Pic Pédrous via a little-used path

Coming from Perpignan, a few kilometres after the dual carriageway (D66), turn right at the new roundabout in Rodès to enter the village (D16). Head north and turn right at the school, then left onto Ruta Nova de la Conquilla until you reach the shaded car park.

(S/E) From the car park, continue along the street towards the north-east and turn left into Carrer d'En Molins, turn left at the long staircase and then quickly right into Carrer de la Blanquerra, continue to the bridge over the Têt.

Yellow markings

(1) Cross the bridge and continue left on the track that runs along the river below.

(2) Take the first yellow-marked trail that climbs to the right. The path climbs gently, passes under old mining buildings, goes around a quarry on the left and climbs above the River Têt, which flows out of the Vinça dam. On the opposite slope, you can see the remains of Rodès Castle and the Pont Acqueduc d'en Labau bridge, as well as the canal that runs along the Gorges de la Guillera below.

No markings

(3) At the intersection of paths (elevation 350), turn right onto the path that descends slightly towards the east in the direction of the Têt.

(4) At the intersection of paths, follow the path that climbs up to the left towards the north-west. It continues through the heath, crossing a stream (which was flowing a little that day). The rest of the path, which is soon barely visible, leads to the top of the Còrrec de Vallagra. The descent to the stream bed can be a little tricky if it has rained in the previous days. Before descending, we began to clear the path and mark it with cairns. If there is a lot of water, the stream can be crossed using tree trunks placed across the watercourse. Climb up opposite.

(5) Head right (elevation 219) and follow the path we cleared over several dozen metres, as it was almost completely blocked by brambles and vegetation. But it's worth the effort because the path that opens up in front of us is very pleasant. It runs alongside the Ravin de Vallagra, initially following the stream, then moving away from it slightly to arrive at a path that leads to a stony track and then a concrete track.

(6) Go down the track to the right and, at the first intersection of tracks (elevation 171), take the path on the left which climbs steeply to rejoin the stony track you left earlier. Cross the track to take the beautiful path opposite which overlooks the track you left and leads to Puig Pedrós, on which a cross is visible.

(7) At the intersection below the peak, ignore the path you crossed and continue towards the summit in a north-westerly direction. After the yellow arrow indicating a right turn, climb directly towards the cross (this is the easiest route). The spot offers a beautiful view below the peak.

(8) Descend via the same route to return to the path you left earlier and turn right. Go around the peak and descend on the other side to reach the stone track (elevation 380).

Yellow markings

(9) Turn left onto the track, walk about 30 metres and turn left again to take a path that has been narrowed by thorny vegetation! Cross the Còrrec de Vallagra again (a pretty passage). The climb that follows is a little rough on corroded granite ground for a few metres, then continues on a path that leads to a track (elevation 360).

(10) Without joining it, turn left at the sign for Rodès (elevation 360) below Bosc Negre. The path heads south and leads to a track.

(11) Turn right towards the north-west and then west. Ignore the path and track on the right, cross the Còrrec de Borboner and continue along a track. Ignore the two paths on the left (possible shortcuts to return to Rodès). Leave the track on the right and the next path on the left to reach an intersection with a path (elevation 464).

Yellow markings

(12) Turn left onto this path heading southwest. Continue along the marked path, ignoring the side paths. You will soon see the ruined chapel of Sant Feliu de les Cases, which you will quickly reach. Turn right.

(13) At the next intersection, take the path on the left and descend, following the Way of the Cross.

(14) Leave the track and take the path opposite, which leads back to the track that follows the left bank of the River Têt. Follow it to the left and you will come to the fork (2) you took on the way out.

(2) Continue straight ahead, retracing your steps, and return to the car park (S/E).

On that day, several streams were flowing due to heavy rain in the previous days. Several Orris along the route.