A circular walk from the Refuge de L’Abérouat - overview
Les Orgues de Camplong from the path to the Cabane de Lacure
The circular walk from the Refuge de L’Abérouat represents one of the easiest outings in this collection. With only 270m of height gain in total it is, in fact, the least physically demanding of all the walks but, despite this, it does not lack interest. Dense forest, mountain pastures, and superb views of the Orgues de Camplong provide just part of the attraction. Add to these opportunities to visit a pair of very different cabanes as well as an ideal picnic spot by the stream at La Mouline and it all amounts to a relaxed yet satisfying excursion. Route finding is simple as paths are always good. The only challenge is to locate the way from Cabane de Lacure across the meadow to the Bois de Lagrave, but this is described in detail.
A circular walk from the Refuge de L’Abérouat – the route Start
Timing
Denivelation
Terrain
Season
Parking just below the Refuge de L’ Abérouat
3h
270m
Well defined forest and mountain paths
May October
From the car park just below the Refuge de L’Abérouat walk up the road to the refuge. Continue past the large building, following the main path towards the forest. From here the route is impossible to miss and there are no side turnings except for less obvious bifurcation down to the pretty clearing of La Mouline which will be the return path. 3km of fairly level walking leads to the abruptly marked tree line and the start of the high pastures, just below the Cabane d'Ardinet. Straight ahead the Pic de Soum Couy appears and, to the left, SW, the Pic de Countende can also be identified. From here continue generally West to the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. • Waypoint1 (N42 57.526 W0 42.313 alt. 1689m) – Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. From here go SE to the right of a large boulder and cross a small area of grass in order to reach a dry stream bed which is also crossed.
Contouring the hillside after the Cabane Du Cap de La Baitch
Turn back E and take the largest of the paths that head back along the opposite side of the valley. It contours the hillside providing improving views of the Orgues as it leads over two areas where a number of energetic streams rush down from above. A short bit of uphill work leads to the point where the trail abandons the open slopes to continue its traverse on the edge of a forest.
Emerging from a particularly shady section watch out for views of the volcano- shaped Pic du Midi d'Ossau in the distance. Cross over another stream and around 300m further on, and 45 minutes after leaving Cap de la Baitch, arrive at ‌
Cabane de Lacure (and yurt!)
Waypoint 2: (N42 57.152 W0 41.459; alt 1653m) The Cabane de Lacure. (This long abandoned shelter was recently renovated by the Commune de LĂŠes Athas and is now used for educational purposes.) Go 10m further along the path and hop over a small stream. Below the path, looking NNE, is a steep meadow descending to the forest. Keeping the stream on the left, pick up the path winding its way down the field and, within a few minutes, arrive at a good trail leading into the trees.
Shortly after entering the forest the trail crosses the stream near a large clearing which, at certain times of the year, is full of wild flowers. There is no doubt about the way forward as the path is wide and clear but, should further reassurance be necessary, red waymarks are to be found on some of the trees. 30 minutes after leaving Lacure the large open area known as La Mouline is reached. Waypoint 3: (N42 57.420 W0 41.148; alt.1426m) La Mouline. You may wish to linger here, perhaps to enjoy a picnic or cool off in the stream that runs
Above - descent through the forest. Right - cotton grass found in a forest clearing
through the clearing. When ready to move on, however, cross over the bridge and walk downstream for 20m to where a path on the left climbs up to a group of enormous, curiously-shaped boulders. Continue past these on the same path to arrive at ‌ Waypoint 4: (N42 57.458 W0 41.065; alt. 1448m) The junction with the main ascent path. Turn right here and walk back to the Refuge de L’Aberouat.