Valmanya walks

The aim is to follow the pretty Pla Mitjà ridge, then take the sloping path beneath Puig dels Becis to reach Ras de Prat Cabrera. Do not underestimate the long descent through the Bosc de Patriques, which is a classic route in this part of the Canigou. Much of the outward route is open and offers beautiful views.Classified as difficult due to the section from (7) to (9), which is completely out of the questionin even moderate snow: a steep slope with absolutely no room for error. The descent through the woods from (10) to (14) is no walk in the park.

A short but challenging walk that takes you past a forest ranger’s house and a shelter and, above all, along the Balcon du Canigou.(!) Please note: the section between (8) and (10) is very dangerous when covered in snow. Recommended period: mid-March until the first snowfall. It may be considered in summer, as it runs largely through woodland.  Please note: there are two different sets of markings. The white and red markings of the GR®36 and GR®10, which take precedence over the GRP® Tour du Canigou, and an old set of yellow markings from a PR®.  The route is fully signposted, but requires a good sense of direction and the GPX track on the app or a GPS device.Classified as difficult due to its steep gradient.

A very beautiful but challenging hike (steep ascents and descents) featuring the Anciennes Mines de la Pinosa, the small pass of Pei, the Puig Sant Pere, the Coll de Cirera, the Balcon du Canigou path (GR®10) and the Maison Forestière de l'Estanyol. Then a steep descent to reach the car park at Valmanya. This hike can be done in either direction, with the highest point being halfway along the route.

This loop takes you to the Refuge des Cortalets (manned) at the foot of Canigou, passing by the Abri du Pinatell on the way there and the Refuge de Prat-Cabrera on the way back. This less frequented route is longer but gentler. The magnificent landscapes along the way are full of charm. The return, which is steeper, offers fewer views of the Canigou massif. We really enjoyed this version. From the Refuge des Cortalets, you can make a round trip to the summit of Canigou.

From Los Masos de Valmanya, a pleasant, steady climb leads to the Abri Pinatell.Then the famous Chemin du Canigou leads to Ras de Prat Cabrera.⚠️ This route should be undertaken when there is no snow or black ice (¹)From this beautiful spot, after the track, the steep descent through the Bosc de Patriques takes you back to Los Masos.

First stage of this two-day route around Pic du Canigou.

This is a 2- or 3-day hike, starting from Los Masos, the Cortalets Refuge, the Crêtes du Barbet, the Portella de Valmanya, the Brèche Durier, the Pic du Canigou, the Pic Joffre, and the Cortalets Refuge (where you can stop before descending to Los Masos).

A challenging hike requiring good training and a high level of fitness to complete in a single day. An overnight stay at the Refuge des Cortalets is entirely possible. Plenty of attractions all along the way with ever-changing scenery (beautiful forests, mountain meadows, scree slopes, the summit of Canigou and the surrounding area, even in the distance). Best done in good weather to enjoy the beauty of nature.

A very beautiful hike, the difficulty lies in its length. Passage through the chimney is visible as the yellow markings have been erased - path closed (not recommended). See practical information below.

A lovely walk exploring the mining history of the Vallespir. A long railway line once ran here at an altitude of 1,200 metres.A good sense of direction and the GPX track may prove useful in some places: there are many crossroads and junctions. Allow around 7 hours to enjoy these surroundings.Please stay on the marked and safe paths.It’s easy to imagine what working conditions must have been like; winters weren’t always as mild as they are today.Some truly beautiful scenery.

The route consists of two circular loops. This hike can therefore be adapted as desired. However, it would be a shame not to complete the whole route. Discover an old railway line used for iron ore extraction at an altitude of 1,200 metres, former stations on this line, old iron mines, tunnels, a signal tower, a superb ridge, a summit, a mountain hut, and much more. A good sense of direction and following the GPX track will be very useful.

A very beautiful hike with views of the eastern slope of the Canigou Massif and a visit to the Pinosa mining site (a listed historic monument) which bears witness to the work and living conditions of miners in the 19th and 20th centuries. A beautiful 360° panorama at the summit of Pic de l'Estelle over the Corbières to the north, the sea and the Albères to the east, Spain to the south and the slopes of Canigou to the west. The Batère Tower on the descent from the peak is reminiscent of the system of signal towers erected in the Middle Ages, which formed a communication network: at night using fires and during the day using smoke.

A superb heritage trail starting from Coll Palomeres, plunging into the heart of the industrial golden age of the Pyrénées-Orientales. The route passes through ancient mining ruins, evidence of a rich past, before reaching the imposing Tour de Batère, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

An exceptional heritage walk at one of the major sites of the Canigou iron mines, which is also a key site commemorating the Resistance. Once at the site, heritage signage provides an insight into the area’s rich history.

A lovely circular walk starting from Baillestavy (Vallestàvia). Vast landscapes, particularly after Coll Palomeres. A fairly challenging hike, given the terrain up to Coll Palomères. The first section follows theGRP® (Ronde du Canigó) route, featuring ascents and descents, crossing valleys and torrents, and finishing at Coll Palomères. The second section is off the marked trail and through unspoilt countryside, from Coll Palomères to Creu d’en Touron. The third section is a descent along a very scenic, signpostedPR® trail, with the option to visit an old iron mine, followed by a stretch through La Lentillà over the Pont del Ferro.

From La Farga de Baillestavy (Vallestàvia), almost the entire climb to Valmanya (Vallmanya) is on theGR®36. The return journey is partly on aPR® and then on theGRP® Ronde du Canigou (Ronda del Canigó). The return journey has a few ascents and descents. Don't hesitate to visit these two typical Catalan villages with their rich history.

A lovely walk through the woods, very pleasant in autumn with its many colours. At the pass, there is a view of Canigou.

This is the easiest way to climb Pic Gallinàs from the Batère refuge. Please note that this is a fairly challenging hike with over 1,000 metres of elevation gain over 4.5 km. The path is clearly marked. The 360° view from the summit offers a stunning panorama of the Catalan mountain ranges.

Second stage of the clockwise Tour du Canigou in 8 days.A fairly long hike that starts with a descent.This route follows old paths connecting pastures and valleys.

A beautiful hike in the open air with the aim of climbing Santa Anna dels Quatre Termes. First, a climb to Coll Palomeres, then a very beautiful ridge path to reach Creu del Turon (crossroads on the hill). Then a steep climb to reach the ruins of the chapel located on the cadastral boundary of four municipalities (hence its name). The return via the Chemin Rural from Creu d'en Turon is very interesting. Marked path on private property: please respect the areas you pass through and close gates and fences behind you.

A short, easy walk offering beautiful views of the eastern face of the Canigou massif from the Tour de Batère. You can also see the seaside resorts of Argelès-sur-Mer and others as you head north along the coast.