Hike - Refuge d’Ayous (Pic du Midi d’Ossau)

Refuge d’Ayous (Pic du Midi d’Ossau)

3.5 to 4 hr walk (13.4 km)with a climb of around 540m. Please see attached schematic showing the climb. Woodland, rocky paths and grassy paths. The walk to the refuge is steep at times and uphill to the refuge itself. 

Starting from the car park at the dam ( Parking de Bious-Artigues )the climb takes about 2 hours in woodland then meadowland before a rocky surface walk to the refuge itself which offers a fabulous (and iconic) view of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau. The descent is about 1.5 hrs through the valley back to the car park. 

This walk is, in my view, harder than our usual Monday walks. Sticks and walking boots advisable.

After the walk, some may wish to go to Col du Pourtalet (20 minutes drive) for lunch and provisions at Spanish prices, but others may prefer to take lunch by the refuge (which will already be closed for the season), or the car park.

The parking by the dam itself fills up quickly so an early start of 0900 hrs is advisable otherwise you will have an additional 20 minute climb to negotiate from the secondary parking place before starting the walk proper!

Car sharing would be a benefit. 

I may have forgotten something so if anyone has any questions please let me know via the WhatsApp group chat.

Please sign up (in the spaces app) asap. The walk will start promptly at 0900 hrs. Late arrivals will need to catch up!

The area has good phone signal (Orange).

Directions:

Start point is “Parking de Bious-Artigues”

Pick up and follow the D934 from Gan to Gabas then look out for sign for Bious-Artigues.