Pic de l'Estelle from Coll Palomeres via the Pinosa mining site

Coming from Perpignan, after the dual carriageway (D66), at the lake and the Vinça roundabout, turn left towards Vinça (D36), avoid the town centre by heading towards Joch, then Baillestavy and Valmanya via the D13. Drive past the latter town and park a few kilometres further on at Coll Palomeres. Park at the side of the road, opposite as you arrive (altitude 1035).

Yellow markings

(S/E) Take the concrete track on the right heading south, leaving the parallel gravel track on the left (sign for Batère stopover lodge and restaurant). Continue along a concrete section followed by a gravel section, then concrete again. Quickly leave this second concrete section to take a path on the left.

(1) The path climbs to reach a horizontal track that is the former railway platform used to transport iron ore.

(2) Turn right and cross the Bastide Forest.

(3) When you reach a track coming up from the right, continue along this track to the left. You will come to a crossroads.

(4) Take the track opposite, which is closed by a barrier. Continue straight ahead in a north-westerly direction. Cross the Correc de Ponsi, passing in front of a mining gallery. A little further on, you will find two parallel tunnels. Take the one on the right to walk among the old mining buildings. Leave the horizontal track and take the path that climbs to the left (yellow markings). You will arrive near a small building on a large grassy esplanade surrounded by a long curved guardrail that protects you from the Repalona Ravine.

(5) The path continues to the left, south-south-east then south, overlooking the ravine, but without danger. Cross the Correc de Repalona in a large loop formed by the path (elevation 1284). The trail now continues on the western slope , offering views of the two peaks opposite: Pic de la Galinasse and Roc Nègre. Arrival in sight of the Pinosa mining site.

(6) Ignore the path on the right and continue towards the mine buildings. There are signs explaining the history of the site, the mining operations and the Resistance. Turn left, pass by the old canteen and tackle a steep climb after passing a metal barrier. Shortly before the Small Pass of Pei, leave the marked path that leads to the Batère Refuge.

No markings

(7) Continue off the marked trail towards the summit of Pic de l'Estelle. There are two options:
- take the path to the east which climbs straight to the summit
- or (route choice) take a vague path south-east and tackle the climb more gently, making large zigzags along more or less marked paths.

Yellow markings

(8) Summit of Pic de l'Estelle (altitude 1782). Admire the 360° panorama. Retrace your steps for a few metres and descend to the left towards the marked wooden posts with yellow-painted tops. The well-marked trail then descends gently (you will soon see the Tour de Batère below) to reach a stony track at the foot of the tower (altitude 1424). Take a look up at the foot of the tower.

Yellow-red markings

(9) Leave the track and take the path on the left towards the north-east (direction signs), let the path run eastwards before the fence, and go through the fence. The path descends through the undergrowth and joins a stony track.

(10) Cross the track to take the path opposite and join another track (the old mining railway line) which you cross to continue descending. Cross the Còrrec de l'Home Mort, then the Còrrec del Boletó.

(11) Els Menerots: this fenced-off area, marked as dangerous, is quite remarkable. A reminder of the miners' workplaces, you should not venture onto this site. Continue on the GR® which now climbs, following a fence whose purpose in this location is difficult to understand. You will then arrive at a stone track.

(12) Cross the track and a farm (horses, donkeys and llamas live together on bare land, making you wonder where they find grass to eat). The narrow path winds between a fence and a wall of thorns, leaving little room if there are animals (this was the case on the day we visited, and we had difficulty passing between a horse and a donkey that were blocking our way: we feared being kicked or bitten!). The path continues through the undergrowth to reach Coll Palomeres (cross the electric fence) and return to the car park (S/E).

There are a few possible shelters near the mines, tunnels and La Pinosa mining site.