Destination today is Refuge d’Ilhéou. Uphill all the way. 1600m total ascent, via Col d’Ilhéou (2242m).

Came across this cabane on the way, just out of the forest from Lac Estaing. Aireoussec. Definitely a good overnight stop if I were to do this route again, removing a road walk at the beginning of the day.

The day starts off easily enough but by mid afternoon the climb is unrelentingly steep. The top never comes and when it does, wind blowing hard, its the start of a hard, narrow and steep downhill for another hour to Refuge d’Ilhéou. First view below!