The Sant Guillem refuge via the Coll de la Rua - La Soca - l'Estanyol

From Le Boulou, take the D115 towards Prats-de-Mollo. Pass Céret, Amélie-les-Bains and Arles-sur-Tech and arrive at the hamlet of Le Tech. Cross the road bridge over La Coumelade and turn right onto the third road (D74a). A sign for the Refuge de Sant Guillem is at the start of the very narrow and winding road. Drive carefully. Arrive at the hamlet of La Llau and continue for 600 m to the car park.

Off the marked route

(S) From the car park, take the road (D74a) towards the hamlet of La Llau. You will come to a fork with a path going up to the left.
Ignore any directional signs.

(1) Continue along the road until you reach the last house in the hamlet, at a spring on the left before a fork in the road.
Road signs, indicators and directional signs: Refuge Sant Guillem.

(2) Go up to the left along the small, rough road and arrive at Coll de la Rua. Vast landscape.

(3) Continue on this grassy track, heading north, crossing an electric fence. Continue climbing gently. This will take you to another track further on.
Remember to close any electric fences you cross. Thank you.
Directional signs.

(4) Keep right. There is a cabin high up on the left in the forest, a spring that is often dry, and picnic tables. Continue for 50 m along this same track until you reach an intersection with another track. Directional signs.

Very old and scatteredyellow markings

(5) There are two options depending on your needs and the time available:
- either turn left onto the track going up into the forest (towards Pla de Rodes). This will take you to the junction with the path coming from La Soca (altitude 1,500 m).
- Or follow the route and description. Continue along the flat track for 300 m until you reach a crossroads with several tracks. Directional signs.

(6) Turn left towards La Soca, taking a grassy track that climbs into the forest. Follow it to the end, where you will come to a clearing.

(7) Climb steeply to the left for a long time until you come out below the summit of La Soca (La Souque), flanked by the Catalan flag.

Yellow markings Small painted wooden posts.

(8) Beautiful 360° view stretching as far as the eye can see.
Continue almost flat, north-west to elevation 1635. Then descend quickly down a rough path, heading west. This will take you to a track (altitude 1,500 m). Directional signs.

Old and very sparse yellow markings.

(9) Turn right and climb gently up this track. After about 500 m, you will arrive at the vast grazing area of Pla de Rodes (elevation 1,546 m).

(10) Continue straight ahead at the crossroads of four tracks. Follow the stony track uphill and you will reach another open grazing area at Coll de l'Estanyol. Crossroads of four paths.
Directional signs.

Yellow and red markings.^GRP®® Tour du Canigó et du Vallespir. Follow signs for Refuge Sant Guillem.

(11) Caution: unusual and confusing markings due to their strange position. Low square signpost.
Turn left, south-west, and find another round signpost. Continue slightly uphill along a grassy track and find the markings again. Continue along this track, which ends and becomes a balcony path. You will arrive at a three-way intersection.
Directional signs and markings on the rocks.

(12) Turn completely left, descending steeply before reaching a more comfortable path with a gentle descent. Vast landscapes sometimes open up during this pretty descent.
Much lower down, you will see the church next to a house and the refuge. Continue to an intersection with a cross-country trail.
Orientation table, cross on a pedestal, directional signs.

(13) Cross the track and head towards the Chapel of Sant Guillem and the adjoining hermitage, going around them on the right.
Built-up area: respect the peace and quiet of the place.
Go down into the pasture and join the track leading to the refuge. Turn right and, in the bend that follows, go through the fence (close it behind you) to reach the terrace of the refuge.

(E) Sant Guillem refuge: end of the stage.

In summer: drinking water is available at the Sant Guillem refuge, from the tap in the toilets below the refuge.
The Font del Brigader no longer flows.
There are various streams and springs, but the water must be filtered or purified.

This is a mid-mountain area: bring rain gear, water, snacks, a GPX route, description, map, GPS or Visorando app, camera, good walking shoes and a walking stick.

This hike is mostly shaded, so you will need to set off early during hot weather and be aware that the weather can change very quickly in this valley. There are some beautiful spots for restful breaks.

Water is available at the Sant Guilleml refuge [https://refugesa...].
Remember to book on the website.
Don't forget a sleeping bag liner for the night. Pillowcases are provided.
Remember to bring lunch and a change of clothes.
A beautiful, quiet and spacious place.

In case of problems or bad weather:
- (3) continue along the access track to the refuge.
- (4) continue along the track on the left towards the refuge.
- (5) continue along the track that is closed to all vehicles and climbs into the forest.

The Sant Guillem refuge is welcoming, clean and serves very good meals.
Arles-sur-Tech