Estany de la Cabana Sorda and return via Val d'Inclès

At El Tarter, head towards Ransol on the CS-260, cross the hamlet and go up the valley to the first crossroads. Turn right to cross the bridge and follow the CS-262 (Carretera d'Entor) to its terminus. The newly created parking area can accommodate around fifteen cars.

Yellow round signpost

(S/E) Return to the paved section and take the path on the right at the signpost indicating Estany del Querol and Estanys de les Salamandres. Continue to a fork marked by another signpost.

(1) Take the path on the left. The slope becomes very steep until you reach the Planell d'Entor meadow. The markings sometimes leave the most obvious path to use winding sections that make the slope less steep: pay close attention to the markings. You will reach a junction with a three-way signpost.

(2) Turn right, follow the edge of the woods and you will reach a flat area near a small rocky cirque where there is a tiny shepherd's hut. Continue straight ahead and begin the steep climb, which is done in two successive stages and leads to Estany del Querol.

(3) Enjoy the peace and beauty of the place, then take the path that leads first to a small pond that is completely drying up, then to the first Estany de les Salamandres, which is also seriously lacking in water.

No signposts

(4) Turn left to discover the second pond, whose water level is just as problematic, and go around it on the left. The path is not clear at the start and sometimes disappears into the gispet: the GPX track will be very useful. The climb is diagonal on the eastern flank of the Serra de Cabana Sorda and leads to the intersection with the marked Haute Route Pyrénéenne trail, which arrives from the left.

Yellow and red markings

(5) Continue straight ahead, following the markings to begin the descent to Estany de la Cabana Sorda. Some sections are tricky due to the very steep slope and loose stones. The refuge is soon in sight, as is the southern shore of the lake with its magnificent emerald green waters. Reach the tiny dam and cross it to reach a large grassy area facing the lake. Enjoy the exceptional view of the lake and the rocky cirque that closes it to the north, then head towards the refuge.

(6) Ignore the yellow and red markings that branch off to the right at a signpost and look for the south-east-facing trail, which is initially difficult to spot. It remains more or less flat and skirts around the shoulder of Mónjol de Cabana Sorda.

Old yellow markings + cairns

After about a hundred metres, the path becomes clearer, offering remarkable views of a succession of steep peaks to the east, including the Pic de la Tossa de Juclar and the Cylindre d'Escobes. You will easily reach the delightful Estany d'Anrodat, where you can stop for a picnic if you wish.

(7) Be carefulto spot the start of the trail on the right, ignoring the more tempting one opposite, which approaches the shores of the lake and then climbs towards Estany de l'Isla. Descend towards a hollow where a small pond is drying up, leave it on your left and cross a small ledge.

(8) The trail turns to the right. This spot marks the start of a very difficult descent, due to the extremely steep slope, unstable terrain and a few rocky passages that require the use of your hands. Great caution is therefore necessary. The path eventually reaches the end of the slope and comes to a crossroads. Continue straight ahead to reach the bank of the stream and cross it via a small wooden footbridge to join the Port de Fontargente path.

(9) Turn right and follow this path on the left bank of the stream. Before reaching the end of the Val d'Inclès road, the slope becomes much steeper, especially over the last 300 metres. Once on the road, turn left towards the inn, follow it along a wide stony path and continue to the junction marked by a signpost.

Signposted with signs

(10) Take the Chemin de l'Ubac d'Inclès on the right. This beautiful path winds through the undergrowth, staying on the edge of the forest and running alongside the stream at varying distances.

(11) Ignore the bridge on the right and continue straight ahead.

(12) Descend to the right towards the meadows. The path approaches the stream and leads to another bridge.

(13) Stay on the path without crossing it. Come out onto the tarmac road and continue straight ahead, walking alongside the buildings. Just before the bridge, take the path on the left, cross a meadow and go down a few steps leading to a car park. Cross the car park to reach the CG-2.

(14) Turn right to follow this busy road safely on the right-hand side of the carriageway.

(15) When you reach the Euroski hotel, take the path that climbs to the right: signposted "El Tarter - Chapelle San Pere". Further on, leave the path leading to the chapel on your left, return to the tarmac road and take the road climbing to the right at the crossroads. Follow it for about 100 metres until you reach a trailhead on the right: signposted "Entor".

Old yellow markings

(16) Turn right and follow this path, which climbs steeply and steadily, passing above buildings. You will reach a fork with a signpost.

(17) Continue to the right and make a final very steep climb to the tarmac road leading to a house. Turn left and follow this road to the junction with the Carretera d'Entor (CS-262).

(18) Turn right and climb back up to the car park (S/E).

This hike is classified as difficult due to several tricky sections on both the ascent and descent:
* final section before reaching Estany del Querol (3): steep climb.
* difficult and very steep descent on unstable ground between (5) and (6).
* very difficult descent from (8): extreme caution required.
* steep climb between (16) and (19): particularly difficult at the end of the hike.

Hiking boots are essential for the reasons above. Walking poles will be useful but may become a hindrance on the descent after (8) as it is sometimes necessary to use your hands.

Shelter at the Cabana Sorda refuge (6).

(10) Auberge du Val d'Inclès: drinks and food in season.