Pic de Trémul, Cap de Pouech and Valieret

Route follows the skyline from right (pic de Trémul) to left, traversing

the

snow

apron beneath Mont Valier to climb the peak to its left Valieret

Two days in the mountains. The first day I set off from Pla Lalau climbing up through the woods towards the Cascade de Muscadet. When the path leaves the stream to head left towards the Cabane d'Aouen I crossed the stream to find the path that climbs steeply through the pine forest of Le Nères.

The stiff climb out the forest to reach the open slopes beneath the

pyramid of Pic de Trémul 2350m (on the skyline left of centre)

At 1800m the forest peters out and so does the path. There remains another 550m of ascent to reach the Porte de Trémul and it's a slog. A little over halfway I passed the Cabane de Trémul which was open and very well equipped with mattresses, blankets, firewood and a gas stove.

Cabane de Tremuls (ONF) open and well equipped

The Porte is a miniature "Breche de Roland" on the left side of the peak. I started scrambling from the directly out of the notch but the huge granite blocks and flakes are very loose and unstable. So after 15m or so I decided it was safer to gain the peak after passing through the Porte.

The trackless slog up to the Port de Trémul (the notch on the skyline)

From the summit I kept on the crest of the ridge for some very enjoyable scrambling and occasionally climbing high above the Riberot valley.

First part of the ridge after Pic de Trémul

The last gendarme - Cap de Pouech is very exposed and the most difficult part of the ridge. The wind was getting up by this time and I was glad for the easy terrain beyond.

The last two gendarmes on the ridge with Mont Valier beyond

Last and most exposed gendarme - Cap de Pouech 2489m

I continued on the same line until reached the North face of Mont Valier, disturbing some Ptarmigans on the way. A long traverse under the North face on fairly unstable scree and snow, then following the edge of the last terminal moraine placed me at the scree slope descended from the col between Valieret and the last part of the Crete des Antiques. Several rocks fell down the North face as I crossed and though they were some distance from me I decided to return by a lower route.

Two well camouflaged Ptarmigan

The crazy gendarme below Mont Valieret

The scree slope gains easy access to the ridge which is followed a short distance to the summit of Valieret, amazing views along the vertiginous ridge in both directions, but the Glacier d'Arcouzan as always is partially hidden from view.

Milouga from Valieret 2654m

Crete des Antiques above Valieret

I returned to the Col de Pecouch then descended to the Refuge Estagnous where I'd arranged to rendezvous with Sandrine, Hannah and Eric. The hut was full (60-70 people) but as always Stephan served up an amazing meal.

In the morning we returned via Milouga, Cap des Lauses and then my route of ascent at Muscadet.

The refuge Estagnous, Etang Rond and Etang Long