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The start is in the centre of Canillo.
(S/E) Pass the church (on your left) and then the French Lycée (on your right), following the Riu de Montaup. Continue along the steep concrete path.
(1) When you reach the road, take the path a few metres to the left that follows the stream on the left bank and meets the road a second time.
(2) Leave this path and follow the road uphill. The road is wide and there is little traffic, even in high season.
(3) Just after the hairpin bend to the left, take the path on the right that leads to Bordes de l'Armania.
(4) Once you reach the ruins of the hamlet of Bordes de l'Amiana, continue along the path heading north.
(5) Cross the stream below and follow the signs for Pic de l'Estanyo. The path climbs up to a ruined chalet.
(6) Be careful at this point: take the path that climbs directly (on your right) and not the one that stays level. You will arrive at another chalet, which is still in use.
(7) Cross the enclosure (small stone wall) until you reach a path a little higher up. Take it northwards (on your left). The path is then almost flat and leads to the Vall del Riu refuge.
(8) Continue to the right of the refuge. The path then climbs steeply until it reaches a plateau. Take a break to regain your strength, as the climb continues shortly afterwards to reach the source of the Riu du Vall del Riu. You will reach the first lake just after the scree slope.
(9) The walk over scree is not too long. Just after this, you will discover a second lake and then the Estany Gran du Vall del Riu.
(10) Take the trail heading due north. Cross an area of scree before reaching a fourth lake.
(11) Continue north-northwest, following the trail.
(12) Pass to the left of the last lake and begin the climb up the ridge, heading north-west. There are a few cairns and, at times, a faint trail. Take care in this area, which is steep and gravelly. Reach the ridge and a path coming from Pic de la Cabanetta.
(13) Follow it to the left towards Pic de L'Estanyo (west-southwest). When you reach a flat area, take the trail in front of you and slightly to the left. One last rocky climb and you will reach the summit.
(14) Enjoy the breathtaking view of the great Andorran peaks. Then, take the same route back down to begin your return journey.
(4) At Bordes de l'Armiana, follow the path that passes to the left of the hamlet and then goes around it below to reach the hamlet of El Vilar.
(15) Go around it from above. Continue on the path to the left of the access road to the hamlet. Be careful, if you inadvertently take the access road to the hamlet, you will arrive at a private residence where access is prohibited and the gate may be closed.
Join the main road at a small car park. Turn right to return to the town centre (pavement all the way) and your starting point (S/E).
Visorando member
Easy 
Moderate 
Very difficult 
