start from the village square in Etsaut. The path runs alongside the Sadum stream, which passes under the square and flows towards the Gave d'Aspe on the right-hand side, until it reaches a wooden footbridge over the stream. We then follow the old railway line on a path that is vaguely passable by car. This place was an example of riparian forest before the catastrophic floods of 2024, but today it is a little more stony... we will have to wait for nature to reclaim its rights. We come out onto the access road to the village from the national road, at the site of the former level crossing.
(1) We turn right onto the small road that climbs up the valley towards Pont de Cebers (on the right bank). It's about 1.5 km, a leisurely walk along the GR®10 and 65 trails. We arrive at Pont de Cebers, which leads to the famous Chemin de la Mâture.
(2) Continue straight ahead, still on a small road, which begins to climb. When you reach the first hairpin bend, you will find a car park from where a wide, signposted path starts.
(3) We follow it towards the Chemin de la Mâture (GR®10). After a short climb and passing a house, we see a path branching off to the right, with a sign for the Fort du Portalet.
(4) This is the direction we want to go. We therefore leave the GR®10 while staying on the GR®65. The path descends through the woods with large steps. Shortly afterwards, we reach the Portalet site, with a view of the Himalayan footbridge, the Pont d'Enfer and the fort. Simply descend to the footbridge over the Sescoué to reach the access road to the fort.
(5) If you want to visit the fort, just go up; otherwise, turn right to cross the Pont d'Enfer.
(6) Just off the bridge, you will find the passageway to the new corbelled walkway above the river. Do not walk on the national road, as it is very dangerous!
(7) At the exit, a pedestrian crossing allows us to cross the N134 safely; however, please take great care (heavy traffic). We take the small road that passes under the railway viaduct. After 500 m, we see a footbridge over the river on the left and a staircase leading to it.
(8) Let's go! After crossing the river, the path is fairly well marked; it goes to the right into the woods, under the old railway line. At the right moment, a marked path allows you to return to the railway embankment and reach the car park. And here we are at the old Urdos station, with a car park and bus stop (S/E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
Difficult 
