The “Forêt d’Anitch”, a circular walk from Lescun - overview

This itinerary will appeal to those who seek shelter from the heat of the day or those who are fascinated by the world below the tree canopy. The majority of the route follows shady forest paths, with their earthy scents and dappled light, while the start and the end treat walkers to sudden and unexpected panoramic views of the cirque. A longer and more demanding walk than the Belvédère it, nonetheless, offers a family-friendly experience with ample opportunities for observing flora and fauna; for picnicking and pausing to contemplate an important aspect of the mountain environment.

Start Timing Denivelation Terrain Season

The village square 4 -4.5hrs for the complete circuit

Approx 550m Good mountain paths

May - October

The “Forêt d’Anitch”, a circular walk from Lescun – the route

One of many types of wild flower seen on the first part of the walk

• Waypoint 1 (N42°56'1.71 W0°38'5.8; alt.900m) – From outside the hotel walk up past the shop to the Marie and turn right. Take the next turning on the right just past the house selling cheese. After a few metres take the street on the left (signposted Belvédère) rather than continuing to the church. Follow the road round past the building with the cut stone façade. (This is reckoned to be the oldest house in the village.) Continue straight on, ignoring all turnings to the left, following more signs, until the final few houses are passed and the road turns into a footpath.

About 200m along the path, just before it begins to curl round into a more northerly direction, and situated just above the path, the Kiosk is to be found. This wooden structure houses a “Table d’Orientation” which allows the visitor to identify the mountains of the “Cirque”. Needless to say, the Kiosk has been sited here because of the wide and uninterrupted views of the landscape, so it should not be missed.

On returning to the main trail, follow it as it winds round the hillside opening up views into the depths of the valley. From the path it is possible to see the Plateau De Lhurs, SSE, and to the E the village of Cette in the Valley D’Aspe. Additional treats during the summer months include a wide range of wild flowers and butterflies as well as birds of prey either gliding along the ridge above or wheeling between the walker and the valley floor. Approximately 35 minutes after leaving the village square the path leaves the open hillside and enters the woods at… Waypoint 2 (N 42°56'41.1 W 0°37'26.95; alt 1028m) Just beyond this point, at a yellow signpost, follow the direction “Pont d’Esquit par Barlatte”. A little way after the trail turns abruptly to the left follow either the higher or the lower path into the forest. Continue descending for about 10 minutes ignoring the path that turns back, down and right. The sound of water mingles with birdsong but, as height is lost, the sound of the river Copen, tumbling over rocks and fallen trees dominates.

One of Nature’s arboreal sculptures

Crossing the Copen

Waypoint 3: (N42 56.802 W0 38.290; alt. 926m) Here, the route crosses the stream. A cairn and a yellow waymark with a black arrow provide confirmation. Once over go left following the yellow sign with the black arrow (and red donkey?!). With the stream now on the left climb up through an area where hazel and box have infiltrated the beech wood. A few minutes later, another signpost marks the place where the route moves more steeply up away from the river in a NNE direction. Waypoint 5: (N42 56.869 W0 38.308; alt. 972m) At this point cross over a much smaller stream descending from the combe above. Below, to the right, various agricultural buildings can be seen while, in the forest, oaks make their presence felt amongst the beeches. Waypoint 6: (N42 57.060 W0 37.865; alt. 966m) About 1.5 hours after leaving the village a branching of the ways is reached. The signpost indicates a left turn to L’Aberouat par le Forêt d'Anitch. Follow this.

Approaching the Crète d’Ourtasse

View from the crète d'Ourtasse

Beyond, climbing the slope, sweet chestnuts and silver birch make their presence felt for a while until, higher up, beech trees reassert themselves. Continue to where the route crosses a small stream at the head of a minor valley. Then move up to a rock marked with a yellow flash. Cross over the stream again at the place where a spring flows from the hillside and where, if one is careful to avoid stirring up the mud, water bottles can be replenished. Continue on the obvious path until a clearing in the forest is reached. Waypoint 7: (N42 57.051 W0 39.077; alt.1361m) The clearing is a perfect spot for a picnic. The path to the right, on arrival, leads up to the Cayalars de Boue but the way ahead for this route takes the left hand fork leading up to the Crete d’Ourtasse on a delightful, undulating path. Waypoint 8: (N42 56.606 W0 39.051; alt.1463m) It is here the forest is abandoned for the far-reaching vistas of the ridge. Views of the Billare, Pic d’Anie and La Countende are simply breath-taking. Allow time to digest the change in the horizon before turning left (SE) along the crète.

Descending the southern slopes of the Crète d'Ourtasse

Continue along the ridge for 10 minutes to… Waypoint 9: (N42 56.579 W0 38.899; alt. 1415m.) It is here that the descent from the ridge begins, zigzagging down the bracken-covered southern slopes. Continue downhill until a wide track is reached. This is the GR10. Turn left here and follow the red and white waymarks back to the village.