42 – LAC D’ESPINGO

Steps

Step 1

The trail starts at the Astau barns. The track is wide, with a gentle, steady slope and mostly wooded.

Step 2

After a few minutes' walk, look out for the "souffrée" rock on your left. Further on, the track straightens out a little and twists upwards. As you leave the forest, you will see a small stone bridge, the Lac d'Oô dam (1439m) and the eponymous refuge on the right.

Step 3

Continue straight ahead. The path overlooks Lac d'Oô. On the way up, you come across two small waterfalls, which in hot weather are ideal for a cool break.

Step 4

The path continues to climb and you pass a flat rock with a splendid view of the waterfall over Lac d'Oô.

Step 5

Continue along this path, leaving the path to Superbagnères on your left. A few minutes later you reach the Col d'Espingo (1967m). The refuge is on your right and the lake just below.

Step 6

The return journey follows the same route.