Roca Colom via Portella de Callau from Mantet

From Perpignan, take the N116 towards Andorra. At the roundabout in Villefranche-de-Conflent, there are two options:

• take the D116 on the left to Vernet-les-Bains, then the D27 towards Sahorre and the D6 towards Py, Mantet.
• Or continue right for 700 m and take the D6 left towards the hamlets of Fulla, Sahorre, Py, Mantet.

Be sure to park on the left at the first car park in Mantet, near the recycling centre.

(S/E) From the car park, continue towards the charming hamlet. The small street curves to the right.^GR®® 10 and arrives at a square on the right (town hall).

Yellow markings

(1) Without going there, leave the GR® 10 to descend via a cobbled street, turn left into the street and, at the right-hand bend, turn left onto a path that is sometimes difficult to find. Drinking trough and fountain on the left. Cross the stream and join the right bank of the Ribera del Ressec.

(2) Leave the^first footbridge on the right. Continue on the right bank for about 800 m.

No markings

(3) Cross the Ribera del Ressec on a large wooden footbridge (around 1585 m). (partially destroyed on 29 June 2025).
The path then climbs very steeply south-west into the forest, leading to a clearing.
At around 1,755 m, this path then heads due south, then south-west, to reach a flat area at Caps dels Rocs.
An Orri on the left, at around 1965 m, confirms that you are in the right place. Leave the path that climbs to the right (invisible on 29 June 2025).

(4) Turn left, heading north, descending slightly. Pass through a beautiful stony section of the path.

Numerous cairns

(5) Ford the Ribera dels Forquets. The path then climbs back up through grazing areas.
Follow the path due south, keeping a good distance from the Ribera del Callau on its left bank. You will come to the Jaça des Callau wetland.

No markings

(6) There are two options for climbing up to Portella de Callau:

• Climb to the right, heading south-west to 2,220 m, then turn left, heading south, to avoid this area. The trail is visible on the OSM map.
• Alternatively, follow this description and continue along the river on the same bank, heading south. At around 2260 m, leave the riverbank, which heads south-east, and continue climbing, still heading south, towards Portella de Callau. Signpost marking the boundary of the Mantet Reserve in France

(7) On the other side is Spain and the Valter 2000 ski resort. Do not be surprised to see people there, accompanied by dogs that are prohibited on the French side.
There are two options for reaching the Mort de l'Escolà fork.

• You can continue to the left, following the^GRP®® (yellow and red markings) and reach Mort de l'Escolà.
• Alternatively, follow this description and climb south-east (off the marked trail) along a good path marking the border ridge. There is a steep slope to reach Roca Colom.

(8) Magnificent 360° view. This is the only place where you will encounter other people.
Continue eastwards along the rocky ridge, descending towards La Mort de l'Escolà (elevation 2412).

(9) New signpost (29 June 2025). This is a peaceful spot to take a well-deserved break. If the wind is blowing, you will need to continue a little further.
Turn left at a 90° angle, heading due north. A series of large cairns indicate the direction to follow. The path is marked on the ground. Simply follow a very long fence on your right on the Serra del Salt del Cans, keeping a good distance from it. The path climbs slightly, passing to the right of Cim de Pomerola (elevation 2456) on your left and an altitude of 2434 on your right.

(10) From this high point, continue to follow the fence on your right, descending steadily towards Pla Segala. There is a beautiful landscape on your right (Canigó, Esquerdes, etc.). Go through a metal gate and close it properly behind you. Continue descending through a well-grazed area. There is a large herd of cows here.

Sparseyellow markings

(11) At around 2220 m, bear slightly left, now following cairns that lead to a gap in the forest. Turn sharply left. Further down, there is a single old yellow marker on a rock on the path. You will arrive in a grazing area with beautiful scenery. Turn right, following the clearly visible cairns.

(12) Pass the Moscalló fountain, where there are two water reserves for livestock. Continue the steep descent through the forest.

(13) Pass the Pinosa fountain (on the left) where there are also two water reserves. Continue the steep descent through the forest. There are many paths and tracks made by cows, but there is no risk of getting lost. Soon, the Coll de Mentet will come into view.

White and red markings

(14) Turn left towards the road and you will soon find the^GR®® 10 descending behind the relay antenna.
''Do not cut across the switchbacks. The area is already sufficiently eroded. Thank you.''

(15) Find a concrete road and follow it downhill to the right, then take the tarmac road to the car park (S/E).

90% of the hike is unmarked.

This is a mountainous area. You will need: warm and rainproof clothing, water, snacks, route map, description, map, GPS or app, camera, good walking shoes and a walking stick.

Shelter in the hamlet and at (4). Water at (1), (5), (12) and (13). A filter or disinfectant tablets are necessary during the summer months when sheep, cattle and horses are present.

(15) You can turn left to pick up some cheese or go to the Cavale lodge.

Cazenove lodge

La Cavale lodge

Mantet Nature Reserve

Mantet (Mentet in Catalan) Conflent Canigó

Organic sheep's milk cheese