| Cauterets, Pyrenees |
 Trail Name:Lac d’Estom Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| The National Park is divided into six valleys: Aure, Aspe, Azun, Cauterets, Luz (including Cirque du Gavarnie) and Ossau. This hike is within Vallee de Cauterets, actually a series of valleys surrounded by high peaks and waterfalls to the south of the town of Cauterets. The trail heads through one of them, Vallee de Lutour, to the dramatic setting of Estom Lake, providing a great reward for little effort. Although the ascent tops 1,400 ft, it certainly doesn’t feel like that much of a climb. Most of the gradient is gentle, only becoming steeper towards the end.
La Fruitiere hotel stands at the head of the valley. From the car park, follow the wide, well-signed path alongside the Gave (stream) de Lutour, crossing a footbridge after a few moments so that the stream is to your right. There is just a gentle climb as you head through the valley, enjoying the tranquil rural scenery: cattle on the lower slopes of wooded, rocky hills, stands of pine trees, wildflowers blooming into late September, and jagged peaks framing the view ahead. About 35 minutes into the trail, at a small cascade, there is a short section of steeper climb. 10 minutes on, just after another cascade, you reach a trail junction. The left path leads to the Russell refuge; you continue ahead to Lac d’Estom. 5 minutes after the junction, cross a footbridge to the other side of the river. There are more fabulous views of the huge mountain at the head of the valley. The gradient is now steeper, but nothing too arduous, as you move from open views into more wooded terrain. 10 minutes later, there are some steeper switchbacks, then a level section, before the final climb up to the lake. Just after some more cascades, a refuge (closed by the end of September) comes into view, and the path climbs through boulders towards it. At the top is Lac d’Estom, framed by high peaks, with Pic de la Sede and Pic de Labas, flecked with snow even in late summer, forming a dramatic backdrop. The return to La Fruitiere, along the same route, is easy and takes around 1 hour. It is very peaceful, with just the sound of running water and unblemished mountain scenery. We walked late in the season at the end of September, when there was beautiful sunny weather and few people. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: Parc National des Pyrenees, which covers a large part of the Pyrenees mountain range straddling the France-Spain border.
Directions: Exit the A64 near Tarbes and take the N21 south past Lourdes and Argeles-Gazost. At Pierrefitte-Nestalas, turn right onto the D920 to Cauterets. Trailhead: Car park at La Fruitiere hotel and restaurant, situated at the head of Vallee du Lutour. From Cauterets, continue south on the D920 for about 3 km towards Pont D’Espagne. Just after a series of particularly tortuous switchbacks, turn very sharp left. The car park is at the end of the narrow road in another 2 km. Length: 6.3 miles / 10.1 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: 1,420 ft / 433 m Duration: 3 hours Trail Condition: ide, well-defined path, rocky in places. Waymarked by painted symbols on boulders (red PN in a white square), although it really isn’t necessary as the path follows the river. Features: Valley and stream, lake and mountains. Climate: Hiking generally possible June through October, although conditions more changeable early or late in the season. September is recommended – the trails are less crowded and the weather is often warm and sunny. Accommodation: Cauterets is good walking base and has plenty of options, from hotels to campsites. Also, La Fruitiere hotel at the trailhead. Trail Notes: Trail leaflets (in French) and topographic maps available at the National Park office (Maison du Parc) in the center of Cauterets. |
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