Barrage des Bouillouses - Camporells Refuge

Follow the description, map and GPX track carefully. There are two^GRP®® trails, the^GR®®10and an unmarked trail during this stage.

Red and white markings for the^GR®®10

(S) From the coach terminus, with your back to the dam, look for signposts behind the new Chalet-Refuge des Bouillouses building.
Head east on the^GR®®10and^GRP®® until you reach the first fork in the forest.

Red and yellow markings for the^GRP®® Tour des Pérics and Tour du Capcir

(1) Do not descend towards the road. Leave the^GR®®10to descend there.
Head left due east and join the D60 further down, which is the access road to Les Bouillouses.

(2) Follow it to the left, descending for 1.5 km until you reach the start of a path on the left (elevation 1925).
Directional signs. Take care on the road: in summer, coaches (shuttles) travel along it.

(3) Leave the road and climb steeply to the left into the forest, going through a gap in the fence. Climb to 2,200 m and then descend towards Lac d'Aude (Estany d'Auda) until you reach a large fork in the road just above the lake at an altitude of 2,149 m. Directional signs.
This is a very beautiful spot and a break can be considered here.

(4) Leave the^GRP®® Tour du Capcir on your right.
Turn left north-west onto the^GRP®® Tour des Pérics, climbing again. Then descend towards a fork in the path in a grazing area. Directional signs.

(5) Leave the climb to Mont Llaret on your right.
Continue left on the^GRP®®, which now descends steeply. You will reach a clearly marked fork. Directional signs.

(6) There is no need to descend towards the footbridge opposite.
Turn right and climb. You will arrive at a beautiful grazing area. Continue towards the Cabane de la Balmeta (Balmette). Directional signs.

(7) There is a bench and a table outside. Leave the^PR®® trail on your right.
Head north on the^GRP®® going uphill. The wide path is very rutted.
At around 2230 m, pass Rec de les Carboneres coming from Estany de l'Ànec on the left and continue for about 400 m until the end of the moderately wooded area of fir trees.

Off the marked trail and off the path. GPX track recommended.

(8) Two options:
- continue straight ahead following the red and yellow markings of the^GRP®® Tour des Pérics and Tour du Capcir.
- or turn left, heading north-west through the gap in the middle of the fir trees. Follow the track provided.

(9) Walk along the right-hand side of the unnamed lake, then continue due west. Follow the small ascents and descents to reach a scree slope. Follow it along the hillside, still heading due west, and you will find a clearly marked path at a large cairn.

No markings. Very well marked path on the ground

(10) Climb very steeply due north, north-west along this well-marked path. The ascent to Petit Péric begins. The path has a constant gradient of 30%. Climb the 370 m to Petit Peric. Take breaks to admire the beautiful landscape.

(11) "This is a great place for a well-deserved break. 360° view to spot all the surrounding peaks."
The summit is marked by a steel cross and a small circular shelter that protects you from the frequent wind.
Caution: very challenging descent, steep with a significant gradient.
Head due east for about 250 m, then descend due north-east, taking great care to avoid the cliffs on the right-hand side. Much further down, you will reach a much more comfortable grazing area. Continue due north-east along the well-marked path and reach the northern edge of Estany del Mig. Then rejoin the GRP®^®.

Red and yellow markings for the^GRP®® Tour des Pérics and Tour du Capcir

(12) "The refuge does not necessarily have drinking water. I therefore advise you to fill up with water at the spring 150 m to the left, due north: this will save you having to come back for more later."
Turn right and head for the refuge.

(E) Camporells refuge for the night on this stage.

Read the practical information section of the general description of the Pérics tour.

• You can drive up in your car by following a shuttle bus, upon presentation of proof of accommodation booking at Les Bouillouses
  • Do not lose your shuttle ticket. It will allow you to travel down to the car park free of charge on the last day.

This is a mountainous area. You will need: rain gear, warm clothing, snacks, route map, description, map, GPS, camera, good hiking boots, walking stick.
The area is often windy (be aware of temperature changes). Bring a filter water bottle or disinfectant tablets.

IBP = 113 HKG

Camporells Refuge