The ridge of the Serre du Grau de Maury

Date of walk : Aug 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Wear trousers and sturdy shoes.
Without GPS, it is difficult to follow the trail, which is partly overgrown, resulting in slow progress, especially during the first three hours.
In the undergrowth and on the ridges, cairns and markers are very useful. Some sections require the use of your hands.
Start early.
Exceptional views.
Return via the track, which holds no surprises.
Note that a notice posted at the junction of the track and the road prohibits access to the massif due to the risk of fire.

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Date of walk : Aug 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The latest reviews were dated, so here's mine (25/08/25, around 5 p.m., temperature 30°C). For your information, I'm over 60 years old. The description is accurate: it's physically demanding, there are sections where you have to use your hands, it's not recommended if you're afraid of heights, and it's best to wear trousers (I tore my legs on the boxwood): only for sure-footed walkers. Once you know that, there are no surprises. I found it much less dizzying than advertised, and to say it's dangerous is very exaggerated in my humble opinion. It's wild and deserted (I didn't come across anyone at all). Very, very pretty 360° views from up there!
The trail is easy to lose in the wooded areas around some of the peaks. In these places, GPS is of little help and the description is useless, but with patience and common sense, you can find it again, although a few more yellow markings would be welcome. It must have cost me 20-30 minutes over the entire route. Visorando asks us not to mention the markings: sorry, but without markings it must be a real pain to follow unless you're prepared to spend a lot more time on it.
The second part of the ridge is more classic, and the final descent is enjoyable to run down.
On the other hand, it's true that the return trail is long and boring. Because of it, I won't be coming back. At best, it allows trail runners to run on almost flat ground. It's a shame there isn't a parallel trail for the return trip.

pS: I learned afterwards that access was prohibited due to the risk of fire, but there were no signs at the start.

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Hello, please note that this hike is not an official hike. It has not been maintained for several years, which explains why the yellow markings are almost completely faded and the trail is poorly maintained. As this hike is considered dangerous, it is STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO ATTEMPT IT.
You have been warned...

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Date of walk : May 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful, fairly challenging route, especially in the first section (until the end of the rocky part). There are numerous sections where you need to use your hands, but it is not dangerous as the rock is stable and there are plenty of good handholds. There are just one or two very short sections that are a little daunting if you are prone to vertigo, but nothing too serious. Be careful on the ridge in strong winds. The yellow markings are fairly discreet, but you can still find them regularly if you pay close attention. This is a very interesting hike, both for the exercise and for the views it offers of Queribus, Peyrepertuse, the foothills of the Pyrenees, etc. In addition, in May, there is a very fragrant flower festival (broom, rockroses, thyme in bloom, columbines, etc.). The only slight downside is the return trip along the track from the Col de Laprès (about 9 km), which is long, long... but at the same time, it's a welcome rest for your legs and feet after the strenuous climb on the way up!

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Date of walk : Dec 04, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Clarity of route map : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A highly technical circuit with dangerous sections, very old and difficult-to-read markings, and overgrown paths. This circuit is very rarely used and is reserved for highly experienced hikers. However, the views of Canigò and the Cathar castles are superb. To be used properly, it should be cleared, re-marked, and certain sections should be secured with cables or chains.

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Date of walk : Sep 06, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Clarity of route map : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

This route is of no interest to anyone unfamiliar with the area, and the description is inadequate. I only spotted one pale yellow marker, as it was so faded
When I reached the top of the first peak at the pierced rock with its magnificent promontory, the left side was impassable, the right side went in all directions but led nowhere (the one I took thinking I would find the GPS track), and opposite was a beautiful wall to climb...
In the end, I found myself in a very slippery scree-covered valley that ended in what might have been a cliff, I don't know, I didn't go to check, I had to climb back up through the thickets and dense vegetation...
It's a shame, but at least I took the time to take some nice photos of birds of prey
I do not recommend this route at all

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Date of walk : Aug 26, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The yellow markings are very old and barely visible in some places. The paths through the woods between the ridges are particularly poorly maintained.The vegetation has grown back, obscuring the path and forcing you to pass through shrubs and undergrowth. There is a significant risk of getting lost, so I do not recommend doing this hike alone, especially as there was no one else on the entire route.
That said, it is truly splendid.

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Date of walk : May 17, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

This hike should be undertaken in suitable weather conditions (no wind or rain) and requires good equipment to deal with any eventualities, as once you are on the ridge there is no quick way to get back down.
There are beautiful 360° views of Canigou, the Pyrenees, the sea, the castles of Queribus, Peyrepertuse and Montsegur (in the distance), as well as the villages of Duilhac and Cucugnan below.
Spring is the best time to visit for the flowers and the view of the snow-capped mountains.
The Cathars trail follows part of this route (the end of the ridge).
Definitely do it in the direction indicated.
Sunscreen is essential, even on cloudy days.

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Date of walk : Sep 01, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Superb hike with panoramic views of the Pyrenees on one side and the Corbières on the other. The first part, along the ridge, is fun but physically demanding and requires a bit of concentration, both for the route and especially for the wind (watch out for gusts on the ridge!)
Don't miss the cairn between 7 and 8, otherwise you'll take a detour and miss the summit.
At La Quille, there are no difficulties. Follow the ridge for a while, then descend until you see the well-marked trail below.
At point 9, the fork is a little unclear (or were we distracted?), but the most obvious path is the right one. It goes into the forest.
The second part, on a track, is a bit long, despite the superb views of Peyrepertuse Castle.
Bring something to drink!
On my GPS: 18 km, elevation gain 960 m and nearly 5 hours of walking (plus stops)

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Date of walk : Jul 18, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

We had a wonderful hike today with exceptional views. The start of the hike is very physically demanding, so don't go too fast, as 20 km is a long way.
In summer, there is a lot of vegetation and flying insects, spiders and caterpillars... Watch your legs; long trousers are recommended.
However, be careful with the figures given:
I recorded an elevation gain of 918m and a distance of 20.4km, so it's quite long. It took me 5 hours and 35 minutes to complete, at a very good pace.
If you drink a lot and in hot weather, you'll need more than 2 litres of water. I found myself running low towards the end.
Good physical condition required

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Date of walk : Jun 15, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Very beautiful hike in the first part, a bit of rock climbing, but no difficulty or danger. Fabulous 360-degree views. The second part is more classic with no difficulty. Seven hours in total! The markings are very well done but a bit dated and could use refreshing. Bring at least two litres of water per person.

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Hello,

@castelroc66

Thanks for the clarification.

See you soon

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Hello

Why is hiking impossible?
It is accessible to all experienced hikers who know how to find their way without GPS.
However, I invite you to read the warnings for this hike on our website:

http://randonnees-pyrenees-orientales.e-...

The route follows the ridge for about 5 km from Grau de Maury to La Quille. Hikers must be comfortable with rock climbing. Risk = Risk 5

The route passes close to steep cliffs and is strongly discouraged for people who are prone to vertigo. Naturally, this short ridge walk should be avoided in rainy or windy weather!

This is a short ridge walk. It is not a classic hike. Only very experienced hikers in good physical condition will be able to complete it safely.

Enjoy your walks!

JLD

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Why?

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Date of walk : Apr 21, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

impossible hike

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