From Cortalets to Mariailles via the Barbet ridges and the Moura hut

(S) Behind the Refuge des Cortalets, follow (south-east) the path that leads to "Pinateil" and the Canigou balcony. Follow this path (which climbs slightly) for 250 m. In an open area, a wooden sign points to the "Crêtes du Barbet" on the right.

(1) Turn right, heading south. Take the well-marked, winding path (which climbs). Do not cut across to avoid erosion and unnecessary fatigue (it will be a very long day). When you come out of the woods, follow this path which leads you towards a very large cairn (pyramid-shaped) that you can see when you look to the right and up. Pass this cairn and continue along the winding, well-marked path.
The high mountains are approaching and Canigou appears on the other side on another ridge. You are now at the highest point of the path (2,710 m). A small pass allows you to swing south-east (at this point, it is possible to climb to Pic 2,733 m). Follow the path that heads south-south-west.
When you reach the "Porteilla de Valmanya", turn towards the other side (south-west) to join the path (which climbs to Canigou via the chimney).

(2) At the intersection with this path, turn left and continue descending (south-west) into the valley (a sign and two painted stones indicate this change of direction).
Continue towards the Arago Refuge.

(3) Continue to a new fork.

(4) Turn right. Leave the path that descends towards Mariailles at 1h15. Continue along the other flat path that indicates Refuge Bonne-Aigue and follow this north-north-west direction. The path turns west until it reaches an intersection at "Col de Segalès".

(5) Turn sharply left, following the direction of "Cabane de Moura" due north. After a long, bumpy descent through the woods, the path turns due west to a plateau. Stay on the flat (west) and follow the path slightly to the left for 100 m towards a cairn in the mountain pasture. A signpost will soon appear, and then the hut (1,827 m) will come into view 250 m to the south. You will reach a crossroads with a signpost.

(6) Leave the Casteil path on your right and follow the Mariailles path on your left (2 km + 2.8 km). Descend south-east. Then follow this steep path up and down, which turns south-south-west. Please note: this path is marked and passable, and is secured in places by nets and handrails. Take care after heavy rain.

(7) Cross a comfortable footbridge (1356 m), continue to follow this path (uphill and downhill), cross two streams and the path turns north-west. The Col du Cheval Mort (1454 m) is nearby. But before this pass (in a clear area), the Mariailles Refuge is signposted 40 min.

(8) Turn left. Follow the red and white markings of^{the GR®®10}and^GR®®36trails, heading south. Follow this path as it climbs and joins the "discovery" trail marked for the^GR®®10(south-southeast). You can admire the work that has been done to bring water to the valleys from below this slope. Follow the very narrow path that runs alongside this water intake.
When you reach a track, follow it to the left, and the Mariailles Refuge (1718 m) will finally appear as you leave the woods (E).

Water points at the Arago refuge, the Cabane de Moura, the Mariailles and Cortalets refuges.
Walking sticks are useful if it has rained the day before.
In case of thunderstorms or heavy rain:
- After the Arago Refuge, descend to Mariailles via the usual route
- If bad weather sets in after Cabane de Moura, it is better to climb up to Col du Cheval Mort and take the trail that goes up to Mariailles.

Mariailles refuge.
From Casteil: Romanesque Abbey of Saint-Martin-du-Canigou.