The Souperret Ridge and descent via the Puits D’ Arius - overview
The Puits D’Arius looking down from the ridge
The Table De Souperret is an unremarkable summit – one which would merit little attention were it not for its position on a rather fine, 1.6 km ridge. The ridge is remote. In fact, in this wild and little-known area, one is far more likely to encounter a group of isards or an eagle than another walking party. Commencing at the Col De Souperret the ridge runs generally North to South separating the valleys of Lhers (Labadie) and Belonce. It can be narrow in places but never too difficult. In fact, the only inaccessible point comes right at the southern end (point 2035m on the IGN map) where it is possible to contour the hillside in order to arrive at the Col De Saoubathou. A far better option, however, (the one described here) is to descend to the curious Puits D’Arius before regaining the well-trodden descent path.
The Souperret Ridge and descent via the Puits D’ Arius – the route Start
Timing
Denivelation
Terrain
Season
Parking Aumet. Lhers
4-5h
980m
Track, mountain path, tussocky slopes and some very easy rock.
May October
Follow the route to Labigouer as far as the Col De Souperret. Waypoint 1: (N42 52.572 W0 37.505; alt. 1920m) The Col De Souperret. Climb the little slope to the south of the Col in order to gain the ridge, which, at this point, is very low. Follow the arête and, if any of the initial rocky obstacles appear to difficult to traverse, go round them on the easiest flank. Before long, a depression in the ridge marks the start of a tussocky slope leading to point 2063 on the IGN map. This minor peak should be contoured on the right. Beyond this point the ridge becomes virtually horizontal before its final ascent of the slopes to La Table which are climbed by keeping to the right (western) side.
Negotiating a rocky step during the descent from the Table De Souperret
• Waypoint 2 (N42 52.067 W0 37.708; alt. 2116m) The Table De Souperret. From the summit descend the ridge crossing a narrow rocky step before tackling a short grassy climb beyond. Further on, some round white rocks are encountered and these should be circumvented on the right hand side. Eventually, when arriving above the Puits D’Arius, two cols offer themselves as descent routes. The second of the two presents the easiest route, so go past the first to …
• Waypoint 3: (N42 51.689 W0 37.952; alt. 1982m.) From this unnamed col the lake is always visible. So take the easiest line down to the water’s edge.
(The lake is not recommended for swimming owing to its use by flocks of sheep from the nearby Cabane det Caillau. For those interested in the local fauna, however, it presents an opportunity to discover a range of amphibious life including, salamander, frogs and mid-wife toads.)
• Waypoint 4: (N42 51.845 W0 38.044; alt. 1867m) Puits D’Arius. From the western end of the lake go SW until, when steep ground is encountered, follow the path that contours the hillside dropping down to the main, unmissable, path leading up to the Col De Saoubathou. Turn right, in the opposite direction and follow the path as it descends passing… • Waypoint 5: (N42 52.197 W0 38.224; alt. 1612m) - the starting point of the climb up to the Col De Souperret. From here, retrace steps back to the parking at Aumet.
Above – the unnamed col above the lake Right – Puits D’Arius