Circular loop of the Coll d'en Ric via a ridge line from Amélie-les-Bains

From Perpignan, follow signs for Le Boulou, then Céret and Amélie-les-Bains via the D115.
Park at Amélie-les-Bains. Please note that parking is subject to a charge.
The start of the walk described here is in an area designated as free parking. The easiest option is to cross to the other side of the River Tech at the first road bridge and park as soon as possible on Boulevard de la Petite Provence.

Yellow markings

(S/E) With your back to the Tech, at the roundabout at the entrance to the town, head up the dead-end street heading due south (Chemin de Can Pastou). When you reach the gate, turn right onto a wide but very rough track. Leave the tarmac at the signpost for Le Drapeau; Montalba; Roc de France.
You really must take care here, as the track is heavily rutted. After this, the track is in better condition.

(1) At the first fork, head left uphill, following the sign for ‘Roc de France’. The correct path climbs very steeply up to the ridge.

(2) Cross a grassy, overgrown track. Further on, you’ll come to a steel signpost: Can Fèlix. Continue the ascent and cross another track. Carry on along this path, leaving the ridge.

(3) At a barely marked fork, carry on straight ahead along this path. Leave a narrow path marked by a cairn on your left. Continue climbing. The path will rejoin the ridge. Pass through a rocky area. Please note: you will need to spot a small path on the left.

(4) Look for a cairn against a rocky outcrop on the left. The path turns left for one to two metres, climbing steeply, then bends to the right; you must follow the ridge and continue climbing steadily up to Puig del Bosquet.

This narrow path is marked on the ground. You will still need to keep an eye out for it in the undergrowth.
At around 780 m, the ascending path turns left (south-east), still following the ridge line precisely. At around 850 m, a path that is more clearly marked on the ground makes for easier walking. At this point, it corresponds to the dotted lines shown on the IGN map. Continue climbing until you reach a cross-path not shown on the IGN map, in a small, open, grassy area. Reach Puig del Bosquet (Wood Peak).

(5) Take advantage of this lovely spot for a break, then set off to the left, descending along a good, grassy path that is clearly marked on the ground. The path widens and opens out into another open, green area that has been grazed.

Caution: this is a very confusing area; follow the route description carefully. The clearly visible paths do not appear on any IGN or OSM map. On the ground, there are two successive junctions, not a crossroads.
At the^first fork (altitude 978), in this open area, head slightly to the left for about fifty metres, continuing uphill along a wide path which quickly turns left and enters a woodland towards a junction of paths.

Yellow markings are sparse but clearly visible

(6) At the^second fork, you’ll come to a signpost; turn right and head steeply uphill, still following a good, wide grassy path towards the Roc de France. You’ll reach an open, rocky area.

(7) At Peira Baixa (Pierre Basse), the highest point of this walk, enjoy the beautiful view. Continue, keeping an eye out for and following the clearly visible yellow markings. Pass a very narrow path on your left. Continue down a gentle slope and then climb slightly towards a small open area that is gradually being overtaken by the forest.

(8) At Coll del Faig (Col du Hêtre), continue to the right over a rocky outcrop, then descend again, always following the yellow markings.

(9) At Coll del Ric (Riche Pass), you might want to take a well-deserved break here. For example, looking due south-west, there’s a lovely view of the Roc de Sant Salvador (Roc Saint-Sauveur), with the Roc de France to its left.

Please note: all the signposting has been destroyed; you must head completely to the right, due west. Some very sparse old yellow markings may help you find your way.

The path is in good condition and clearly visible on the ground. You’ll need to take care, as wild boars and the weather severely damage these paths linking villages, and there is no maintenance. Continue the descent.

(10) You’ll reach an open area where the ruins of the Cortal de la Garriga (Bergerie de la Garrigue) still stand, though they’re overgrown. Leave the ruins on your left and turn right at the fork. Leave the Chemin du Mouly Serradou on your left. Pass several còrrec (depressions) and emerge into a populated and well-maintained area.

(11) Caution: area of dispute regarding signposting and access for walkers. An agreement has been reached. Do not cross any fences or wire fencing. Signs have been put up but are facing the wrong way. Please respect the area and its residents.

The IGN route in this area is inaccurate. The OSM route is more accurate. Therefore, before the wire mesh fence, turn left onto a wide path. This section of the route is tricky.

You will need to spot the well-marked path on the ground which goes up and down, whilst staying below the walls and fields of the farmhouse, with the farmhouse always to your right above you. When the farmhouse comes into view above and slightly to the right, do not cross the fence or enter the cultivated or maintained fields.

Head down a few metres to the left, skirting round the property in a wide right-hand bend, along a track with a wall on your right. After skirting round the farmhouse, join the access track to Mas Can Félix (Félix’s farm).

(12) Cross the track and head up the terrace opposite. There is an Amélie signpost.
Once you reach the point directly beneath the high walls of the farmhouse, you must turn left. Do not turn right or enter the property. Please respect the site and its inhabitants.

Now simply follow a good, pleasant path above the track. Pass several ‘còrrecs’.
The path continues along the hillside, descending slightly.

(13) At Pla del Rossinyol (Plat du Rossignol), leave the path that veers sharply to the left.
Carry on straight ahead, still on the main path, which now descends more steeply.

(4) Continue straight ahead along the path in the opposite direction to the outward journey and return to the starting point (S/E).

There is no water or shelter on this route. Part of the route passes through low vegetation; however, you should avoid periods of intense heat.

This is a mid-mountain area. So, as you’d expect, you’ll need: windproof clothing, water, first-aid kit, route details, description, map, GPS, camera, good walking shoes and a walking stick.

Accessible via the Occitanie liO public transport network for €1

Hike completed by the author on 30 April 2019.

(11) Please note: there is an area of dispute regarding signposting and the passage of walkers. You must make every effort to go round to the left of the large farmhouse, which is in excellent condition and inhabited. Please respect the property and its inhabitants.

Amélie-les-Bains