les Valls de Valira walks

Set amongst forests and mountain pastures, this stage will take you to the Perafita Refuge, the perfect spot to rest.

This route offers the chance to discover Andorra’s high-mountain landscape and vegetation and to visit one of the Principality’s many self-catering mountain huts.

If you suffer from vertigo and wish to walk the section from the Coma Pedrosa Refuge to Sant Julia de Loria whilst avoiding the vertiginous stretch at Bony de la Pica and its difficult iron-railed descent, follow this alternative route from the Col de Montaner.

You have to be curious enough to venture far south of the Principality of Andorra to have heard of the Monturull peak, the Tossal Bovinar or the Colilla peak; names that are not as famous as the great peaks of the West. However, these peaks are well over 2,700 metres, even reaching 2,800 metres, and are located in eastern Catalonia. The ridge on today's itinerary is located just south of the Principality of Andorra. It marks the southern border with Spain. The southern slope of this ridge is gentle and accessible, while the northern slope is made up of ravines and steep cliffs. Naturally, the southern route is the most popular, but I decided to tackle this journey by looping around the north. I will therefore start this loop from the Madriu Valley in Andorra.

Pic de la Coma Pedrosa is the highest peak in Andorra. This route takes you around it, allowing you to explore the valleys to the north on the Spanish side as well as the Estanys Forcats, far from the hordes of hikers heading for the summit. Please note: the descent from Portella de Baiau is not recommended for those who are not used to mountain terrain and are afraid of steep slopes. Part of the route is off-trail but presents no significant difficulty.

This varied hike through the Comapedrosa Valleys Natural Park takes you to the highest point in the Principality of Andorra: the Pic de Comapedrosa (2,953 m)!

The fourth stage is in the high mountains, easier than the previous two, allowing you to reduce your effort. Many trails through forests and woodlands make for a more bucolic and enjoyable hike. This stage presents no technical difficulties, but orientation and following the route are complicated due to numerous crossings and intersections of hiking trails. It is essential to have a hiking app and the GPX track to avoid getting lost.

A different side of Andorra if you want to get away from the shopping centres! A demanding hike (it’s a tough climb) without being difficult, but offering sublime 360° views of the surrounding Pyrenean peaks and valleys. At the start and finish, in the shade of mountain pines, and if you’re hiking in late August, there are raspberries to enjoy all along the way.

A very short, easy hike to see a beautiful waterfall. There is only one path and it is very easy to follow.

A fairly demanding hike through mountain pines and rhododendrons to reach the refuge and then the Étangs d'Ensagents, set in a predominantly mineral environment. The calm, the omnipresent water and the beauty of the landscapes more than compensate for the considerable effort required to negotiate a few very steep passages. A breath of fresh air just a few kilometres from the consumer frenzy of Pas de la Case.

Third and final stage of the circular route around the Étang de Soulcem. A beautiful high-mountain stage that takes us along the long grassy ridge running alongside the Pic del Clot del Cavall before descending into the valley to the Estanys de l’Angonella. We then cross a first pass and then the Port de Rat, which allows us to leave Andorra and reach France and the Étang de Soulcem.

Pic de l'Estanyo is the second highest peak in Andorra (2,915 m). The view of the other peaks in Andorra is magnificent. It is accessible from Sorteny or Ransol for the most well-known routes. It can also be accessed from Canillo, which is the subject of this guide. This is a long hike with a significant elevation gain. The trail is generally well marked up to Estany Gran, then you have to follow the cairns and the trail where it exists.

Second stage of the route around Étang de Soulcem. A beautiful high-mountain stage with no major difficulties, despite the Port de Baiau pass, which is impressive and very steep towards the end but poses no real danger if you remain cautious. This is followed by a descent into the valley before climbing back up to spend the night at the unmanned Les Fonts refuge, a typical Andorran refuge with iron beds, a fireplace and an outdoor water point. The view over the Andorran valley is splendid and restful after the exertions of the day.

The fifth and final stage of the high-mountain route passes by the iconic Pic de Tristagne, which towers over the many lakes in the surrounding area, and its short, fairly exposed ridge route, before returning to France via the magnificent Étangs Fourcat site.

Third stage passing through the highest point in Andorra: Pic de Comapedrosa. A high-mountain stage with no particular difficulties apart from the climb to Portella de Baiau over scree and the descent along the somewhat exposed ridge of Pic de Comapedrosa.

Difficult hike, best done in good weather as many areas are unmarked.

This hike allows you to discover most of the lakes in the Cirque des Pessons while avoiding the crowds of hikers thanks to two off-trail sections that are therefore very little or not at all frequented. No fewer than sixteen lakes are on the itinerary, some identified and others unnamed. A wild landscape with rounded rocks shaped by ancient glaciers, streams and crystal-clear lakes, mountain pines... all this makes for an unforgettable experience, despite the difficulty of some sections.

The first part of this hike consists of a long, steady climb up to the Collada de Montmalús and then on to the peak itself, offering exceptional views of the high Andorran peaks and the Cirque dels Pessons. On the descent, an off-trail section allows you to discover three beautiful, unnamed lakes, which are rarely or never visited, save perhaps by a few trout anglers. You will, however, need to take care when tackling the rather rugged and difficult terrain.

After our chairlift ride, we descend towards the Soulcem lake on the Ariège side. We enjoy the beauty of this glacial valley, the Soulcem lake, the Mérens horses grazing freely, not to mention the numerous orris that line the route. It is a wonderful but particularly challenging end to the hike between the Caraussans lake and the Soulcem trail.

This beautiful and demanding hike allows you to discover several high-altitude lakes in an exceptional environment, including Estany del Querol, Estany de la Cabana Sorda and Estany d'Anrodat, to name but the most important. Other small lakes, some of which are unfortunately drying up, dot the route. After a particularly challenging descent, the return journey takes you along the Chemin de l'Ubac d'Inclès, which allows you to discover this beautiful valley as you walk alongside the Riu d'Inclès, close to pastures where cows, donkeys and horses graze in the summer. However, you will need to save your strength for the climb back up to the car park, which can be very tiring at the end of the walk.

With its torrent, Spanish stone pines and rhododendrons, the Vall d’Incles is a small, protected gem, far from the crowds thronging at Pas de la Casa or Andorra la Vella. The ascent of Pic de la Cabaneta follows the Siscaro ponds before tackling the very steep climb leading to the ridge and then to Tosa de Siscaro, which lies at the same altitude as its better-known neighbour. Sustained effort is rewarded with an exceptional panorama.

The hike is not particularly difficult, but it is quite steep overall. Please note: good mountain navigation skills are necessary; using a map or GPS is not a luxury and will help you find your way more easily. The view from the summit is superb, as is the view along the climb, with views of the beautiful Jasse de Pinet, the Pic du Ruhle and its refuge, the Pic de la Coume d'Enfer, etc.

This circular route takes you to several mountain lakes as you cross the Andorran border. The landscapes are varied and the overhangs allow you to admire the valley from several viewpoints.

Another way to reach the Refuge du Ruhle is via the magnificent Fontargente lake and then the Estagnol lake, which is well worth a short detour to see. Once you reach the refuge, which is a crossroads for several hikes, the view from the terrace is splendid. The return to the starting point is now just a formality.

A half-day tour to admire the magnificent Étangs de Fontargente and their emerald green reflections.

A superb hike between the austere Aston Valley and the equally austere upper part of the Inclès Valley in Andorra. There is a succession of ponds. Don't underestimate the difficulty of this long and technical hike, especially on the Andorran side. But as a group of American hikers we met twice during the hike said, "It is gorgeous."The loop is optimised compared to other routes as it does not descend to the bottom of the Inclès Valley and does not pass by the Refuge du Ruhle. But overall, it is very well marked!

This is an easy hike. It is ideal in June when flowers and rhododendrons are everywhere. The ponds are magnificent. If you feel like swimming, choose the second one, as it will be less crowded. In summer, the site can be very busy. We preferred to do the loop in an anti-clockwise direction: fewer people and a more even climb.

A very beautiful hike, wild and rocky, with splendid views of the surrounding peaks, Andorra and the Fontargente lakes. This isa demanding hike due to the elevation gain, with some passages that may be tricky for inexperienced hikers, and very steep slopes both uphill and downhill. GPS recommended.

Spectacular views on this circular hike to the Étangs de Fontargente lakes, returning via the Refuge de Rulhe.

A hike in the heart of the Aston valley with four lakes to discover, passing through the Col de Jouclar, which forms the border between France and Andorra. There are several options for this hike. I have chosen to present the most comprehensive version here, so that you can discover these circular lakes and enjoy a day's hiking. Of course, it can be done in two days, but I will discuss this option later.

This hike takes you past several clear-water lakes and visits various cirques and mountain pastures.