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The departure point is from Casteil and not from Sahorre as indicated on the information sheet.
From Villefranche-de-Conflent N116, turn left towards Vernet-les-Bains D116 then Casteil D116.
From Casteil, take the small tarmac road at the town hall to Coll de Jou.
The track is then closed to all traffic. Regulations in place since spring 2020.
Yellow markings
(S/E) From the parking area, continue almost flat along the Mariailes trail, which is closed to all motor traffic, heading south.
At altitude 1158, in the hairpin bend to the left, leave this track and continue to the right, still heading south on a wide path/track. Pass the Còrrec de Marquirols (talweg). The path/track turns west. You will reach a large open area with an old concrete building on your left.
(1) At the signpost, continue along a small path that turns left at a right angle, entering the forest and remaining at the same level. You will come out into a large grazing area. The path turns south-east as it leaves the forest. Pass the ruins of the old lime kiln. Continue south-east. The path continues through the forest with old yellow markings that you will need to look out for and follow. At around 1290 m, pass the Torrent du Tonet. The path then heads south-west, then west, remaining almost level. You will come to a fork with a spring and theGRP® Tour des Réserves Naturelles.
Red and yellow markings
(2) Turn left onto theGRP®, climbing steeply up an excellent path, sometimes stony, which winds through this beautiful forest. You will come out into a small clearing at Collada de Botifarra (little pass of black pudding!).
(3) Continue along this well-marked path. The slope becomes steeper and the path levels out, finally ending at a track at altitude 1702 with a signpost. It indicates the location of Mates Roges, which is incorrect.
(4) Continue left along this track heading north-east, which is almost level. You will then reach a large open area called Mates Roges (shrubs, grasses, red lettuces).
This isa beautiful, sheltered spot, ideal for a break.
(5) Continue south-east along a wide track suitable for vehicles towards Mariailles. After 200 m, at an altitude of 1752, leave the path on the left that leads to Randé, signposted directional sign. Continue along the track towards the Mariailles refuge. Pass the Còrrec (talweg) de Mariailles. The track turns north-east. You will arrive at a large area with a spring, an unguarded forest refuge, the Refuge de Mariailes, benches and a car park that is now closed to traffic. Head towards the large refuge, signposted.
"A very beautiful spot with a stunning view, perfect for a break."
Red and white markings
(6) Turn left onto theGR® 10 -GR® 36. This path is magnificent. Cross a talweg and follow a canal for a long time. You will arrive at a clearing in the forest at the Randé car park, which is now closed to the public.
(7) Continue right on theGR® 10 -GR® 36. Leave the path that branches off to the right towards the Cabane de Morà. 100 m after this junction, you will reach the Coll del Cavall Mort (Col du Cheval Mort).
(8) Continue to follow the red and white markings due north.
(9) A little further on, before turning and descending to the left, there is a very pretty viewpoint at Les Esquerdes (a steep, straight rocky ridge with jagged edges).
(10) Another car park, now closed to the public. Follow the path on the right that descends parallel to the track, still on theGR® 10 -GR® 36. Arrive at Coll de Creu (Col de la Croix) in a clearing on the right-hand side.
"A very beautiful spot, perfect for a break."
(11) A developed and secure area with a beautiful view. Continue west, still following the red and white markings. Arrive lower down at an underground fire cistern on your left, descend the track and turn left to reach Coll de Jou (S/E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
