From Molitg-les-Bains to the Dolmen of Pla de l'Arca

A lovely walk that quickly takes you above the village and passes through pastureland, a stream, wooded sections, a few ruins and a pretty plateau.

Details

4137078
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Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.14 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 468 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 473 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,016 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 554 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Start from the car park in front of the Estaca bar, in Molitg-les-Bains

(S/E) Take Rambla Pau Casals, passing the restaurant "Le Bon Temps". At the end of the street, turn right towards Sournia.

(1) Once you reach the wash house, leave the road and follow the path that climbs above the gardens and beneath the playground. There are some yellow markings. You’ll cross the Molitg irrigation canal.

(2) Join a track, turn left onto it and you’ll reach the gate marked on the map. Go through the gate and close it properly. Head down to the stream and climb back up on the opposite side (be careful, turn right fairly quickly: look out for the yellow markings, which are quite sparse and faded). The climb gets a bit steeper.

(3) You reach Les Planes (indicated by a sign).
''A few metres further on, another sign offers you the option of turning back towards Molitg via the short route, or heading right towards Molitg as well but via the so-called "long" route.''
There, take a barely marked path to the left until you reach a track.

(4) Turn left. Pass the first Cortal d’en Ponci and climb in wide switchbacks to the second Cortal de Mira Conflent. We came across a few cows and calves grazing peacefully. Do not disturb them.

(5) Reach a new plateau, then join a track which you follow to the right as you climb (the dolmen is signposted). On the track, a few hundred metres further on, look out for the cairn on the left. The path leads to the small Dolmen of Pla de l’Arca (elevation 1022m).

(6) Return via the same route to Les Planes.

(3) From there, head down to the left towards Molitg via the so-called long route.

(7) Join the Sournia track and turn right.

(1) At this point, turn left twice and head back to the car park (S/E) via Cami Nou.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 604 m - Car park in front of the Estaca bar
  2. 1 : km 0.27 - alt. 608 m - Washing place
  3. 2 : km 1.03 - alt. 626 m - Barrier
  4. 3 : km 2.22 - alt. 754 m - Crossroads of the circular loop
  5. 4 : km 2.71 - alt. 811 m - Path junction
  6. 5 : km 4.97 - alt. 958 m - Crossroads
  7. 6 : km 5.84 - alt. 1,016 m - Dolmen of Pla de l'Arca
  8. 7 : km 11.07 - alt. 575 m - Return via the Sournia track
  9. S/E : km 13.13 - alt. 604 m - Car park in front of the Estaca bar

Notes

Springs are marked on the Top 25 map at Cortal d’en Ponci and at point (4), but I haven’t checked them.
The path is sometimes stony: sturdy footwear is recommended!

Worth a visit

Visit the village. The thermal baths offer fun half-day treatments.
During the walk, you’ll naturally see Mont Canigou from various angles and, if you look closely, you’ll also catch a glimpse of the sea.
Beautiful views of Prades and the valley on the way down.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
User 16091379

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The climb is pleasant with a few slightly difficult but manageable sections. The same goes for the descent. Don't approach the cows and everything will be fine. In short, a beautiful walk that matches the description.

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luctitine
luctitine

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk, well signposted; the climb is a bit challenging, but very suitable for families
Takes 3 hours 15 minutes plus breaks
Very beautiful, with a well-restored chapel on the way back

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calmette
calmette
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

An interesting route, particularly worth it for the scenery (views of Mont Canigou and other mountain ranges). Half path, half wider track. Signposting is sparse but adequate. A dolmen of little interest.

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Patrick Terrier
Patrick Terrier

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 24, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This route is appealing for its scenery and relative ease. We completed it in strong winds, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying it, as the snow-capped mountains and 360° views were magnificent. The village itself is well worth a visit. A hike we would highly recommend.

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