Pic du Soum Couy (2315m) -overview
The Pic Du Soum Couy in menacing conditions.
The ascent of Soum Couy represents a more adventurous and less sociable alternative to the Pic d’Anie. The route, as far the Col des Anies, is shared with its more famous neighbour, and the challenges reside in the final hour of the climb – challenges that involve both navigational issues and the ability to overcome a number of steps which, though not technically difficult, require the ability to deal with some suspect rock. At the summit, rewards include a unique take on the Pic d’Anie; a surprising view to the North West and, almost inevitably, the satisfying feeling which comes from being alone in the wilderness.
Pic du Soum Couy (2315m) – the route Start
Timing
Denivelation
Terrain
Season
Parking just below the Refuge de L’ Aberouat
Summit: 3h Descent: 2.5h
856m
Forest and mountain path, rocky terrain with cairns
May October
Follow the route for the Pic D’Anie passing the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch where drinking water can be replenished if necessary. The Lac d’Anie (Waypoint 2) marks the end of the pastoral phase of the walk and the start of the high mountain. Beyond the lake the well marked path leads on to… Waypoint 3: (N42 57.255 W0 43.166; alt. 2084) The Col des Anies. This is where the two routes part company and, just to emphasize the point, a redpainted mark is painted on a large boulder.
Take the right hand fork (SW) signposted to Arette but, as the path begins to descend, look for another, less obvious trail leading off to the right and contouring the conspicuous buttress. Stick with it as it turns back NNW moving closer to the buttress. This is rough terrain but cairns, signs of passage and lack of options guide the walker over two steps where, in places, it is necessary to use hand holds. Care should be taken to verify holds for both the hands and feet as the rock in this area is of poor quality. A third step and steep scree lead to a prominent shoulder marked by a pair of cairns.
The parting of the ways at the Col Des Anies
Waypoint 4: (N42 57.407 W0 43.318; alt. 2217m) The double cairns. Looking NE from here it is possible to make out the summit cairn. Take the cairned way across the scree, gaining height gradually, and when it peters out strike out NE up the summit slope, always looking for the easiest line. The slope ends abruptly on the edge of an escarpment where the impressive SE face plunges down to the scree below. Turn right at this point and walk easily to the summit cairn.
Waypoint 5: (N42 57.396 W0 43.209; alt. 2315m) The Pic Du Contouring the buttress. Soum Couy. Lingering on the top, time will be passed admiring the unusual views of the Pic d’Anie and Pic de Countende as well as the surprising landscapes of the Pays Basque to the NW. Return by the same route.