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 through Céret, Amélie-les-Bains and Arles-sur-Tech until you reach the hamlet of Le Tech. Cross the road bridge over La Coumelade and turn right onto the third road (D74a). There is a sign for the Sant Guillem Refuge at the start of the very narrow, winding road. Take care. You will reach the hamlet of La Llau and continue for 600 metres to the car park.

Unmarked

(S) From the car park, set off along the road (D74a) towards the hamlet of La Llau. You’ll come to a fork with a path leading uphill to the left.
Signposts are not relevant to this route.

(1) Continue along the road to the last house in the hamlet, near a spring on the left just before a fork in the road.
Road signs, markers and signposts: Sant Guillem Refuge.

(2) Head up to the left along the small, rough track and reach Coll de la Rua. Vast landscape.

(3) Please note: observed on 3 September 2026 => as soon as you enter the forest, the track is blocked by a large number of fallen fir trees following storms.
Continue on level ground along this grassy track, heading roughly due north, and cross an electric fence. Continue steadily uphill. You will eventually reach another track much further on.
Please remember to close any electric fences you cross. Thank you.
Signposts.

(4) Continue to the right. There is a hut, higher up on the left in the forest, a spring (often dry) and picnic tables. Continue for 50 m along this same track until you reach a junction with another track. Signposts.

Very old and sparseyellow markings

(5) Two options depending on your needs and the time available:
- either turn left onto the track heading up into the woods (towards Pla de Rodes). This will take you to the junction with the path coming from La Soca (alt. 1,500 m).
- or follow the route and description. Continue along the flat track and, 300 m further on, you’ll reach a junction with several tracks. Directional signs.

(6) Turn left, towards La Soca, onto a grassy track climbing through the forest. Follow it to its end, where you’ll reach a clearing.

(7) Climb very steeply to the left for a very long stretch until you emerge just below the summit of La Soca (La Souque), flanked by the Catalan flag.

Yellow markings: small painted wooden posts.

(8) Stunning 360° views stretching as far as the eye can see.
Continue on almost level ground, north-westwards, to the 1,635-metre mark. Then descend rapidly along a rough track, heading west. This leads to a track (alt. 1,500 m). Directional signs.

Old and very sparse yellow markings.

(9) Turn right onto this track, which climbs gently. About 500 m further on, you’ll reach the vast grazing area of Pla de Rodes (elevation 1,546).

(10) Continue straight on at the junction of the four tracks. Carry on along the stony track, climbing steadily, until you reach another open grazing area at Coll de l’Estanyol. Four-way junction.
Signposts.

Yellow and red markings.^GRP®® Tour du Canigó et du Vallespir. Direction: Sant Guillem Refuge.

(11) Please note: the signposting is unusual and confusing due to its odd position. A low, square signpost.
Turn left, south-west, and look for another round signpost. Continue gently uphill along a grassy track and follow the markings. Carry on along this track, which breaks off and becomes a balcony path. You’ll reach a junction of three paths.
Signposts and markings on the rocks.

(12) Turn sharply left, descending steeply before joining a more comfortable path with a gentle gradient. Vast landscapes occasionally open up during this lovely descent.
Much further down, the church, attached to a house, and the mountain refuge come into view. Reach a junction with a cross-country track.
Orientation table, a cross set on its plinth, and signposts.

(13) Cross the track, head towards the Chapel of Sant Guillem and the adjoining hermitage, and go round them on the right.
Residential area: please respect the peace and quiet of the place.
Head down into the pasture and join the track leading to the refuge. Turn right and, at the following left-hand bend, go through the gate (please close it behind you) to reach the refuge’s terrace.

(E) Sant Guillem mountain hut: the end point of this 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