Pic des Maurous via Pic de Marbet and Roc de l'Agle

Departure from the village of Finestret, accessible via the D25. This starts from the D66 or N116, depending on the map consulted, between Marquixanes and Vinça. Park in the car park at the entrance to the village, when coming from the D66, on the left-hand side of the road.

White and red markings for the GR®36

(S/E) With your back to the car park, cross the D25 and climb up a GR®36 marked trail that climbs slightly to the left and then quickly to the right. You will arrive at a flat section of the trail with a two-way intersection.

(1) Continue on the path to the left (GR®36). From this point, the climb begins to get steeper. The return will be via the path on the right marked "Estoher". The path arrives at Col de Marbet, to the right of Puig de Marbet.

No markings

(2) Cross the GR®36 and continue opposite, on the path that continues to climb south-southwest towards Collada dels Cirerers (small cherry tree pass), marked with two crosses: red-white and yellow-red. Follow the path marked with green paint circles. Ignore the next two paths on the right. You will come to a fork with a third path on the right.

(3) Leave this return path on the right. Opposite, tackle the steep climb following the ridge line. Follow the green paint circles alternating with cairns, which are welcome as they help you stay on the path, which is not really marked. Go around Roc de l'Agla and, after a rocky section where you will need to use your hands, you will reach the foot of Puig dels Moros. To climb it, before the point where the path descends slightly, look for a small cairn that marks the point where you need to turn left to climb (we did not climb Puig).

(4) Return along the path in the opposite direction, remaining vigilant, until you reach the previous fork.

(3) Turn left. The hike changes character as you now follow a path that is almost horizontal for a long distance, passing close to Mas d'en Viernis. You will reach a fork and a spring (elevation 763).

(5) Caution: here, where the trail climbs slightly, take the path on the right at a bathtub that was probably used as a watering trough. Descend the trail, which is not very obvious in the vegetation. Shortly afterwards, it becomes wide and very visible, and the pleasant descent crosses the GRP® Ronde du Canigou above the village of Estoher.

Yellow and red markings

(6) Turn right onto the GRP®, which climbs slightly, and leave it after about 1.1 km, at a right-angle bend, on the right.

No markings

(7) Turn onto the (unmarked) path on the left, heading north, and descend towards Cortal d'en Paillès. The fairly steep descent will take you back to the initial fork.

White and red markings for the GR®36

(1) Head straight ahead on the GR®36 and follow the same route as on the way up to return to the car park (S/E).