La Cicerola from Vernet-les-Bains

Cross Vernet-les-Bains towards Casteil. At the end of Avenue Docteur Piglowski (elevation 666), turn right, crossing a road bridge over the Cady (El Cadi) towards the thermal baths. Turn left after the bridge.

Yellow markings

(S/E) From the large spa car park, head back towards the bridge and cross it.

(1) Cross Route de Casteil at the pedestrian crossing and climb the steps opposite. Continue uphill along numerous hairpin bends through the forest. The path then heads north-east for 250 m before veering sharply right, south-west, to the viewpoint. You can see Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey to the south-south-east.

(2) Continue left, climbing through the forest via numerous hairpin bends which make the ascent easier. The clearly marked path then turns south-east, staying on the ridge through the spruce forest.
Pass two large hairpin bends and arrive in an open area.

(3) At Pic de l’Alzina (Pic du Chêne Vert), there are a few holm oaks here. This is a rocky area. The path then descends, re-entering the forest.

White-yellow markings

(4) Coll de Llevant. Small open area with several directions. The path is narrow. Take care.
Leave the path to Casteil on your right. Head towards Morà (hut) then, after about 50 m, turn right, heading south-east. Leave the path to Vernet on your left.

Please note: from this point onwards, the well-marked path climbs very steeply.
Beautiful views await you and provide opportunities to take a break during this tough climb.
Take care on certain exposed sections, though they are not dangerous. The correct path, clearly marked on the ground, heads generally south-east.

At around 1,360 m, the path turns sharply west and arrives at the imposing Còrrec dels Esmorzadors.
Take extra care when approaching this area, especially if it is freezing or after heavy rain.

(5) You must use the equipment provided. Brand-new handrails are in place to access the stream (20 February 2020). Cross the stream using the stones in the ford.
Caution: sure-footedness is essential.
Continue straight ahead, climbing up and using the handrails, which are also brand new. The heavily eroded path then descends steeply towards a fork. Take extra care.

(6) Junction with signposts.
Head completely left, climbing via numerous hairpin bends on a very beautiful stony path. You’ll arrive at a sort of pass amidst numerous rocks.
There is a very beautiful view from here. The path turns sharply left (south-east) and continues to climb. Pass a section of stone terraces on the left-hand side, which is the highest point of this hike (around 1,400 m).
Caution: the path then disappears for about fifty metres. Do not go down into the forest under any circumstances. Look for cairns whilst staying almost level.
You’ll need to cross a wet area (around 1,380 m). After that, the path is clearly visible and climbs slightly.

(7) La Cicerola is a very large double-chambered orri, situated in a magnificent open spot with a beautiful view.
The Abbey of Saint-Martin du Canigou can be glimpsed below to the north-west. Return via the same route, taking in the beautiful scenery.

Yellow markings

(6) Head right to the left along a good path which then descends very steeply. Take care to follow the hairpin bends of the path, which has been eroded by the heavy rains of early 2020. At the bottom of this steep descent, turn left towards the viewpoint along a well-maintained path where a stunning, sweeping view of the abbey and the Cady valley awaits you.

(8) Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey. A lovely spot for a break and to take some great photos.
After your visit, head eastwards back towards the path you arrived on.
On the right, at the corner of the last building, you will find a path that descends steeply into the Còrrec de la Ridorta, heading south-east then south. This is the correct route. The path is quite difficult. Take extra care when fording the còrrec (thalweg). The path immediately turns due west, continuing to descend through the forest. Cross the còrrec again, but this time via a footbridge, and arrive at a track at a fork.

(9) At the signposts, continue to the right and pass between some water tanks and a building.
''Please note that access to the Cascade d'el Cadí is prohibited following the torrential rains at the start of 2020''.
Join the Route de Mariailles at a car park. Follow it to the right as it descends.
At the entrance to Casteil, follow the yellow markings to the right and, upon reaching the Chapelle Saint-Martin le Vieux, turn left onto Rue Carsalade du Pont, still following the yellow markings, to reach the D116 further down. Follow it to the right for about a hundred metres until the left-hand bend. Leave the yellow markings here.

Off the marked route

(10) Leave the road and turn right onto a wide path descending for about a hundred metres to cut across this bend in the road.

(11) Cross the D116 at a road bridge, taking care. Continue straight ahead along a very good path descending for 400 m to rejoin the road.
Turn left onto the road, keeping to the left-hand verge for 1.3 km, taking care.
After about 550 m, before an old abandoned hotel on the right, you can leave the road to the left for 200 m onto a path running parallel to the D116.

(1) At the road bridge, cross it and then turn left towards the car park (S/E).

Please read the route description carefully at (5) and (6) before planning the hike. Those who are unsteady on their feet or prone to vertigo may find the crossing of the stream and the subsequent section through the forest challenging.
The recorded route corresponds as closely as possible to the actual terrain. The IGN map is not accurate in places.

This is a mid-mountain area. You will therefore need: rain and windproof clothing, water, snacks, a GPX track, route description, map, GPS or Visorando app, camera, hiking boots and a walking stick. It is often very cold at the start of the hike in the car park.

Shelter is available at L’Orri (7) and at the abbey (8).
Water point at the abbey (8). Font del Bac dels Monjos at (5).

Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey
Vernet-les-Bains with its many hiking trails (^GRP®, GR°°®°
°,^PR®)

Group hike on 20 February 2020 (3°C in the morning at the start of the hike).