Mas Malet - Cortalets via Roc Mosquit, Ras dels Cortalets

From Perpignan, take the N116, at the roundabout at the entrance to Prades, turn left towards Los Masos on the D24B. Continue on the D24 to Villerach and drive through the village. Continue on the Piste Forestière du Llec and, after passing the Coll del Forn car park, leave the track that leads to the village of Clara on your right and continue straight ahead for 2.5 km to the Refuge du Mas Malet: refuge in good condition (as of July 2025), fire zone, picnic area, fountain. End of the section accessible to all vehicles.

Old yellow signposts. Recent directional posts in good condition.

(S) From the car park, before the steel barrier, climb up to the right along the Chemin de Muletiers, which runs parallel to the track below on the left (small sign: Tour du Jocavel). After a sharp right-hand bend, climb steeply southwards through a series of hairpin bends.

(1) Pass a sign for Cortalets via Roc Mosquit: in the middle of nowhere! Continue climbing to the right. After a section that is almost flat and runs along a ledge, you will come to a clearly marked fork with various signs. This is a nice place to take a break.

(2) Climb steeply to the right. After a few steps, a signpost confirms the direction: Roc Mosquit. Continue climbing steeply along a very good, comfortable mule track.

(3) Continue to the right, west, still on this mule track, which is now very steep. You will reach a flat section where the gradient decreases significantly. This is a nice place to take a break.

(4) Start climbing again, heading south-west, which is easier thanks to the numerous hairpin bends.

(5) Continue west, almost flat. Further on, after four hairpin bends, you will reach the Roc Mosquit fork. There are several signposts. This is a nice place to take a break.

White and red markings. GR® T83

(6) Turn left, south, south-east, and resume the climb on a very good path.

(7) Reach the Socarrada ridge (former steep pastures). Nice place for a break. Continue south, then south-west. Come out into an open area and reach Ras dels Cortalets. Junction of three tracks (closed to all motor traffic) and three marked paths. Pay attention: there are many signposts! Nice place for a break.

White and red markings. GR®10 - GR®36 - GR® T83 - GRP® Tour du Canigou

(8) Continue opposite for 300 m on the stony track that climbs towards Les Cortalets. Pay attention to the right-hand side, slightly off the track: there is a rusty, enamelled signpost!

Off the trail

(9) Climb up to the right viathe Ancien Chemin de Balaig. Join the abandoned stony track. Follow it to the right uphill for about 60 metres.
Alternative: following the white and red markings of the GR® T83, continue climbing up the track, then the path to the refuge.

(10) Turn left onto a small, very rough track and follow three hairpin bends to reach a grazing area: the refuge is in sight. Continue south to reach it (E).

It's a tough day, so take advantage of the many viewpoints to take a break and recharge your batteries (2), (4), (6), (7), (8).
Download the maps and route in advance. There is no mobile phone reception in the car park or on the climb, only at the refuge (E).

All equipment for a two-day hike, including one night in a refuge. Bed linen, toiletries and other personal items, a change of clothes, weatherproof clothing (the weather can change quickly in the mountains. For me, it was sunny on^{the first} day and stormy and rainy on^{the second}!
Don't forget: 2 litres of water per person, snacks, GPS, smartphone, map or map extract, GPX track provided by Visorando, etc.