Overview
The peak Campbieil (3173m) is the second in importance of massif of Pic Long (3192m) in the Natural Reserve of Néouvielle but probably it's the most frequented peak from the trailhead of Cap de Long and the most popular of the Natural Reserve both with Néouvielle (3091m). The reason is evident, both peaks are very important but they are easy to climb. The highest peak of the area, the Pic Long, is very hard to climb for many mountaineers and the best option to climb from Cap de Long is this nice peak with a marvellous panorama, one of the best of the area in my opinion. Early in the season when the snow remains in its hillsides is one of the best peaks to learn the use of crampons and ice-axe to reach a summit over 3000 meters for the first time with snow. As well is a very good option to climb with ski.
The normal route have trailhead in Cap de Long (2180m) but it exists another longest route from the ski-resort of Piau-Engaly (1583m) climbing the ridge of Lentilla.
View from normal route |
Getting There
From France:
-west and NW: Pau, Tarbes and we'll take the exit in Lannemezan to Arreau, St Lary Soulan (indication Tunnel de Aragnouet-Bielsa Espagne). D929 to St Lary and before Aragnouet in the village of Fabian is the road to Lac d'Oredon and Reserve Nature de Néouvielle. In the crossroad of the lakes we'll follow in left side to Cap de Long (right is to Lac d'Oredon and Lac d'Aubert).
-east or NE: Toulousse, from Toulousse in direction to Tarbes but in Lannemezan we'll take the same road.
From Spain:
-west and NW: go to France across Irun and take the road to Pau-Tarbes and we'll follow the same itinerary of west of France. It's longest but it had good highways (pay). It's possible the shortest route in direction to Huesca but you had some cols and the road is not highway.
-South, East: we'll go to province of Huesca. N240 to Barbastro and Ainsa. A138 to Bielsa. Across tunnel Bielsa-Aragnouet we'll entry in France. After the village of Aragnouet we'll reach Fabian.
Red Tape
The Nature park of Néouvielle is a great area with rules for the accesses, activities and places of camping.
In winter or early in the season (May, some years the first days of June) the road can be closed by the snow and you will must begin the walk below of Cap de Long.CampingThe places of camping permitted, withdrawing the tent at the morning, they are found properly indicated. In Cap of Long, trailhead, it don't exist places of camping, but we can spent the night in caravan or in the vehicle or even in vivac in summer.
Further down in the road is found the free zone of camping of the Lac d'Oredon although the park garage is of payment. In this place is the barrier to access to Lac d'Aubert, closed in summer from 9:30 to 18:00, but don't exist routes to Campbieil from this side. It exists another camping area in the Lac d'Aubert but it's longest of itinerary and is usefull only if you want to climb Néouvielle the next day.
Of course is possible to lodge in the refuge-chalet of Lac d'Oredon or the villages as Aragnouet, Fabian, St Lary Soulan,…External LinksWikipedia:Néouvielle massif Images
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Pyrénées: Bigorre
