Le Chemin de la Liberté and the Pic de Burcq (2105) -overview

Imagine the thoughts and feelings of refugees attempting to flee over the Pyrenees during WW2: many had no experience of mountains. They came in ordinary clothes, wearing ordinary shoes (winter or summer) . Fear and hope dragged them to the final ridge, the promised col, beyond which lay uncertainty but, at least , the possibility of freedom. The members of the resistance, who led them, risked all. (Photo: commemorative plaque at the Col de Cuarde.)

This route follows in the footsteps of members of the French Resistance who used the easily accessible cols of Cuarde, Burcq and Pau as escape routes for refugees fleeing to the relative safety of Spain. It also offers an opportunity, via a short detour, to enjoy splendid views from the underrated summit of Pic de Burcq. The 700m climb from the Parking Aumet to the Col de Saoubathou is never too steep and, once it has been achieved, the well-defined path undulates gently along the frontier. There are no technical or navigational difficulties and the Col de Burcq offers one of the best picnic spots in the area.

Start Timing Denivelation Terrain Season

Parking Aumet Aumet to the Col de Pau: 2h 45m Descent: 2h 30m Detour to Pic de Burcq: 30m (there and back)

Approximately 1050m

Well defined mountain path. Easy grass and rock slope to the Pic de Burcq.

May - October

The frontier between the Col de Saoubathou and the Col de Burcq is a good place to see a range of birds, notably vultures, while the rocky terrain between Burcq and the Col de Pau is the natural habitat izards and marmots. (An interesting variation to this walk is to descend to Labrenere from the Col de Pau, but this would require teaming up with another party who also had transport.)

Le Chemin de la Liberté and the Pic de Burcq (2105) –the route

• From the Parking Aumet follow the route for Labigouer, passing the shepherds’ cabins and continuing on the signposted path to the point where the former route turns back left. • Waypoint 2 (N42 52.197 W0 38.223; alt. 1596m) The wooden signpost indicates the way to the Col de Saoubathou along the main path. • Waypoint 3 (N42 51.30.92 W0 38.7.39 alt 1940m) Col de Saoubathou.

Looking towards the frontier from the Col de Saoubathou.

Turn right at the Col, generally SW, following the well-worn way that will lead to the Spanish frontier. Pass through an area of strange pudding stone beneath an unnamed outcrop – deep red rock with blue and green stones embedded within it. The path contours the hillside keeping just below the crest of the ridge, providing sweeping views to the north, until after 20-25 minutes the Col de Cuarde is reached.

The view from the Col de Burcq picnic spot.

Waypoint 4 (N 42 51.38.07 W 0 39.25.57 alt. 1980m) Col de Cuarde. Take a moment to study the plaque, and perhaps take a few steps of liberty in Spain, before continuing along the frontier path with good views of the Spanish peaks and the deep Hecho valley which must have provided the welcome escape route from the mountains for the refugees who successfully crossed the frontier. After being more or less level for quite a while, the path narrows and begins to climb up to the Col de Burcq.

• Waypoint 5 (N 42°52'6.89 W 0°39'39.56 alt. 2063m) Col de Burcq.

With its retrospective view of the route travelled so far, and its unusual vista of Labigouer and beyond, this natural balcony represents the perfect spot to pause for lunch and consider the options for the remainder of the walk. Those wishing to take the easiest route to the summit of Pic de Burcq should take the small path that branches off left and leads quickly to the mountain’s south

An isard, surprised near the Col de Pau.

ridge. Follow this, without the slightest difficulty, to reach the top in no more than ten minutes and, after enjoying excellent views, especially to the North, return the same way to the main frontier path.

Alternatively, it is possible to continue on the main path to the Col de Pau and exploit a small loop to take a shortcut back to the summit and the Col de Burcq. However, this option should not be taken in poor visibility as there is no path between the Col de Pau and the Pic de Burcq. The main trail, on the other hand, is impossible to miss and, after descending some way, it passes under the Pic de Burcq before rising to the last of the three cols.

• Waypoint 6 (N 42°52'27.79, W 0°39'56.47 alt. 1942m) The Col de Pau. This represents the last point on the Chemin de la Liberté – a passage that would more likely have been used by those starting from the village of Lescun. From here, either return by the same route or continue on the alternative loop. Alternative loop to the peak and col de Burcq: Head South from the col over rough grassy ground until coming to a prominent ridge which is followed in a South Easterly direction, keeping to the right hand side and aiming for the right hand (South) flank of the peak. Arriving at a gully follow it to its boulder-strewn head. From here, keep heading South East aiming all the time for the low point of Burcq’s southern flank from where the summit ridge can be joined. From the top, go back down to the place where the ridge was joined and turn left on the vague path to come back to the Col de Burcq.