Estany de la Balmeta and Puig Péric from Les Angles

Date of your route : Jan 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : Not used / Not applicable
Very busy route : Yes

-Yes, it’s a popular route at least as far as L’Estany and even as far as the Cabane de Balmette, even though it’s winter and walking on frozen ground is rather tricky. The route description is good, but winter conditions make it a bit difficult to tackle due to the obvious lack of snow, patches of hard snow remaining, and the exposure up to point 2, which is mostly in the shade!! On the other hand, the vegetation frosted white and the ice ‘formations’ on the rocks create a real mountain atmosphere and offer superb views of nature frozen in time!
- Light crampons are recommended from L’Estany. --
--- Opposite the Cabane de Balmette, you quickly emerge into the sun onto a large plateau: magnificent views! You can see the peaks of the Pérics, tracks, cairns: easy to set off, to find your way... except when the mist catches up with you, as happened to me on 3 January 2023!!! The ridges gradually became shrouded in mist as I headed due north (aiming for the Petit Péric alone), then came small snowflakes, a cold wind and finally, no visibility at all, and it was the cold snow shower that forced me to turn back! (And to postpone this hike until better weather!)
-- Alternative route on the way back: before the water intake and the forest track (as I had time!), I took the path on the left via Roquetells, which descends to the Estany de Balcère, and I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have good soles/boots and some experience of slippery ground in the rain. It’s signposted and marked with cairns: the upper section requires care, but as soon as you follow the Llaret stream, the landscape opens up and becomes very pleasant to walk through to Estany de Balcère.
A lovely outing despite the unpredictable weather!

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Date of your route : Jul 03, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I couldn’t make out the path at the foot of the climb up to the pass after the marshy area. I didn’t risk heading back towards L’Estany, thanks to the cairns pointing towards the main path to L’Estany.
After turning left at point 2, you need to cross the stream to take the correct path, which is visible, unlike the route shown on the map
But it was very beautiful up to that point; thank you for this discovery
I’d like to add that, generally speaking on the trails, the sight of the ‘white markings’ left by some users in the form of recently discarded or decomposing handkerchiefs is disrespectful to nature and to everyone who takes care

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Date of your route : Oct 09, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk with stunning scenery and views across the Pyrenees. We had sunshine and no wind.
You’ll need a very good level of fitness and technical ability (experienced hiker).

Take care when going from point (5) to point (6) (ridges). Very technical (exposed). Poorly signposted. Follow the route precisely or you risk getting stuck.
If you suffer from vertigo, it is better to turn back and follow the original route.
Note: Do not attempt in bad weather.

A superb hike, thank you for this route.

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Date of your route : Jul 28, 2020
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely hike at the end of July in glorious sunshine with clear views.
You need to take care when crossing the ridge and stay on it (follow the cairns). Those prone to vertigo may find this section a bit tricky.
Photos of the hike https://www.instagram.com/p/CEEZbr0A3Qh/

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I only made it as far as the Balmette hut, but I hope to return one day to carry on and reach the Péric, following the instructions in this guidebook.

In the meantime, here is my report on how to get to the hut: http://sogeco31.blogspot.com/2020/09/let...

You can count on me to let you know as soon as I’ve completed the entire route

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Date of your route : Sep 06, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

I joined the route from the Balmeta hut
The description from point two to Estany de la Llosa could do with a few more lines, as there are a few paths slightly further to the left...

Otherwise, the description is sufficient
Bivouac at 2,400 metres; unfortunately, the weather changed overnight, the wind shifted, and the next day I found myself
in the clouds and in the rain. No summit that day, but the memory of four chamois and three does encountered at the edge of the woods... magical moments

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