Puig dels Quatre Termes and de Sallfort via the ridges from Les Gascons

From Collioure, Port-Vendres or Banyuls-sur-mer, head towards the Tour de Madeloc and the Col des Gascons. Park in a car park at this pass.

Red and white ^GR®®10markings

(S/E) Coll dels Gascons. ^GR®®10.
Climb up, leaving the cistern and the flat track on your left. The signpost has been destroyed (2019). About thirty metres further up, when you come to the various posts, markings and signs, continue left along the side of the path, still on the GR®10.

Pass the old tiled cellar of La Tina d'en Reig. Reach Coll de Formigó. Beautiful mountain-sea views.

(1) The path then descends towards Coll de Vallauria (Col de Ballaury).

(2) Continue right along the track, still on the GR®10, for around 100 metres, leaving the path on the right that heads towards the Col de la Serra. Then, well before the gate onto the track, turn left onto the continuation of the water path above this track. Now simply follow this very good path upwards.

(3) Still on the water path. ^GR®®10. Leave the track on the right which descends towards El Rimbau.

Yellow markings

(4) Continue to the right, still on the "chemin de l'eau", following the yellow markings. Leave the ^GR®®10.
Pass a number of fountains that feed the canal buried under the water trail.

(5) Fontaine d'en Vergès.

(6) Tunnel. Be careful: the second part is often full of water, except in dry periods. I recommend going around it to the right on the way up. Yellow markings visible when turning round and cairns that I have placed.

(7) Fontaine d'en Cassanyes.

(8) Coll d'en Verderol. It is actually located here, contrary to the IGN indication.
You are entering the Forêt de la Massane Reserve. Please respect this fragile and protected area.
Go straight ahead, north-west to north. Join a well-marked path around Puig Rodon on the left.

Not signposted

(9) Turn sharp left, due south, onto a well-marked path. The path then descends towards La Maçana.

(10) Ford the Massane river and the path climbs up through the forest, heading south-west. You will come to a pasture where you will find the Barraques de les Colomates.

(11) A lovely spot for a well-deserved break. Looking due south, it's easy to make out the ridge path that you'll need to follow from west to east.

Go around the hut, climbing slightly above it. The well-marked path heads due west uphill and leads into a vast pasture. At the end of the forest, there is a wooden post for the Forêt de la Massane National Nature Reserve.

(12) Unnamed pass at mark 827.
If you climb a little to the right, at mark 849, you will have a beautiful view of the Tour de la Massane.
But keep to the left, heading south-west. Follow the cairns that I have confirmed. The path straightens out. The view is magnificent and the reward for all your efforts. Follow the ridge line.

When the summit, with its cairn attached to a steel panel, is in sight, the path veers due west and straightens out again. Reach the border ridge where numerous steel stakes mark the boundary.

(13) Puig dels Quatre Termes. Another beautiful spot, this time for a lunch break. Magnificent 360° views.
If the wind is blowing, head due north down the ^GR®®10for shelter.
Time to think about the return journey. You're halfway along the route. Head due east down the path on the right for a hundred metres or so. Then find the posts and markings for the ^GR®®10.

Red and white ^GR®10markings

(14) Roc de la Canal Grossa. On the right. ^GR®®10. The track shown in this description is accurate. The ^GR®®10remains on the ridge.

(15) Coll de la Maçana. The Fontaine de la Maçana is on the left (marked 968), off the ^GR®®10. A sign indicates the location. Continue along the ^GR®®10, enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Continue along this hilly path.

Arrive at Coll del Pal. The Barraques de les Colomates are visible on the left, below the other ridge. Reach the flat part of the pasture and momentarily abandon the ^GR®®10, to continue left, due north.

(16) Pic de Sailfort, shown on the IGN at hill 978 (Puig de Sallfort). If you look hard enough, you'll find a small rock shelter that can be very useful in case of wind or bad weather.
The east-facing view is very beautiful.

You need to think about the rest of this hike as you descend south-east to join the ^GR®®10further down.

(17) Spring on the left. A transparent plastic sign indicates the location.
Take care. The descent is going to be difficult on this gullied and stony path. Take breaks, the view all the way down is very beautiful.

Leaving the ^GR®®10.

(18) Please note
- if you are not at ease with off-piste signposting and looking for a narrow path, go down to the left for a few metres and follow the opposite route to the right (GR®10) as far as Coll de Vallauria.
- If you do not follow the path to the right, switch to the other side of the ridge. The path to follow is not very visible. After marker 519, the EDF pylon (alt. 420 m) is the focal point. Then join Coll de Vallauria.

(2) Please note
- if you are tired or want to take a different route, you can follow the track due east to Coll des Gascons.
- Alternatively, follow the GR®10 back to the car park(S/E).

This long trek should start early in the summer when high temperatures are forecast.

This is a mountainous area. You'll need: protective rain and wind clothing, plenty of water, a snack, a Gpx trail, a description, a map, a GPS or Visorando application or GPS, a camera, good walking shoes and a walking stick.

Fountains at(11),(15), all three below left.
You can also take water from the springs at(5) and(7).
This can be useful in summer. The hike is long and tiring.
A water bottle or disinfectant tablets are nevertheless recommended.

Cabane de les Colomates(1), low bench, table, bench, chairs, wood-burning stove, fireplace. Rock shelter(16).
Please respect the places you pass through, especially the hut and the rock shelter, which are very useful. Thank you for your patience.
Reminder: crossing of the Massane reserve from (8) to (16).

Please note: the cows that roam freely all year round are not very friendly. Do not approach them. Thank you for your attention.

The seaport of Port-Vendres, the famous Banyuls wine of Banyuls-sur-mer, the fortresses of Collioure and, further afield, the international SNCF railway station at Cerbère. The D914 coastal road is very beautiful.
Forêt de la Massane National Nature Reserve