Loop between Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste and the Sant Guillem refuge

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This two-day hike, with an overnight stay at the Sant Guillem refuge, allows for shorter variations each day depending on the weather or individual needs.

This hike is fully signposted: unfortunately, the paths are not maintained and the signposting needs to be refreshed in many places (as observed in early July 2025).

Details

n°78770750
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 30.30 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,808 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,809 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,824 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 716 m

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S

    Prats-de-Mollo to Sant Guillem via Puig Fabra - Les Sarraïns - Serre Vernet

    ↔15.09 km ↗1,275 m ↘709 m
    Thisfirst stage, almost entirely in the forest, is therefore possible in summer, if you set off early. A challenging hike with 1,275 metres of elevation gain on marked trails that are rarely used, requiring a good sense of direction and the GPX track.There are some beautiful spots to stop and enjoy the scenery. The highest point (altitude 1,830 m) at Puig dels Sarraïns is a perfect place to stop for lunch, for example.
    View the route
  2. E

    Sant Guillem to Prats-de-Mollo via Serre Vernet - Comella - Lloses - Miracle

    ↔15.20 km ↗541 m ↘1,100 m
    Thissecond stage, almost entirely in the forest, is therefore possible in summer, setting off early.Discovery hike along marked paths, little or not used, requiring a sense of direction and the GPX track. Beautiful places to stop and enjoy the scenery.
    View the route

Notes

Hike inspired in part by No. 24 WE in Sant Guillem - South Canigó

Completed in early July 2025 during a heatwave, as the route is very shaded.

Day one: water sources in the car park at the start and in the river, stream (water to be filtered or disinfected).
Second day: water source at the refuge and on the Chemin de Troncassers after the avalanche barriers.

Hiking equipment for two days, not forgetting: online booking, sleeping bag, toiletries, change of clothes, rain gear, snacks, plenty of water, etc.
An IGN map or one provided by Visorando and the GPX track are essential. This is because the signposts do not necessarily mention the name of the desired destination!

An extra night at the refuge allows you to discover: Cabane Vieille, the Col dels Pastors, etc. See my hikes on this website or others suggested by contributors.

Worth a visit

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

Other walks in the area

Walking Prats-de-Mollo to Sant Guillem via Puig Fabra - Les Sarraïns - Serre Vernet

Visorando member
↔15.09 km ↗+1,275 m ↘-709 m ◔7h 55 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Thisfirst stage, almost entirely in the forest, is therefore possible in summer, if you set off early. A challenging hike with 1,275 metres of elevation gain on marked trails that are rarely used, requiring a good sense of direction and the GPX track.There are some beautiful spots to stop and enjoy the scenery. The highest point (altitude 1,830 m) at Puig dels Sarraïns is a perfect place to stop for lunch, for example.

Walking La Tour de Mir from Prats-de-Mollo

Visorando member
La Tour de Mir depuis Prats-de-Mollo
↔13.33 km ↗+817 m ↘-816 m ◔6h 10 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste (Pyrénées-Orientales)
An original way to climb the Tour de Mir via a well-markedPR®® trail (March 2020). The return journey is via the beautifulGRP®® Tour du Vallespir trail, which is also very well marked (March 2020).The Tour de Mir, which is accessible, offers a 360° panorama. Good signposting and good paths allow for smooth progress.

Walking Notre-Dame du Coral circular from Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste

Visorando member
Notre-Dame du Coral en boucle depuis Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste
↔13.82 km ↗+946 m ↘-948 m ◔6h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A very beautiful hike, mostly through woodland, but with plenty of variety. The trails are fully marked and very beautiful.

Walking Camí de La Retirada - Col d'Ares - Ronde du Canigó - Tour de Mir

Visorando member
Camí de La Retirada - Col d'Ares - Ronde du Canigó - Tour de Mir
↔17.88 km ↗+953 m ↘-950 m ◔7h 50 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste (Pyrénées-Orientales)
This is a fairly strenuous hike up to Coll d'Ares.Pass via the La Retireda path, theGRP®® Ronde du Canigó and theGRP®® Tour du Vallespir.This hike is classified as difficult due to its length, elevation gain and the need for good orientation skills.The entire hike is marked and there are no difficult sections. See practical information (¹).Accessible by public transport, see practical information (²).

Walking La Torre del Mir, the bear trap and Puig Sec

Visorando member
La Torre del Mir, le Piège à ours et le Puig Sec
↔15.23 km ↗+1,007 m ↘-1,003 m ◔7h 15 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A fairly challenging hike with magnificent scenery.Three things to see: the Mir Tower, where you can climb up to enjoy a 360° view of the landscape; the bear trap; and Puig Sec, from where you can see a large part of the Eastern Pyrenees.The climb to the tower is not particularly difficult.The return journey requires more attention in terms of orientation and the sparse markings of different colours.Accessible by public transport, see practical information.

Walking The Coll del Miracle Circular

Visorando member
La Boucle du Coll del Miracle
↔11.20 km ↗+744 m ↘-745 m ◔5h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste (Pyrénées-Orientales)
This route will take you to the heart of Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, capital of the Haut Vallespir and largest commune in the Pyrénées Orientales, with a magnificent finale in the underground passages of Fort Lagarde, a Vauban fortification listed as a historic monument.

Walking Pic Sec and Mir Tower from the Can Got forest hut (prats de mollo)

Visorando member
↔11.70 km ↗+795 m ↘-789 m ◔5h 35 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A very beautiful circular on excellent, scenic trails, mostly through forest. Superb 360° view from the ridge, overlooking the Canigou massif, the peaks of Spain and the Costabonne.

Walking Les Queroses - Coll de Bise - La Parcigoule

Visorando member
Les Queroses - Coll de Bise - La Parcigoule
↔15.18 km ↗+1,037 m ↘-1,035 m ◔7h 20 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste (Pyrénées-Orientales)
From Perpignan, head towards Le Boulou, Céret, Amèlies-les-Bains, Prats de Mollo via the D115. Then head towards La Preste via the D115a. Then turn right towards Parcigoule. Continue to the end of the tarmac road and park as soon as possible after the farm, without obstructing the passage. See practical information (¹).A sense of direction is necessary. The signposting is good in thefirst part.Plan for a simple return trip after heavy rain. See the practical information section (²).

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.