The GR10 Trail - France - A Trekker's Guidebook

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Day 13: Etsaut to Gabas

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Distance: 24.7km (15.4 miles)
Height gain: 1588m
Height loss: 1158m
Time: 7hrs 20mins
Maps: IGN Carte de Randonnées No. 3

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The GR takes to the Chemin de la Mâture today. The year 1772 saw the completion of a sloping way cut into the rock face to bring suitable trees down through the Sescoué ravine for the French Navy. Today, part is still usable and the GR10 takes advantage of it. It is quite spectacular, easy to climb and only those who suffer from extreme vertigo would have problems. A super section is walked today, with the classic view of Pic du Midi d’Ossau, reflected in Lac Gentau. The route doesn’t follow the French guide route from Etsaut since the new bypass was opened.

Snow isn’t normally a problem by  the second half of June. It would be a good idea, though, to ask about the snow condition on the passes before leaving Etsaut.

0.00 Etsaut, 597m. Follow the road, S, from Etsaut, passing the bridge crossed upon arrival and on to another bridge, Pont de Cebers, that gives access to the N134. Don’t cross the bridge but continue up the signposted lane ahead until, at a sharp bend left, take the path that at first goes SW. This is the start of…

0.35 Chemin de la Mâture, 788m. As the trail turns to the E, the Fort du Portalet comes into view and the section cut into the rock begins. The trail turns towards the N, leaving the Chemin (which crossed the ravine by a bridge, now missing). At the top of a very steep section, take the right fork E and follow to pass to the right of…

1.25 Grange de Perry, 1210m. About 15mins later, turn left, N, and some 7–10mins further, take the right fork to cross a bridge and follow the path, SE. After another bridge, fork right, SE and continue to…

3.00 Cabane de la Baigt de St-Cours, 1560m. Shepherds may be in residence during the summer. The Parc National des Pyrénées starts here. Continue S, along the path, crossing to the left bank. At the start of the steep section turn NW to climb the long zigzags to the rocky pass of…

4.30 Col de Hourquette de Larry, 2055m. The HRP joins here. A couple of minutes later, turn right, S, and continue to…

4.40 Col d’Ayous, 2185m. Take the obvious path, E, steeply down towards the lakes, bearing right to…

5.00 Refuge d’Ayous, 1960m. Popular refuge providing accommodation and meals. The comparatively isolated walking is transformed by crowds enjoying the spectacular scenery, weather permitting. Pick up the GR a few minutes to the E, below, and follow to a track leading to…

6.20 Lac de Bious-Artigues, 1417m. Refuge Pyrénéa Sports provides accommodation and meals and there are two of cafés adjacent. The trail passes Camping de Bious-Oumette, complete with shop, 1km below. Follow the road down to a short cut, just before the main road. To go to the village, turn left down the path, NNE, to the road and turn down left. To go to the refuge, continue to the main road and turn left also. The refuge is just on the opposite side of the road at…

7.20 Gabas, 1027m. Hotels, telephone, but no shop in the village. Accommodation and meals are available at the refuge above the village, where a welcome awaits.