Starting from: Refuge Packe 2509m
Eat breakfast in the first rays of sunshine. The Refuge is lit by the sun whilst the valleys below are still deep in shade. Descend to the South. The path skirts East, gradually losing height to the shores of the Lac de Rabiet.
Walking early in the morning there’s a good chance of spotting one of the elusive ‘isard’ (Pyrenean Chamois) and you are almost certain to see a family of marmots and a flock of circling Griffon vultures.
Follow the edge of the lake West through a field of small boulders, then zig zag steeply on a good path to the Col de Pierrefitte 2466m. The Col is a divide between the stark, rocky wilderness of the high mountains, and the gentle green pastures of a typical Pyrenean valley. Take a last look at the wild lakes of the Neouvielle, before beginning your descent into the valley beyond.
Follow a tinkling stream to the Cabane de Pierrefitte at 1812m – a good place for a snack. Continue down the valley, through meadows filled with grazing sheep and cattle, until you meet a rough farmers’ track. Follow the track downhill, passing dozens of ancient stone-built barns so characteristic of the Pyrenees. The track brings you out at Luz-St. Sauveur at 700m – a lively, historic village with a fascinating Templars church and a wonderful icecream shop.
By Emma Todd of Mountainbug Activity Holidays.
See Pictures of this trip to the Néouvielle Nature Reserve of the Pyrenees in Pyrenees Pictures - Hiking in the Haute Pyrenees.
