HRP, Walking

Pyrenean Haute Route 2016. Days 35–40 Alós d’Isil to Fourcat hostel

Leave a comment

Spain

Day 35. Rock formation near the Estany Major de la Gallina.
Day 35. Rock formation near the Estany Major de la Gallina.

The Mont Roig hut can accommodate 9 but there were only three other people staying overnight, a Catalan couple and one French man.

Day 36. Mont Roig hut.
Day 36. Mont Roig hut.

It is a short hike to the Bordes de Graus hostel, which is also on the Mountains of Freedom trek.

Day 37. Certascan lake.
Day 37. Certascan lake.

Also on the Mountains of Freedom circuit.

Day 37. Certascan hostel.
Day 37. Certascan hostel.

The series of lakes between Certascan and the border is, to my mind, the most beautiful feature of the Haute Route. Note that the rope on the steep descent on the south side of the Romedo de Baix is badly secured and not to be trusted.

Day 38. Estany de Romedo de Dalt.
Day 38. Estany de Romedo de Dalt.

France

The final climb to the Col des Picots is steep, as is the other side. Worse, the valley which follows is full of boulders.

Day 39. The climb to the Col des Picots has a handy cable. But one of the stones to which the cable was attached has fallen into the void, now suspended only by the cable (arrow)!
Day 39. The climb to the Col des Picots has a handy cable. But one of the stones to which the cable was attached has fallen into the void, now suspended only by the cable (arrow)!
Day 39. Petit Étang Fourcat.
Day 39. Petit Étang Fourcat.

The Fourcat hostel (2245m) is one of the highest in the Pyrenees.

Day 39. Étang Fourcat and hostel.
Day 39. Étang Fourcat and hostel.
Day 40. Fourcat hostel.
Day 40. Fourcat hostel.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *