Les Esquerdes de Rotjà from Les Conques via the source of the Tech

Start from the Chalet des Conques car park.

(S/E) Go through the gate and follow the yellow-marked route to Cabane de l’Ouillat, which climbs westwards, first along the old ski runs and then through the forest to reach Coll Baix.

(1) At the pass, continue straight ahead, still heading west, along the path which descends slightly towards Cabane de l’Ouillat, marked in yellow. This path generally runs along the hillside or descends to the River Tech.

(2) Please note that, depending on the time of year, crossing this river can be difficult, particularly during the snowmelt and after heavy rain.
You will then reach the Cabane Forestière de l’Ouillat (1,640 m), where there is a superb orri.

(3) From the huts, head towards “Coma del Tech”, still following the yellow markings, heading south-southeast. After a 120m climb, at 1,650m, the path turns west. It runs just above the Tech stream.

(4) At the “Baraque de la Coma del Tech” shelter (1,980 m), follow the signs for Pic du Costabonne, walking along the right bank of the Tech stream towards the south-west. The path is still marked in yellow.

(5) Just below the Coll del Pal (2,312 m), turn right, heading north-west towards Roc Colom (no signpost). The path stays on the hillside, skirting the headwaters of the Tech, then climbs gently towards the Porteilla de Rotjà, heading north-east.

(6) At the Porteilla de Rotjà (2,332 m), you pass a rusty mountain hut, then a fence. You cross over to the other side of the slope and the path descends. Continue north-east along the Esquerdes de Rotjà ridge, towards Las Conques. Follow the^GRP® Tour des Réserves Naturelles. The markings change to yellow and red. Follow the ridge for about 3 km, keeping to the left-hand side of the ridge, until you reach an altitude of 2,234 m.

(7) At the sign for Las Conques, turn right onto the^GRP® Ronde du Canigó, still following the yellow and red markings. Go through the gate and head down towards the south-east. This path takes you back to Coll Baix.

(1) At the pass, head left towards the Chalet de Las Conques and return via the path you took on the way up to reach the car park (S/E).

¹ Caution: crossing the Tech, before the Ullat Forest Hut, can be dangerous during the snowmelt and after heavy rain.