Country:
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To get to Col des Gascons, either from Collioure => Madeloc via Coll d'en Calvó, Coll de la Serra, Coll de Molló and then right.
Or from Port-Vendres => Madeloc via Coll Perdiguer, Coll de Mala Cara, Coll de Molló and left.
Red and white markings
(S/E) Coll dels Gascons. The directional signs have been vandalised.
Leave the track on the left and the tarmac road. Follow the red and white markings ofthe GR®®10, climbing steeply north-west, to the right above the fire hydrant. You will soon reach an intersection with a signpost.
(1) Continue straight ahead on theGR®®10along a good, almost flat path. Pass the ruins of Tina d'en Reig. Continue to the small, clearly visible pass where there is a ruined casot (hut) on the right-hand side.
(2) Coll de Formigó. Continue downhill on theGR®®10. You will reach a wide track at a large crossroads. There is a chain blocking access on the left.
(3) Coll de Vallauria. Continue right along the track for 60 m and turn left, still on theGR®®10.
(4) Turn left and continue climbing on theGR®®10. The path is clear, but climbs steeply in places. The markings are clearly visible.
Pass a transparent plastic sign indicating a spring on the right-hand side. The climb is almost over.
Note: towards the end, the IGN map is incorrect. Follow the red and white markings carefully. The well-marked path ends. Turn left, heading west, then north, climbing up through the pasture.
You will come out onto a wide grassy ridge with signposts and wooden marker posts.
Large boulders mark the summit.
Off the trail Offthe path
(5) Puig de Sallfort (from the IGN France map). You will need to head north then north-east in this pasture area, descending and passing close to a large steel cross. Viewpoint over the coastal towns.
Note: do not enter the forest under any circumstances. The trail shown here was made on a foggy day but corresponds to what you need to do. Do not enter the forest.
You should therefore try to find paths made by animals to make the descent easier. The aim is not to go straight down. Go around the rocks and keep to a gentle slope to reach the Chemin de l'Eau at the bottom.
Yellow markings
(6) Turn right, heading north-east along this magnificent, fairly wide path with water flowing underneath. This path then turns south-east, leading to a fork where there are two options.
(7) Equipped with a torch, head towards the tunnel, which has a very low ceiling and was built to allow the water pipe to descend gently. Cross this tunnel, which has an open section in the middle. Turn right at the end of the tunnel and pass the Fontaine d'en Vergès fountain at a valley.
The path now heads due east, arriving at a small open area and an intersection.
Red and white markings
(4) Continue left on theGR®®10along the same path you took on the way there, which is actually the beautiful Chemin de l'Eau, now narrower.
(3) Coll de Vallauria. Climb left on theGR®®10, taking the opposite route to the one you took on the way up.
Round yellow markings
(2) Coll de Formigó. This time, turn left, following the round yellow markings.
Leave theGR®®10. If in doubt, continue on theGR®®10to Gascons (S/E).
Caution: the climb is very strenuous and steep, with a scree slope, loose rocks and natural steps in the rocks to negotiate. Simply follow the recent yellow markings.
You will come out below Balcó de Madaloc. Take the small disused road, which is closed to traffic. Turn left towards the tower.
Yellow markings
(8) Torre de Madaloc. This is a nice place to take a break if the wind isn't too strong.
Turn around and descend the small disused road to the ruined military building visible a little further down. You will arrive at a hairpin bend to the left just as the road turns north.
(9) Battery 500. Leave the small road and descend to the right along a very rough path with a steep incline at the beginning.
Red and white markings
(1) Continue downhill to the left again on theGR®®10and reach Coll dels Gascons (S/E).
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