Les Rocs Nègres via the Col de la Heath

In Paziols, park either in the first car park on the left in Rue de l'Église or next to the church itself, on Place Claude Nougaro.

White markings on the ground + blue arrows pointing in the opposite direction

(S/E) Go around the church and take the wide uphill track, the start of which is marked by a wooden post with no sign. Pass a sign prohibiting motorised vehicles, first turn left then right along the track and continue westwards. After a 90° right-hand bend, ignore the double track on the right and continue to a faint fork marked by a small cairn and a blue arrow on the ground.

(1) Leave the track and take a much narrower path on the right that climbs steeply through the heath. When the slope levels out (elevation 469), take a break to enjoy the exceptional 360° view, which includes, starting from the north-west, Montagne de Tauch, the village of Tuchan, Serre de Vingrau, Les Albères, Canigou and the great peaks of the Ariège Pyrenees. Then continue downhill to the Col de la Heath.

No signposts

(2) Turn right. After a short, fairly steep descent, you will reach a T-junction at an old ruined sheepfold, almost completely hidden by vegetation.

Old and very rare yellow markings

(3) Turn left and follow the track, which follows the contour line for about 500 metres.

No markings

(4) Turn left to enter a small wild valley dominated on the right by the Roc de la Goutine.
Ignore the cairns and leave the^PR® on your right. The track climbs slightly and then descends, becoming increasingly rough.

(5) Tricky junction! At the start of a slight S-bend, leave the deteriorated track and turn left onto a narrow path that is not very distinct at first (I have placed a cairn). This path winds through very dense undergrowth and runs alongside the almost dry Ruisseau de Grazels stream.

Do not try to cross the stream, but continue on the left to follow it. The vegetation becomes denser and progress more difficult. Back at the stream, there is no choice but to follow its bed, which is fairly cluttered with shrubbery, for about 50 metres, then leave it on the left.

For the rest of the descent, the trail will zigzag across the stream, crossing it several times and alternating between the left and right banks. You must be particularly careful not to stray from the trail and to stay on the slope.

(6) After the last crossing, leave the stream and take a grassy path on the right. This path, which is initially overgrown with some regrowth, curves to the right and reaches a crossroads after a short steep climb.

(7) Turn left and continue on flat ground. Further on, pass the Crabiés sheepfold and begin to climb. Shortly after a solar-powered antenna, you will come to another crossroads.

(8) Turn left. Continue along the wide path in the same direction until you reach the Col de Hiéro, where there is a picnic table under a wooden shelter.

(9) Ignore the path on the left and continue straight ahead to go around a small hill (elevation 424 on the map). The view opens up with Tuchan and Aguilar Castle on the left; opposite, Serre de Vingrau and Tautavel, somewhat marred by its quarry; on the right, the Albères and the ever-present Canigou dominate the landscape.

Vineyards appear and the track gives way to a small, quiet tarmac road with good visibility. When you reach the Four d'en Petit crossroads, ignore the paths on the left and stay on the road.

(10) Turn left and continue along the balcony until you are about thirty metres before a bend and a ruined sheepfold.

(11) Leave the road and turn left between two vineyards. Be careful, as the trail is not very obvious. Continue straight towards a hedge, which you will cross via a narrow passage: it is crowded and prickly!

The path then becomes clearer as you head towards the village of Paziols, which you will soon see straight ahead. You will reach a crossroads after a fairly steep descent on small stones that are slippery underfoot and require caution. Turn left.

(12) Once on flat ground, at the corner of a vineyard, keep left, cross the Ruisseau de la Coume stream and climb up to Chemin du Pont Romain. Turn right and walk alongside the cemetery on your right. Ignore Rue de la Tonnelle on the right, then turn left immediately afterwards into Rue de l'Église, aptly named, which leads to the monument and the car park where you started (S/E).

Rating

This hike is classified as difficult because of the section between (5) and (6). This part requires attention and a certain amount of experience in navigating congested terrain with dense vegetation and few landmarks. The trail sometimes disappears, especially in rocky areas. Be careful not to stray from the stream to avoid quickly finding yourself at a dead end and having to turn back. The mobile app and GPS track will be a great help.

The Grazels Stream is almost dry regardless of the season. This was the case during this hike in January. However, it is advisable not to undertake this hike after a long period of heavy rain.

There is no water on the route. Bring what you need.

Shelter at (9) at Col de Hiéro.

High-top hiking boots are recommended as the ground is often stony and unstable, especially in the stream bed.

The main attraction of this hike is the panoramic views it offers. This is particularly true
- at elevation 469 between (1) and (2).
- along the entire section between (9) and (10), especially if the Canigou is snow-covered.

Tautavel

Aguilar Castle