Encamp walks

A fairly demanding hike through mountain pines and rhododendrons to reach the refuge and then the Étangs d'Ensagents, set in a predominantly mineral environment. The calm, the omnipresent water and the beauty of the landscapes more than compensate for the considerable effort required to negotiate a few very steep passages. A breath of fresh air just a few kilometres from the consumer frenzy of Pas de la Case.

Difficult hike, best done in good weather as many areas are unmarked.

This hike allows you to discover most of the lakes in the Cirque des Pessons while avoiding the crowds of hikers thanks to two off-trail sections that are therefore very little or not at all frequented. No fewer than sixteen lakes are on the itinerary, some identified and others unnamed. A wild landscape with rounded rocks shaped by ancient glaciers, streams and crystal-clear lakes, mountain pines... all this makes for an unforgettable experience, despite the difficulty of some sections.

A very short, easy hike to see a beautiful waterfall. There is only one path and it is very easy to follow.

Pic de l'Estanyo is the second highest peak in Andorra (2,915 m). The view of the other peaks in Andorra is magnificent. It is accessible from Sorteny or Ransol for the most well-known routes. It can also be accessed from Canillo, which is the subject of this guide. This is a long hike with a significant elevation gain. The trail is generally well marked up to Estany Gran, then you have to follow the cairns and the trail where it exists.

A different side of Andorra if you want to get away from the shopping centres! A demanding hike (it’s a tough climb) without being difficult, but offering sublime 360° views of the surrounding Pyrenean peaks and valleys. At the start and finish, in the shade of mountain pines, and if you’re hiking in late August, there are raspberries to enjoy all along the way.

You have to be curious enough to venture far south of the Principality of Andorra to have heard of the Monturull peak, the Tossal Bovinar or the Colilla peak; names that are not as famous as the great peaks of the West. However, these peaks are well over 2,700 metres, even reaching 2,800 metres, and are located in eastern Catalonia. The ridge on today's itinerary is located just south of the Principality of Andorra. It marks the southern border with Spain. The southern slope of this ridge is gentle and accessible, while the northern slope is made up of ravines and steep cliffs. Naturally, the southern route is the most popular, but I decided to tackle this journey by looping around the north. I will therefore start this loop from the Madriu Valley in Andorra.

This beautiful and demanding hike allows you to discover several high-altitude lakes in an exceptional environment, including Estany del Querol, Estany de la Cabana Sorda and Estany d'Anrodat, to name but the most important. Other small lakes, some of which are unfortunately drying up, dot the route. After a particularly challenging descent, the return journey takes you along the Chemin de l'Ubac d'Inclès, which allows you to discover this beautiful valley as you walk alongside the Riu d'Inclès, close to pastures where cows, donkeys and horses graze in the summer. However, you will need to save your strength for the climb back up to the car park, which can be very tiring at the end of the walk.

The fourth stage of the route linking Ax-les-Thermes to Latour-de-Carol. A beautiful high-mountain stage with no significant difficulties but featuring some elevation gain. This stage sets off from Pas de la Case, followed by two small passes and then, a little further down, the Portella Blanca – the ‘white gate’ – which opens onto the descent into the Engaït valley before a final pass. It ends with the descent to the Jhaquim Floch i Girona refuge, which is in poor condition but offers a safe shelter.

This route offers the chance to discover Andorra’s high-mountain landscape and vegetation and to visit one of the Principality’s many self-catering mountain huts.

The final stage of the route linking Ax-les-Thermes to Latour-de-Carol. A downhill stage through the valley, the return leg – pleasant but a little long – with a risk of getting lost as you approach the villages. You should also bear train timetables in mind.

With its torrent, Spanish stone pines and rhododendrons, the Vall d’Incles is a small, protected gem, far from the crowds thronging at Pas de la Casa or Andorra la Vella. The ascent of Pic de la Cabaneta follows the Siscaro ponds before tackling the very steep climb leading to the ridge and then to Tosa de Siscaro, which lies at the same altitude as its better-known neighbour. Sustained effort is rewarded with an exceptional panorama.

This third stage of the route linking Ax-les-Thermes to Latour de Carol takes you to Pas de la Case… and its hotels and refreshment stops; it is an easy, somewhat long stage that takes place at altitude, mainly along the gentle, grassy ridges of Andorra, but without any difficulty. It is best to tackle this stage in good weather, as landmarks can be misleading, especially if fog sets in.

Set amongst forests and mountain pastures, this stage will take you to the Perafita Refuge, the perfect spot to rest.

The fifth and final stage of the high-mountain route passes by the iconic Pic de Tristagne, which towers over the many lakes in the surrounding area, and its short, fairly exposed ridge route, before returning to France via the magnificent Étangs Fourcat site.

Pic de la Coma Pedrosa is the highest peak in Andorra. This route takes you around it, allowing you to explore the valleys to the north on the Spanish side as well as the Estanys Forcats, far from the hordes of hikers heading for the summit. Please note: the descent from Portella de Baiau is not recommended for those who are not used to mountain terrain and are afraid of steep slopes. Part of the route is off-trail but presents no significant difficulty.

This hike, which is not particularly difficult apart from its distance and significant elevation gain, leads to Puig de la Coma d'Or for a spectacular finale. You can see the whole of Lanoux as well as Carlit, the next destination. You feel very small in the midst of this immensity, and respect is called for... I think.

A pleasant, family-friendly route leading to the historic mining site of Puymorens, with stunning panoramic views throughout the walk.

A beautiful hike in Haute Ariège, at the gateway to Andorra. The route includes five lakes and small lakes in a high mountain landscape dotted with streams.

This second day is exceptional. Most of it takes place on ridges from which you can see the Ax 3 Domaines resort on one side and the Plateau de Beille on the other. And everywhere, there are lakes and breathtaking landscapes. This stage is long (nearly 18 km), but you'll never want it to end before you descend into the valley through the forest. It's best to have someone waiting for you in the valley, or else you can reach Ax-les-Thermes on foot or by bus. Be aware that as you will be taking photos and spending time admiring the landscape, you should allow 6½ to 7 hours for the whole trip.

From the start of the hike, pay attention to the common white and red GR® T66 and GR®10 markings, as there are several crossroads and forks in the trail. Please note: the hike is in open terrain until the descent into the forest, well after the Rieutort hut.From the refuge, via the Crête des Isards and up to the Col de la Didorte, what a view! Of course, you need to be very careful on this ridge, which is often steep and jagged. But as soon as you stop, you can enjoy a 360° panorama.The steep descent to the Rieutort hut is on a narrow but safe path, offering beautiful views. The return to the road is not easy, but the path (GR®T66), although steep in places, is well marked throughout the descent.

Third and final stage of the circular route around the Étang de Soulcem. A beautiful high-mountain stage that takes us along the long grassy ridge running alongside the Pic del Clot del Cavall before descending into the valley to the Estanys de l’Angonella. We then cross a first pass and then the Port de Rat, which allows us to leave Andorra and reach France and the Étang de Soulcem.

Part of the long route (9 stages) around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Tour des Pérics and using various marked trails,GRP® andGR® in the area. Initial stage designed to ease you gently into the hike.

Long itinerary around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.Two possible variations to modify the circuit: from 9 stages to 7 stages Ascent of the Carlit: 1 day and return to Les Bouillouses Return via the Lanoux lake: 1 extra day, passing by the foot of the Carlit and the Bésines refuge, or direct return from Porté to L'Hospitalet. Hike completed in July-August 2017

Ascent to the Étang de Couart via the Jasse de Brounic and the Étang de Pédourrés.

Ascent to the Pic de Nérassol via the Ruisseau du Siscar valley and the lake of the same name. Descent to the Étang de Pédourrés and return via the Jasse de Brounic. A day trip is possible, with a return journey from Toulouse by train.

The hike is not particularly difficult, but it is quite steep overall. Please note: good mountain navigation skills are necessary; using a map or GPS is not a luxury and will help you find your way more easily. The view from the summit is superb, as is the view along the climb, with views of the beautiful Jasse de Pinet, the Pic du Ruhle and its refuge, the Pic de la Coume d'Enfer, etc.

A magnificent, demanding day hike in the high mountains towards Puig de Coma d'Or (2,826 m), offering a splendid 360° panorama of the Catalan, Ariège and Andorran Pyrenees. Loop starting from L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre station, directly accessible by TER from Toulouse. An overnight stay at the Refuge des Bésines is possible to split this demanding hike into two less difficult hikes.

A high-altitude forest walk to one of the most famous lakes in the Haute-Ariège. This walk through a very wooded and therefore very shady area takes you to a large lake before starting the climb to an ideally located refuge. From this refuge, you can then reach others, En Beys and Les Bouillouses.

Another way to reach the Refuge du Ruhle is via the magnificent Fontargente lake and then the Estagnol lake, which is well worth a short detour to see. Once you reach the refuge, which is a crossroads for several hikes, the view from the terrace is splendid. The return to the starting point is now just a formality.

This circular route takes you to several mountain lakes as you cross the Andorran border. The landscapes are varied and the overhangs allow you to admire the valley from several viewpoints.

A half-day tour to admire the magnificent Étangs de Fontargente and their emerald green reflections.

A superb hike between the austere Aston Valley and the equally austere upper part of the Inclès Valley in Andorra. There is a succession of ponds. Don't underestimate the difficulty of this long and technical hike, especially on the Andorran side. But as a group of American hikers we met twice during the hike said, "It is gorgeous."The loop is optimised compared to other routes as it does not descend to the bottom of the Inclès Valley and does not pass by the Refuge du Ruhle. But overall, it is very well marked!

This is an easy hike. It is ideal in June when flowers and rhododendrons are everywhere. The ponds are magnificent. If you feel like swimming, choose the second one, as it will be less crowded. In summer, the site can be very busy. We preferred to do the loop in an anti-clockwise direction: fewer people and a more even climb.

A very beautiful hike, wild and rocky, with splendid views of the surrounding peaks, Andorra and the Fontargente lakes. This isa demanding hike due to the elevation gain, with some passages that may be tricky for inexperienced hikers, and very steep slopes both uphill and downhill. GPS recommended.

Spectacular views on this circular hike to the Étangs de Fontargente lakes, returning via the Refuge de Rulhe.

A hike in the heart of the Aston valley with four lakes to discover, passing through the Col de Jouclar, which forms the border between France and Andorra. There are several options for this hike. I have chosen to present the most comprehensive version here, so that you can discover these circular lakes and enjoy a day's hiking. Of course, it can be done in two days, but I will discuss this option later.

This hike takes you past several clear-water lakes and visits various cirques and mountain pastures.

The second stage of the “Ax-les-Thermes to Latour-de-Carol” route; this is a beautiful high-mountain stage with magnificent scenery. Favourable weather is recommended. This route follows a path which is initially very poorly signposted, climbing steeply towards the first pass, the Col de Behl, before reaching the Refuge de Ruhle, then the beautiful ascent to the Col de Juclar and finally the descent into Andorra towards the manned refuge of the same name.

After our chairlift ride, we descend towards the Soulcem lake on the Ariège side. We enjoy the beauty of this glacial valley, the Soulcem lake, the Mérens horses grazing freely, not to mention the numerous orris that line the route. It is a wonderful but particularly challenging end to the hike between the Caraussans lake and the Soulcem trail.

More magnificent lakes are on the agenda, with the added bonus of a short chairlift ride on the Andorran side to rest your legs before the descent to L'Étang de Soulcem, which is very challenging in the last section.

This is the sixth and final stage of the Tour des Géants des Trois Nations, which has a steep descent (1,800 m of elevation loss, which will hurt your joints) to return to the starting point of this journey. This stage passes by the Fourcat Waterfall, the beautiful Izourt Pond and the forests of Goulier-Auzat and Montcalm.

A lovely half-day family walk to the Étang de Comte via the Jasse du Mourguillou.

First day’s hike to the Refuge du Rulhe.With a 1,000 m elevation gain over 5.5 km, the average gradient of the climb to the Pyramide de Lherbés is 18%. IBP difficulty rating = 105 (“very difficult” for a hiker of average fitness).Allow 6½ hours with a light rucksack.This day takes place in the high mountains, far from any roads, tracks, etc.The landscapes and environments you’ll pass through are majestic.