Refuge du Fourcat walks

More magnificent lakes are on the agenda, with the added bonus of a short chairlift ride on the Andorran side to rest your legs before the descent to L'Étang de Soulcem, which is very challenging in the last section.

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.

First stage of the 3-day hike that is circular and loops around the Étang de Soulcem. This beautiful, long stage will take us into Catalonia, first passing by small lakes and then through the Port de Bouet, through gentle high-mountain landscapes, over the grassy, undulating slopes of the Ariège and then Catalonia; we finally reach the unmanned Josep M. Monfort Baiau refuge, which is in perfect condition and offers safe shelter (sleeps 9).

The first stage of the journey, the shortest and easiest, to warm up your legs, passing through the Bois de Fontanal and the Étang Sourd to the Refuge du Pinet. The elevation gain is still significant.

The second day is a high-mountain stage passing through the highest point of this itinerary: Pic d'Estats, as well as two other peaks over 3,000 m nearby, Pic du Montcalm and Pic de Verdaguer. The route is largely over scree and rocky terrain, which will greatly appeal to mineral enthusiasts. The trail largely follows the Porta del Cel hike and the GR®T61. Although not particularly technical, this stage should not be taken lightly due to its altitude (three peaks over 3,000 metres), its length, its elevation gain and its trails composed of loose stones that can make progress difficult.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please note: the approach walk along the road is the only part of the hike that is in the shade if you set off early enough in the morning. This is the only way to complete this loop. It may seem tedious, but the landscape is very beautiful.The hike can be classified as quite difficult. After the footbridge over the Ruisseau de la Coume de Varilhes, the path is not easy: steep, with steps, a paved scree slope, a ledge to cross, etc. But once you reach the top, you will be rewarded. Then the GR®T66 from the largest of the Étang de Fontagente lakes to the refuge is more of the same. This is definitely a mountain hike.