Alt Àneu. Walking in The Territory of The Bear of The Pyrenees

Alt neu
IAKI ALCORTA
Alt neu
WALKING IN THE TERRITORY OF
THE BEAR OF THE PYRENEES

Alt neu

Walking in the territory of the
Bear of the Pyrenees

IAKI ALCORTA

Copyright 2012 Iaki Alcorta Loyola
The author allows copying, printing and free distribution of all the contents
of this book citing the origine and only for non-commercial use
Front cover: The top of Pic de Rosari

DEDICATION

To my children Asier, Nria and Aitor

ACKOWLEDGEMENTS

I want to thank the Department dAgricultura, Ramaderia, Pesca,
Alimentaci i Medi Natural of the Generalitat de Catalunya (the government
of Catalonia) for the authorization to include in this guide the picture of the
female bear Caramelles with two cubs, taken by an automatic camera in the
mountains of Alt neu in summer 2010.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I was born in 1963 in Eibar (Basque Country). I studied in Pamplona and I
live and work in Barcelona since 1988. I am a Medical Doctor, Specialist in
Haematology.
As a mountaineer I have made numerous ascents and treks in the mountains
of the Basque Country, the Cordillera Cantbrica, the Pyrenees, the Alps, the
Andes, Africa and New Guinea.
I am married and I have 3 children, who are 1, 10 and 12 years old at present,
with whom I enjoy the mountains as never before.
I have written some twenty scientific articles in medical journals, but this is
my first mountain guide.
I am a member of the Club Deportivo de Eibar and the Uni Excursionista
Sant Mart de Provenals (UESMAP).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE.................................................................................................. 13
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................. 15
Alt neu...................................................................................................... 15
The Bear of the Pyrenees. ........................................................................ 19
Climbing with children............................................................................. 21
PRACTICAL INFORMATION........................................................... 25
Getting there .............................................................................................. 25
When to go................................................................................................. 25
Accommodation........................................................................................ 26
Services ....................................................................................................... 26
Taxis ............................................................................................................ 26
Maps ............................................................................................................ 27
Weather Information................................................................................ 27
Environmental regulations....................................................................... 27
Regulation of motorized traffic............................................................... 28
In case of an encounter with a bear... .................................................... 28
... and with guarding-dogs. ....................................................................... 29
To learn more about the Bear of the Pyrenees..................................... 30
MAP OF ITINERARIES........................................................................ 33

WALKS ...................................................................................................... 37
Pic de Quartiules (2226m) ....................................................................... 39
Pic del Pinet (2647m) ............................................................................. 42
Lo Tsol (2700m)...................................................................................... 46
Pui de la Bonaigua (2778m)..................................................................... 50
Pic de Bassiero Oriental (2897m) ........................................................... 54
Tuc de la Cigalera (2497m) ...................................................................... 59
Cap del Muntany drreu (2630m) ...................................................... 63
Pic de la Plana (2493m) ............................................................................ 67
Pic de Rosari (2608m) .............................................................................. 71
Pic de Pils (2657m) ................................................................................. 75
Tuc de Bonab (2723m)........................................................................... 79
Pic de Qenca (2639m)............................................................................ 84
Pic des Miques (2492m) ........................................................................... 88
Mont-roig (2864m) ................................................................................... 92
Pic de Montalt (2495m)............................................................................ 97
Pic de Gel (2499m) ................................................................................. 101
Pic de Vinyals (2398m)........................................................................... 105
Pic de Clavera (2721m) .......................................................................... 109
Bony de la Mina (2279m)....................................................................... 114
Pic de Moredo (2766m) ......................................................................... 118

SUMMARY OF ASCENTS.................................................................. 123
DICTIONARY OF CATALAN TOPOGRAPHIC TERMS........ 127

PREFACE
PREFACE

This book is not a comprehensive and encyclopaedic compilation of all
the mountains of Alt neu with all climbing routes and possible variations.
Nor is it a naturalist or a tourist guide. It is just a personal selection of high
mountain itineraries in Alt neu, chosen either for their beauty or
mountaineer interest or because they are suitable for families climbing with
children. In fact, I have done about half of the routes with my children and
this guide invites other families to do so.

None of the routes described in this guide presents technical difficulties
and all are suitable for any average walker. In some cases, the distance and
height difference make it necessary to be in good shape to tackle the climb.

View from the top of Tuc de Bonab

Whether we do a short walk with our children or whether we venture into
its most remote corners, Alt neu will surprise us by its great landscapes, its
preserved nature, its fauna and its loneliness, as these mountains hardly
appear in hikers guides or in the lists of the collectors of prestigious
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14
summits. Walking there, however, we will perceive the essence of the
Pyrenees.

Cap del Muntay drreu and Estany de Garrabea

INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION

Alt neu

The neu valleys are located in the northern end of Pallars Sobir, in the
confines of Catalonia, embedded between the Aran valley to the west, the
Cards valley to the east and the Arige (France) to the north, in the very
heart of the Catalan Pyrenees. Administratively, the neu valleys consist of
four municipalities: Alt neu, Esterri dneu, La Guingueta dneu and
Espot.

The municipality of Alt neu was created in 1970 grouping the villages of
Als dIsil, Isil, Sorpe, Born, rreu, Isavarre, Son and Valencia dneu,
which is the capital. In 2010 Alt neu had 446 inhabitants. The municipality
has an area of 217.8 km
2
at an altitude ranging from 1000m at the confluence
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ALT NEU
of the Noguera Pallaresa River with the Bonaigua River, up to 2903m at Pic
de Bassiero Occidental.

The village of Isil ready for the falles

The territory of Alt neu is shaped by the valleys of the Bonaigua and the
Noguera Pallaresa rivers. Both rivers converge approximately 1 km upstream
of Esterri dneu and separate 3 mountain areas.

South of the Bonaigua River, lying in an east/west direction, we find the
mountains of the northern region of the Aigestortes i Estany de Sant
Maurici National Park from the Serra del Pago to the Serra de Saboredo, with
their characteristic granitic, shattered and abrupt nature. In this sector,
opening northbound, there are the Cabanes and Gerber valleys and the
magnificent fir forests of the Mata de Valencia and the Gerdar de Sorpe,
surely among the most prominent ones of the Pyrenees and the entire
Iberian Peninsula.

Between the two rivers there is the great massif of Marimanya, of granitic
nature too but with smoother relief, extensive areas of alpine meadows and
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INTRODUCTION
beautiful hidden lakes such as the Estanys de Rosari, Airoto and Garrabea. In
this massif we find the original peaks of Qenca and Moredo, with
calcareous summits with quartzite inlaids that shine in the sun and make
them easily identifiable from a distance.

View from Pui de la Bonaigua to the SW

Finally, enclosing the Noguera Pallaresa to the east lies the Serra de Pils
up to Mont-roig, where a range of mountains continues in NW direction
limiting with France to the border with the Aran valley. The mountains of
this area have extensive and almost impenetrable forests on their basis and
steep slopes of alpine meadows in the highest parts, capped in some sectors
(Estanyardo, Mostiri-Mulats, Cunyes dAul-Muntanyola, Cernalla) by quite
abrupt rock sections.

Alt neu, in the north end of Pallars Sobir, enjoys a Mediterranean
Pyrenean climate. Rainfall varies from 700 mm annually in the valleys to over
1,000 mm in the headwaters. The period of the year with more rainfall is
usually from April to June, with another peak around November. The
winters are very cold and summers are mild in the valleys and cool in the
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mountains. In July and August maximum temperatures often exceed 30 C in
the valleys and 20 C in the high mountain, but the evenings are cool and
pleasant.

The peaks of Qenca and Moredo

Like elsewhere in the Pyrenees, the traditional economic activities in Alt
neu had been livestock farming and forestry. In recent decades, skiing,
adventure sports, tourism in general, improved communications and the real
estate boom have changed the physiognomy of its villages and the lifestyle of
its inhabitants, today dedicated mainly to the tertiary sector.

Despite these changes and the ease of access to the mountains of Alt
neu (the walks that we report start directly from the villages in the valley or
require short approaches by car), they have maintained their solitude and
their character of well preserved and remote territory.

The inclusion of much of its territory in the peripheral zone of the
Aigestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park and in the Alt Pirineu
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INTRODUCTION
Natural Park and the presence, permanent throughout the year, of the brown
bear clearly shows the quality of the habitat of these mountains.

Estany dAiroto

The Bear of the Pyrenees

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) has lived in the Pyrenees for thousands of
years. The bear is present in the toponyms, shields, legends and traditions of
many corners of our mountains. It is part of the Pyrenean culture.

Relentlessly chased for generations, shot and poisoned, the last native
bears of Catalonia probably disappeared in the late 80s or early 90s of the
last century. Alejandro Gamarra, keeper of the Certascan Refuge, reported
having seen one of the last bears in 1987. Around the same time, Albert
Ibez and his colleagues from the Vallferrera Refuge began the study and
monitoring of the presence of bears in that valley with a view to their
possible recovery. Some authors discuss possible evidences of the presence
of bears in the Aran valley and Pallars Sobir between 1990 and 1995.

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A few years later, the bear returned to these mountains with the Brown
Bear Restoration and Conservation Plan of the French government that
carried out the reintroduction of specimens from Slovenia. As a result of the
reintroductions of 1996-97 and 2006, today the Aran and neu valleys with
the neighbouring French departments of Haute Garonne and Arige host a
meagre (around 15-20 individuals) but of high potential bear population,
given the presence of at least 10 females: Hvala, Caramelles, S1SLO5 /
Caramellita, Pollen, Bambou, Nhu, Noissete, the two cubs of Bambou born
in 2010 (named Florete and Fadeta in 2011) and one of the cubs of
Caramelles born in 2010 (named Plume in 2011). The veteran female Ziva
(reintroduced in 1996) has shown no sign of life since 2008 and the
apparently sterile Sarousse (reintroduced in 2006) seems to have settled in the
Aragonese Ribagorza.

The female Caramelles with two cubs in the mountains of Alt neu in 2010. Departament de Medi
Ambient i Habitatge. Generalitat de Catalunya

Three of these females (Hvala, Caramelles and Bambou) have raised 11
cubs over the past 4 years. The veteran male Pyros, reintroduced in 1997 is
the father of most of the litters, which may pose a risk for the long-term
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INTRODUCTION
viability of the population of bears in the Pyrenees because of
inbreeding. However, during the summer of 2011 another big male (Balou,
reintroduced in 2006) seems to have established in the same territory as
Pyros, whom it may replace as dominant male.

Both Pyros as Caramelles and their offspring frequent the mountains of
Alt neu.

There are also 2 males in the Western Pyrenees (Bearn, Ans, Hecho,
Roncal) but it is clear that without the reintroduction of females this
'population' has no future. In the Eastern Pyrenees (Haute Arige, Aude,
Cerdanya) no sign of the 4 bears present in this region during the previous
years has been detected in 2011. Balou, and probably also U6SLO14 /
Moonboots have moved to the Central Pyrenees and the others (Kouki,
Boutxy) have been probably poached.

The purpose of this guide is not to go to Alt neu to watch bears (which
almost certainly will never happen), but to invite the reader to visit and to
walk in one of the most beautiful and best preserved regions of the
Pyrenees. The hidden presence of the bear will fill with mystery and
excitement our walks and will be an added incentive for our children to join
us.

Climbing with children

I have made most of the ascents in this guide between 2008 and 2011
with my children Nria and Asier, who are currently 10 and 12 years
old. With this guide I want also to encourage other parents to climb
mountains with their children and to go beyond the typical walk to a
waterfall or a lake.

In addition to the health value of physical activity outdoors, climbing
stimulates the ability to overcome oneself, promotes awareness of own limits,
increases physical and mental endurance, and develops our knowledge, love
and respect for the land we live on. In a society in which everything pretends
to be done without effort' (learning languages without effort, losing weight
without effort, paying without effort ...), the mountains teach our children
that effort is necessary to achieve our goals.

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For the adults, walking at a childs pace and watching through child eyes
will allow us to better appreciate and enjoy the natural richness of our
mountains.

It is difficult to give general rules about what type of climb is suitable on
the basis of age. In fact, our children have climbed the same mountains being
2 years apart. Every parent knows their children and knows where they can
reasonably get to, though often we underestimated them and they are able to
do much more than we think.

Asier and Nria in Alt neu, August 2010

Based on our experience, we think that walks of up to 300m height
difference, representing an ascent of 1h - 1h 30min are suitable for children 4
-7 years old. Those involving from 300 to 700m height difference (a 2h - 2h
30min ascent) are suitable for children aged 7 - 10 years, while those with
more than 700m height difference and at least 3 hours of ascent are
appropriate only for children over 10.

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INTRODUCTION
To hike in the high mountain with our children we must choose a
meteorologically optimal day, bring appropriate clothing and footwear, carry
enough water and food and we must not try objectives above our
abilities. We must remember that the high mountain is not the park. If we do
not follow the rules we can be damaged, injured or something worse. We
also should know that in many places there is no mobile phone coverage and
help, if needed, may be slow to arrive. In places exposed to some danger we
should be attentive to the movements of our children, guide them and, if
necessary, help them.

These walks are to be done in summer, when the days are longer and the
weather milder. However, summer can also be very hot in the mountains. It
is advisable not to have mercy on our children (and on ourselves) to set the
alarm clock. If we start the climb at daybreak, we will go up lighter in the
cool of the morning, we will have more than enough time to walk calmly and
to enjoy the route and we still will have time to manoeuvre if the unexpected
happens. We will also have more opportunities to spot the abundant but
elusive wildlife of Alt neu (deer, roe deer, fallow deer, hares, wild boars,
partridges, chamois). In the mountains we will never regret starting the
walk early, but we will regret almost always doing it late.

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24

The Marimanya Massif

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Getting there

The nearest international airports are Toulouse (France) and Barcelona.
In 2010 a new airport was opened in Lleida, but at present it has very few
connections.

There are two road accesses to Alt neu, one from the Aran Valley
across the Bonaigua Pass and the other one from Sort, along the Noguera
Pallaresa River valley.

From the Basque Country and France the most direct access is via the
Aran valley, which is reached along the A-64 and N-125 French roads.

From Barcelona (240km) although there are several alternatives to reach
Sort, probably the most comfortable one is along the A-2, C-14 and L-512
roads through Trrega and Isona to Tremp and then along the C-13.

For those coming from the centre of Spain the most obvious route is via
Lleida to Sort (125km) and then along the C-13 road.

The ALSA Company runs a bus line to Esterri dneu from Lleida (3
hours) and from Barcelona (5 hours). To check timetables and fares and to
book a ticket, visit their website: www.alsa.es.

Since 2010, during the summer months, a bus service operated by Alsina
Graells makes a tour around the Aigestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici
National Park linking the Bo valley, Pont de Suert, Vielha, Esterri dneu,
Llavors, and Sort. More information on the website of Parcs de Catalunya
(www.gencat.cat/parcs ) or at the phones (34) 973 69 61 89 (Boi) and (34)
973 62 40 36 (Espot).

When to go

The recommended season for walks in Alt neu is between May and
October. In early May there may still be quite snow in the mountains, which
hardens and lengthens the climbs and makes it necessary to bring the
appropriate equipment (ice axes, crampons). By the end of October days are
short, weather is more variable, temperatures drop and it frequently snows.
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ALT NEU

Winter is the high season for skiers and snowshoers and Alt neu and the
neighbouring valleys offer a wide range of ski resorts (Baqueira-Beret, Espot
Esqu, Port Ain, Tavascan), as well as off-piste skiing and winter
mountaineering possibilities that are beyond the scope of this guide.

Accommodation

Alt neu and the neighbouring La Guingueta and Esterri dneu have a
wide and varied range of accommodation of all types: hotels, apartments,
pensions, rural accommodation and campsites.

Lleidatur, the official site of Tourism of Lleida, has developed a
comprehensive accommodation search engine
(www.lleidatur.com). Supplementary information can be found on the
websites of the Valls dneu Tourism Consortium (www.vallsdaneu.org)
and the Municipality of Alt neu (altaneu.ddl.net ).

Tourist apartments can also be found on holiday rental specialised
websites (www.niumba.com, es.rentalia.com).

Services

In Esterri dneu, the major town of the neu Valleys, we can find all the
services to meet our needs: supermarkets, hardware store, laundry, banks and
ATM, pharmacy, general practitioner, swimming pool, petrol station, garage,
tourism office, adventure sports companies, mountain guides, mountain bike
centre, riding centre, etc.

In Sort (34km) there is a primary care clinic (Ambulatori) with 24-hour
service and a police station (Mossos d'Esquadra, the police of Catalonia). The
nearest hospitals are in Vielha (40km across the Bonaigua Pass) and Tremp
(75km).

Taxis

It may be helpful to hire a local taxi (usually 4WD vans) for a forest track
approach in some of the routes of this guide if we do not own a 4WD
vehicle, or to arrange a pick-up if we finish the route far from our starting
point. Updated contact information can be found on the websites of the
26
above mentioned Valls dneu Tourism Consortium and the Municipality of
Alt neu.

Maps

The most detailed map covering this area is the 1:25,000 topographic map
"Parc Natural de lAlt Pirineu NW (Vall dneu, Mont-roig)" of the
Cartographic Institute of Catalonia (www.icc.es). For climbs in the southern
sector of Alt neu it is also useful the Parc Natural dAigestortes i Estany
de Sant Maurici 1:25,000 map published by Editorial Alpina
(www.editorialalpina.com).

The heights and toponyms used in this guide are those of the
Cartographic Institute of Catalonia and the Nomencltor Oficial de
Toponmia Major of the Generalitat de Catalunya (government of Catalonia)
and the Institut dEstudis Catalans.

Weather Information

For the weather forecast we recommend checking the Meteorological
Service of Catalonia on the Internet (www.meteocat.com), which provides
a detailed weather forecast for the Pyrenees (Headings: Predicci, Predicci
al Pirineu), as well as data from the automatic weather station of La Bonaigua
(2266m) updated every half hour (Dades meteorolgiques, XEMA).

The French Weather Service provides on its website
(www.meteofrance.com) a forecast for mountain regions (Headings:
Montagne, Pyrnes Est) and data from the weather station of the Port
dAul (2140m) updated daily (Relev de haute montagne, Pyrnes Est, Port
dAula - Couserans).

Environmental regulations

Many of the walks in this guide pass through protected natural areas. It is
our duty to behave responsibly and respectfully with the natural values of the
territory and to comply with the protection regulations. The general
recommendations when visiting a National or a Natural Park are as follows:

- It is totally forbidden to light fires, except in the authorized rest
areas with barbecues with spark arresters.
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- Flora must be respected. It is not allowed to pick any plant or
vegetable.
- Wildlife and their habitats must be respected. It is forbidden to
capture or to disturb the animals, except hunting species in approved
places and with appropriate permissions.
- Do not collect rocks or other minerals. They are also protected.
- Respect private property. Do not tread on cultivated fields.
- Potentially dangerous dogs must be on a lead, because they that can
harm livestock and the protected wildlife.
- Avoid unnecessary noise that might disturb the peace of natural
spaces and affect wildlife.
- Bring your rubbish and deposit it in appropriate containers. Do not
litter the landscape we all enjoy.
- Remember that it is prohibited to camp in the National Parks. In the
Alt Pirineu Natural Park it is allowed to overnight in tents from
20:00 h to 8:00 h above 2000m of altitude. Outside of these hours
no tent can be set up.
- Respect signs and other information infrastructure of the Natural
Parks.
- Keep in mind that at all times the indications of rural police agents
and Natural Park staff must be followed.

Regulation of motorized traffic

None of us likes to see 4WDs on the mountain when we hike, but we
must recognize that these vehicles allow us to shorten the duration and the
height climbed of some walks. This is particularly interesting if we go with
children, as it will enable us to access to places and make ascents that would
otherwise be unfeasible.

Since early 2011 a municipal regulation of Als dIsil has established the
closing of the main track from El Fornet Refuge to Montgarri from
November 1st until June 1st. It has also been completely prohibited the
circulation of vehicles throughout the year on the tracks running from the
Pont de Perosa to Salau and to the Ras de Bonab (track to Peipicat mines).

In case of an encounter with a bear...

Encountering a bear is a very exceptional situation as these animals are
very scarce, discreet and they avoid humans. They have an extraordinary
28
sense of smell, good hearing and a mediocre sight. If they notice our
presence they will seek to avoid us. The French Office National de la Chasse
et Faune Sauvage (ONCFS) has edited a brochure with recommendations for
hikers, whose key messages are:

- Help the bear to detect your presence by making a little noise.
- Do not ever follow the traces of a bear.
- Never attempt to approach a bear, alone or accompanied by cubs,
even though it is at a great distance.
- If walking with dogs, keep them on a lead with you preventing them
to wander and to provoke the bear.

In case of an encounter at close range (less than 50m):

- Show calmly, speak and move quietly to help the bear to detect and
to identify you.
- Move away gradually, avoiding the path that the bear would take to
flee.
- Do not run.
- If the bear stands up, it is not a sign of aggression, but it is trying to
better detect and smell us.

... and with guarding-dogs.

More likely than encountering a bear is meeting a guarding-dog. These
large dogs are born and raised in the sheepfold and establish deep social
bonding with the sheep, developing a protective instinct towards them. The
appearance of any foreign element puts the dog on its guard. It will come up
and sniff us to identify us. It can approach and bark to intimidate us and
even, if it feels that the flock is in danger, it can attack. Another ONCFS
brochure details the actions to take if we meet guarding-dogs:

- Keep your distance.
- Make a wide detour to avoid the area where the ships are grazing or
resting.
- Avoid behaviours (like trying to caress, take or photograph a lamb)
that the dog may interpret as an attack.
- If it comes face to face with you, behave in a calm and passive
manner to reassure him. If you feel intimidated turn away slowly.
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- If walking with your dogs, keep them on a lead at all times and
maintain a safe distance from the herd (150 - 200m).
- If you are cycling, dismount before approaching a flock.

To learn more about the Bear of the Pyrenees

The Casa del Oso (House of the Bear) of Isil, an initiative of the
municipality of Alt neu and the NGO Acci Natura in collaboration with
the Fundacin Oso Pardo, will be a brown bear interpretation centre. It is
scheduled to open in 2012. A temporary exhibition has been carried out
during the summer 2011 in El Fornet Refuge with part of the materials that
will be shown in Isil. Two itineraries that depart from Isil to know the bears
habitat have been created in 2011. For more information on these activities
see the website of Acci Natura (www.accionatura.org , under the
headings: ecotourism, follow the bear trace).

Without leaving home we can visit the French government website
devoted to the bear (www.ours.ecologie.gouv.fr ), where we can find also
updated information on the follow-up of the bears of the Pyrenees, as well as
many photographs and videos of the bears.

The NGO Depana has developed an online game called 'Discovering the
Pyrenean brown bear' to help our children (and us) to know more about the
famous plantigrade. It can be played (in Spanish, Catalan and Aranese) in
www.depana.org .

30

The territory of the bear

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32

Bordes de Pina and Mont-Roig

MAP OF ITINERARIES

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34

1. Pic de Quartiules 11. Tuc de Bonab

2. Pic del Pinet 12. Pic de Qenca

3. Lo Tsol 13. Pic des Miques

4. Pui de la Bonaigua 14. Mont-roig

5. Pic de Bassiero Oriental 15. Pic de Montalt

6. Tuc de la Cigalera 16. Pic de Gel

7. Cap del Muntany drreu 17. Pic de Vinyals

8. Pic de la Plana 18. Pic de Clavera

9. Pic de Rosari 19. Bony de la Mina

10. Pic de Pils 20. Pic de Moredo

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Peaks of Marimanya and Rosari

36

WALKS

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38

PIC DE QUARTIULES
Pic de Quartiules (2226m)

This modest mountain, easy to climb and suitable for young children,
offers dizzying views over the Espot valley and a great panorama from Pica
dEstats (the highest mountain in the Catalan Pyrenees) to Mont Valier, and
over the Marimanya massif.

The top of Pic de Quartiules

Starting point: Car park of the Pla de la Font Refuge (1987m).
Approach: From Valncia dneu or Esterri drive W along the C-28 road.
Shortly after Valncia, take a detour to the left to Son (5km). Continue along
the paved road towards Espot and after 3km find on the right a forest track
that leads to the refuge (8.5km). The track is in good condition and is suitable
for conventional vehicles.
Time: 1h (with children).
Height climbed: 239m.
Distance: 1.9km.
Children: Suitable for children over 4 years.
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PIC DE QUARTIULES
41

Itinerary:
From the car park we walk along the wide track towards the Pla de la
Font Refuge, at a distance of 600m, which we reach after 15 minutes. Next
to the refuge a signpost shows the way to the "Mirador". We must continue
walking along the beautiful meadow following the wooden stakes with yellow
paint marks to the S, up to the Coll de Fogueruix (2108m, 35min), where
there is an orientation table and great views over Espot.
From the col we turn to the NE to find a path, marked with cairns and
small red wooden circles, that enters the wood. The path climbs gently at
first, but then we found a steeper stretch that will bring us to the meadows of
the top of the mountain.
We continue to the SE through woodland and meadows. On our right
there is an open hill (2224m, 1h) with great views. The true top is actually
situated fifty metres to the NE but it is covered with pine trees and has no
views.

ALT NEU
Pic del Pinet (2647m)

Easy climb with steep sections to a summit that stays hidden until near
the end of the walk and has good views over the mountains of the
Aigestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park (Pui de Linya,
Encantats, Peguera, Montsaliente).

Pla de la Font Refuge

Starting point: Car park of the Pla de la Font Refuge (1987m).
Shortly after Valncia, take a detour to the left to Son (5km). Continue along
the paved road towards Espot and after 3 km find on the right a forest track
that leads to the refuge (8.5km). The track is in good condition and is suitable
for conventional vehicles.
Time: 2h 30min (with children).
Distance: 4km.
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PIC DEL PINET

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Itinerary:
We follow the track that leads to the Pla de la Font Refuge, which we
reach in 15min. Next to the refuge there is a signpost that indicates the
routes we can take from there. We climb the meadow in S direction (there
are wooden stakes indicating the way) to the Coll de Fogueruix. Before
reaching it, another signpost indicates us to turn right (W) into the wood,
where we find a good trail that runs between the pines and brings us to a flat
open terrain on the Plana dAires (2220m, 50min), with great views over the
Espot valley.
We now face the great hill of Lo Planell that we start climbing along a
good trail that makes long zigzags. At half way the trail fades, but we notice
yellow paint marks on a rock as well as some cairns that guide us to reach the
top of the hill (2450m, 1h 30min). Now we walk at an easy angle for a couple
of hundred metres before tackling a new steep section, either directly straight
up or following a path that traverses right first. Following either option, we
get to the top of the hill, pass a small cave (El Forat del Pa) and reach the
summit of Milpotros (2633m, 2h 15min), where we first see the top of Pic
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del Pinet in front of us. We descend a few metres to a col covered with goat
excrements, from which we climb up the easy E ridge of the Pic del Pinet
(2647m, 2h 30min).

Lo Planell, Roca Blanca, Lo Tsol and Pui de la Bonaigua from the refuge

ALT NEU
Lo Tsol (2700m)

This mountain is easily identifiable by its huge NE slope over the village
of Son. Its ascension is usually done from the Pas del Coro by a direct climb
of the steep slopes of the NE face. Here we describe a route along the Canal
de Les Estanyeres.

Lo Tsol from the Centre de Natura de les Planes de Son

Starting point: Centre de Natura de les Planes de Son (1536m).
Shortly after Valncia take a detour to the left to Son (5 km). On leaving the
village, take the turning to the right. After 1.5km the paved road gets to the
Centre de Natura.
Time: 3h 15min.
Distance: 8.5km.
Children: Not suitable for children because of its length and slope. Starting
from the Pas del Coro (4WD) it could be climbed by children over 10.
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LO TSOL

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Itinerary:
At the entrance to the Centre de Nature a signpost marks the beginning
of the track leading to the Pas del Coro. Initially the track goes into the forest
and climbs steeply, but further up the gradient decreases and the track goes
out to open terrain with beautiful views over the Planes de Son valley and the
peaks of Lo Tsol and Roca Blanca. At the end of the valley the track enters
again the forest, gently ascending among the deep aroma of conifers. After
4.2km (1872m, 1h) we arrive at a fork in the track. A signpost shows that the
left track continues to the Pla de la Font and the right one to the Pas del
Coro.
It is possible to get here by 4WD car to shorten the length of the walk,
but here the track is relatively narrow and there is little room to park. It is
possible to do so a hundred metres beyond the National Park sign which
prohibits traffic to the Pas del Coro, in a bend to the right.
We continue towards the Pas del Coro, but before reaching it we take a
branch that bends left. This track soon fades and disappears in a meadow,
where we see some wooden stakes with yellow paint marks that signal the
route from the Pas del Coro to the Pla de la Font Refuge. We follow the
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marks to the left (S) and go back into the forest, where we find a good path
profusely marked with yellow paint. The path brings us comfortably through
almost flat terrain in the woods to get to a clearing and later to a large open
field (1953m, 1h 30min).
Here we can see directly overhead us (W) the tops of Roca Blanca and Lo
Tsol and between them the Canal de les Estanyeres, which we will
ascend. Although the summit seems very close, a steep and long climb awaits
us. The Canal de les Estanyeres is a succession of steep slopes alternating
with false plains that help us to breathe and to alleviate the leg pain. There
are no paths or cairns, but the ground is grassy and progression is not
difficult. After ascending the second slope (2300m, 2h 25min) it is possible to
climb to the ridge on our right and to go straight to the top from there. I
think it's better to follow the Canal, overcoming successive slopes with a
short scree section to the Coll de Son (2586m, 3h).
Now we continue towards the N along a path that runs on the simple and
easy ridge to the summit (2700m, 3h 15min), where there is a plaque in
memory of Quique Civat and Just Bardella, skiers of Esterri dneu killed by
an avalanche on this mountain the spring 2008.

ALT NEU
Pui de la Bonaigua (2778m)

This mountain of great volume and striking appearance watches as a
guardian the Bonaigua River valley, with the typical features of the granitic
mountains of the Aigestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. From
its top we enjoy a great view over the tormented landscape of the National
Parks northern mountains. Its ascension, however, is neither easy nor
pleasant.

Pui de la Bonaigua from Lo Tsol

Starting point: Car park of La Pella chairlift (1913m).
Approach: From Valncia dneu or Esterri drive along the C-28 road that
leads to the Aran valley across the Bonaigua Pass. At the km 49.4, on the left,
there is the entrance to the esplanade of La Pella chairlift in the Bonaigua
sector of the Baqueira-Beret ski resort.
Time: 2h 45min.
Distance: 4.7km.
Children: Not suitable for children.
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Itinerary:
From the car park we descend a hundred metres to the river to cross it,
next to a signpost showing the direction to the Estany de Gerber and the
Matar Refuge. We walk along a good trail that traverses a grassy slope (Es
Paletes) and enters the forest, where we climb gently up to the Estanyola de
Gerber (2020m, 30min).The trail is marked with cairns, wooden stakes with
yellow paint and red and green paint marks on the rocks and trees. The path
continues around the lake to the right and climbs up to a second lake: the
Estany Petit de Gerber (2125m, 55min). Now we have to walk along the E
side of this lake (our left) to its end. At the point where the path turns right
to start the climb to the Estany de Gerber, at the confluence of a ravine that
descends from the left side, we find a cairn that indicates the end of pleasure
and the onset of labor.
We leave the path to the Estany de Gerber and begin the arduous climb
up the ravine of Les Mines dAndreuet. First, we climb to our left among
granite rocks and rhododendrons up to a grassy hill crowned with a grove of
pines. From here, we can see what awaits us. We must negotiate the vast
chaos of rocks in SE direction, keeping rather to our right. From time to
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time we find some cairns that guide and comfort us letting us know that
someone has been here before.
We reach a characteristic group of big boulders (2360m, 1h 45min) and
we head towards a grassy corridor in front of us that descends from the
ridge. Despite our desire to leave the scree, its advisable that instead of
climbing this grassy ramp we continue to our left, next to the rock wall,
through a ground of grass and shattered stones to find the next
corridor, which leads us to the Coll de Xemenies (2572m, 2h 15min).
Now we have to climb the ridge to the NE. The first sector of the ridge is
the most difficult, with several gendarmes and steep slopes. However, we can
easily avoid this section by the steep grassy slopes of the Cabanes side (E)
and return to the ridge about 100m above. From here, the ridge is broad and
consists of simple granite blocks where we move with ease, requiring
occasional scrambling. On the top of Pui de la Bonaigua (2778m, 2h 45min)
there is a plaque in memory of Eduard Castellarnau, alpinist from Valncia
d'neu who died in a mountain accident in the Alps the summer 2008.

ALT NEU
Pic de Bassiero Oriental (2897m)

The peaks of Bassiero are the highest mountains in Alt neu. This,
together with the beautiful route through the Gerber valley, full of lakes, and
the fantastic views from the summit over the mountains of the Aigestortes i
Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, specially Peguera and Encantats,
justifies the inclusion of this route in the guide.

Pic de Bassiero from the Col de Bassiero

Starting point: Car park of La Pella chairlift (1913m).
leads to the Aran valley across the Bonaigua Pass. At the km 49.4, on the left,
there is the entrance to the esplanade of La Pella chairlift in the Bonaigua
sector of the Baqueira-Beret ski resort.
Time: 3h.
Distance: 6.9km.

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PIC DE BASSIERO ORIENTAL

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Itinerary:
From the car park we descend a hundred metres to the river to cross it,
next to a signpost showing the direction to the Estany de Gerber and the
Matar Refuge.
We walk on an excellent and convenient path that goes almost flat in SE
direction to the entrance of the Gerber valley, where it turns towards the S
and ventures into the forest to reach the Estanyola de Gerber (2020m, 30
min) after a short climb between pines. The small lake is surrounded along its
left shore (our right) and we climb up to a second lake: the Estany Petit de
Gerber (2.125m, 50min). We continue along the right side of the lake to its
end and reach the stream that drains the Estany de Gerber, descending
sandwiched between rock walls from the lake (2165m, 1h 5min), the usual
destination of dozens of tourists.
The path leaves within a few metres the shore of the Estany de Gerber
and ascends in zigzags to the left (E) to gain altitude and then goes in S
direction along the hillside of the lake basin. The path is good and it is
profusely marked with cairns and red and green paint. We cross a stream and
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PIC DE BASSIERO ORIENTAL
climb a steep section between rocks, pines and rhododendron to reach the
Estany Llong (2315m, 1h 25min).
The path now winds through grassy ground between granite rocks. It has
flat and even descending sections, alternating with steeper slopes that we
overcome in a beautiful landscape dotted with lakes to reach the Matar
Refuge (2460m, 2h), on a large rock over the Estany de lIlla. This non-
guarded refuge is in very good condition. It has capacity for 16 people and it
has radio and emergency equipment, mattresses and blankets and it is ideally
situated as a starting point for ascents of Pics de Bassiero, the peaks of
Amitges and Saboredo (through the Coll de l'Estany Gelat), as well as for
hikes to the valleys of Cabanes and Sant Maurici.

Matar Refuge

From the refuge we climb towards the SSE up a group of granite hills
that surround the lake. There are many cairns and a trace of path that lead to
a small col over a valley flooded by granite blocks at the base of Pic of
Bassiero (2550m, 2h 15min). From here, we can see the corridor leading to
the Coll de Bassiero. We follow the cairns that traverse across the hillside of
Pic de Tres Pics in E/SE direction to the base of the corridor (2610m, 2h
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25min). We now climb steeply, keeping to our left to avoid the most
shattered rock sections in the centre of the corridor, up to the Coll de
Bassiero (2740m, 2h 45min).
From here, the slope softens momentarily before tackling the final hill of
grass and blocks of granite to the summit of Pic de Bassiero Oriental
(2897m, 3h).
The route to the western peak (slightly higher, 2903m) is only for
experienced mountaineers. It requires descending vertical and unstable rocky
terrain to the gap between the two peaks and then climbing a corner-chimney
and overcoming some granite blocks to the top (and then coming
back). Most walkers will find the eastern peak ascent fully satisfactory.

TUC DE LA CIGALERA
Tuc de la Cigalera (2497m)

The road to the Bonaigua Pass offers a high starting point for this short
and pleasant walk on alpine meadows. Great views over the mountains of the
northern sector of the Aigestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park,
as well as over the distant massifs of Besiberri and Maladeta.

On the top of Tuc de la Cigalera

Starting point: km 47.8 of the C-28 road (2037m).
leads to the Aran valley across the Bonaigua Pass. About 200m past the km
48, in a curve to the left, there is a wide plateau to park.
Distance: 2.2km.

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TUC DE LA CIGALERA

Itinerary:
We climb gently up a grassy smooth slope to the NW to find a trail
marked with cairns, where we turn to the NE/E. The trail ascends through
the brooms to a meadow frequented by horses and cows. Following the
cairns we ascend left to the upper part of the meadow, where we find a more
obvious path that continues to the right to reach a col over a pool, the Bassa
de Boscs (2220m, 40min). From here we can see integrally the route that we
must follow to the Collada del Muntany, and then to the S along the ridge
to the summit.
In order not to loose altitude, we head to the left to any of the several
faint paths that surround the basin of the pool to its N side, and then we
continue either at mid-slope or on the bottom of the valley (a beautiful
carpet of green grass) towards the col.
We pass a wide corridor that descends from the ridge of Tuc de la
Cigalera, that is very tempting as direct line of ascent (in fact I fell into the
temptation) but it is made up of very soft soil and loose rocks with a strong
inclination. Honestly, it's much better to continue along the valley to the
wide Collada del Muntany (2429m, 1h 30min). Now we have to completely
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change course to climb along a trail to the left of the N ridge of the
peak. This trail has also some shattered and steep sections, but it is in general
easy and comfortable and places us on the top of Tuc de la Cigalera (2497m,
1h 45min).

CAP DEL MUNTANY DRREU
Cap del Muntany drreu (2630m)

This beautiful mountain is easily accessible from the road to the Bonaigua
Pass ant it is situated on the lake areas of Garrabea and Baciver. Its ascension
is short and simple but attention should be paid on the final summit ridge.

Tuc de la Cigalera (left) and Cap del Muntany drreu (right)

leads to the Aran valley through the Bonaigua Pass. About 200m past the km
48, in a curve to the left there is a wide plateau to park.
Distance: 3km.

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CAP DEL MUNTANY DRREU

Itinerary:
From the car park we walk to the NW following the cairns for about 100
metres to find a path that goes to the right (E) and ascends between the
brooms. After about 350 metres we climb a small corridor and reach a
meadow. We continue to our left following trail traces and cairns to the
upper part of the meadow, where there is an evident path that goes to the
right (E) and leads to a small col over a pool, the Bassa de Boscs (2220m,
40min).
We continue to our left along the hillside to surround the basin of the
pool to its northern end and thence we proceed in NNW direction either on
the bottom of the grassy valley or along any of the various parallel paths that
run at mid-slope of Tuc de la Cigalera to the Collada del Muntany (2429m,
1h 30min).
From the col it is possible to reach the summit climbing its S ridge. At
first it is wide and grassy, but further up it becomes rocky and narrow and
requires a bit scrambling, though it does not present any major
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difficulties. There are some stretches a bit more complicated or exposed that
can be surrounded by the E side to resume later the ridge, scrambling a
corridor of land and rock and then continuing on through easier terrain to
the summit.
However, if we go with children it is better to avoid the ridge making a
traverse across the SE face. From the Collada del Muntany we ascend
around a hundred metres on the wide and grassy ridge, until we pass a scree
that we see on the SE slope. Then, we turn right and walk through easy
terrain to find a path (that vanishes at moments) that will bring us
comfortably, but with some steep sections, to an area of loose granite blocks
fifty metres below the summit.
We scramble the blocks easily, but taking care to avoid stumbling and
rock movements, to reach the rocky, narrow and rough summit of Cap del
Muntany drreu (2630m, 2h 30min).

PIC DE LA PLANA
Pic de la Plana (2493m)

Pic de la Plana is the big ochre mountain with a triangular top that closes
the horizon of Isavarre and Born to the west. Its climb from the road to the
Bonaigua Pass is easy and short and we can enjoy a beautiful walk along a
wide grassy ridge at 2300m above sea level, with great views over the
surrounding mountains.

Pic de la Plana from Isavarre

leads to the Aran valley through the Bonaigua Pass. One hundred metres
before reaching km 48, on the left side of the road, there is a small esplanade
to park.
Distance: 4.3km.

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PIC DE LA PLANA

Itinerary:
From the car park we walk at first to the E between large blocks of rock.
We find a line of cairns that guide us to the path that we will follow for the
rest of the walk.
After walking about 200m to the east, we turn N to start climbing the
steep grassy slope. The trail is well defined and leads us again to the E
making long zigzags, gaining altitude progressively and allowing us to climb
comfortably the steep slope. The path reaches the top of a ridge and levels
out next to a pond (2359m, 50min).
After this initial steep climb, the route will be a comfortable walk with
gentle ups and downs along a long and wide grassy ridge. We go down
twenty metres to a col and continue up towards a series of fences that seem
to delimitate a ski-slope, to get to the top of Cap de Comials (2441m, 1h
40min), where there is a trench.
Then, we descend 50m to the next col and head towards Pic del
Muntany. Instead of climbing this top, we traverse through comfortable and
open terrain with traces of path to the NE, to directly reach the summit of
Pic de la Plana (2493m, 2h 15min).
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View from the top of Pic de la Plana

PIC DE ROSARI
Pic de Rosari (2608m)

This is a very long walk, but also very beautiful as it runs along the lonely
and almost virginal rreu valley, where human intervention is almost null. In
the route we will find the lovely lakes of Rosari and Garrabea.

Estany and Pic de Rosari

Starting point: Born (1106m).
Approach: Get to Boren either from Esterri along the C-147 road through
Isavarre, or from Valncia dneu along the C-28 and the road to Sorpe.
Park in the village of Born.
Time: 5h.
Distance: 10km.

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PIC DE ROSARI

Itinerary:
We walk along the C-147 road towards Isil to the Romanesque bridge of
rreu. We cross it and follow the track that leads to the abandoned village of
rreu (1258m, 25min). Then, we continue along the path to the left up to the
Veinat de Dalt. Here, on the last house on the right, a yellow mark shows us
the beginning of a path that goes straight to the mountain (N) and then turns
left (W), going upon the edge of a wall. At times the path seems to be
engulfed by vegetation, but further up it improves and goes up the valley
along the left side of the river, a hundred metres above its course, under a
magnificent and fresh hazelnut forest.
The path finally meets the river at a plank bridge (1700m, 1h 35min). We
must, however, continue to our right without crossing the river, through a
forest of pine trees following the yellow marks. The terrain is more
unpleasant and steep. In general the trail is quite clear and there are enough
marks not to get lost. When we reach a rocky flat ground in the forest
(1830m, 1h 55min), we have to be alert not to get confused. We must locate
a cairn made up of white stones indicating that the path goes N among the
ferns and then turns left (W) to exit to a grassy clearing. From here it
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continues rising between the pines to a pool that indicates the proximity
of the Estany de Rosari (1998m, 2h 30min).
Now, we walk along a path on the S shore of the lake, cross a stream and
go to the far end of the lake. Here the paint marks are scarce and we have to
look for a line of cairns that make us climb N to a large meadow with a
metallic structure for handling of livestock (2027m, 2h 50min). We cross the
meadow towards the W/SW to our left and climb up to another grassy plain,
where there is a crumbling wall. From here we have to go towards the Estany
de Garrabea surpassing the ridge that separates the two lake basins.
We continue for around 250m to the W along a grassy valley keeping
rather to the left, trying to locate an inconspicuous cairn that marks the
beginning of a narrow path that climbs steeply to reach the back of the ridge
(2180m, 3h 20min) and climbs down the other side to the Estany de
Garrabea. If we do not find this path we should go up the rock barrier
following our instinct.
We proceed along the Garrabea Lakes left side (our right) to the
meadows of its northern shore. About 300m beyond the lake, on our left,
another inconspicuous cairn signals the beginning of a path that will bring us
up the hill to the Coll de la Forqueta drreu. If we do not find it, we should
go cross-country in ENE direction avoiding the scree to get to the pass
(2414m, 4h 30min), from which we can see the Pla de Beret.
Now we have to climb the long N ridge (about 1km) of the Serra de
Baciverols. The ridge is broad and mostly grassy with some scree and rocky
sections. At some exposed points of the ridge we can traverse following a
narrow path on the right (side of Garrabea). We climb a succession of hills to
the summit of Pic de Rosari (2608m, 5h), topped with a wooden cross.

PIC DE PILS
Pic de Pils (2657m)

Pic de Pils dominates the basin of Esterri dneu from the N and it is a
formidable barrier that delimitates the Noguera Pallaresa River valley from
Born to Als. I dont know if we can speak of a normal route, as the normal
is that nobody climbs this great mountain that offers an extraordinary
panorama in all directions. The route from Isil, very direct, is the most
tempting.

Pic de Pils from Airoto valley

Starting point: Isil (1163m).
Approach: Get to Isil either from Esterri along the C-147 road through
Park in the village of Isil.
Time: 3h 20min.
Distance: 4.9km.

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PIC DE PILS

Itinerary:
From the small car park in front of the trash containers we head to the
bridge over the Noguera Pallaresa River. We cross the two bridges and go
straight to a square, where we turn right along the Sescales Street to its end.
Here, the cemented floor ends and a good path begins. We will see a paint
mark depicting the footprint of a bear at the beginning of the path, that
climbs through a wooded area and is marked with cairns and plastic strips
hanging from some branches. After reaching a clearing with beautiful views
over the village of Isil and the mountain of Qenca, the path enters again
among the hazels to finish at the forest track (1340m, 30min) that goes to the
Bordes de Ris.
We follow the track to the right and continue along it to its abrupt end at
the Sarredo stream (1442m, 50min). It is possible to get here by 4WD car,
but the tracks end is quite narrow and there is hardly any place to park and
to manoeuvre to turn back. After crossing the stream, a grassy path
continues horizontally towards the left (N) but it soon fades, so it is more
practical to climb directly cross-country to the NE up the steep meadow
towards a solitary and visible tree in its upper part. From a few metres past
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the tree, we can already see the abandoned stone houses of the Bordes de
Ris. We continue up the hill in the same direction, now through more
uncomfortable terrain because the prairie is crisscrossed by small brooks and
muddy, reaching the Bordes de Ris (1628m, 1h 15min).
From the huts we continue climbing in the same direction up a steep
meadow to reach the ridge of Puiolo (1780m, 1h 35min). Towards the N of
the ridge the terrain is heavily wooded and impenetrable, while the S side is
clearer and the vegetation consists basically of brooms. We continue walking
along the ridge on the edge of the woods on the S slope and laboriously
navigating among the brooms, many of them charred by a recent fire
(February 2011), to find the most comfortable ground. We reach the base of
a rocky promontory (2120m, 2h 15min), where it is better to go a few metres
further to the S from the line of the ridge to find easier terrain to progress.
After passing the promontory, the brooms disappear gradually and we reach
an open terrain of alpine meadows and rocks with direct view to the summit
(2340m, 2h 40 min). Now, in a true high mountain environment we ascend
through easy terrain the steep W slope directly to the summit of Pic de Pils
(2657m, 3h 20 min), enjoying superb views.

TUC DE BONAB
Tuc de Bonab (2723m)

This lonely mountain overlooks the beautiful Airoto Lake and its rude
and long climb from Isil runs along the whole Airoto valley. Its central
position in the massif of Marimanya offers great views over its mountains.

Tuc de Bonab from the Estany dAiroto

Starting point: Isil (1163m).
Approach: Get to Isil either from Esterri along the C-147 road through
Park in the village of Isil.
Time: 4h 30min.
Distance: 8.2km.

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TUC DE BONAB

Itinerary:
In Isil we walk up the Carrer de la Molina to its end, passing next to the
Casa Pastora restaurant. On the right, next to a fountain and trough, a good
and wide track, lined by stone walls, begins. It goes in N direction in search
of the Riuet dAiroto.
When the track reaches the river it turns into a nice trail, which ascends
parallel to the Airoto River, through a shady deciduous wood. There are
cairns from time to time, but the path is very clear and easy to follow.
At around 1685m of altitude (1h 10 min) the trail gets out of the woods
to a terrain of bushes and brooms. The trail seems to disappear at times on
the grass or engulfed among the brooms, but it is also easy to follow and the
cairns are now more numerous. After reaching a promontory (1960m, 1h
40min) we can see that the valley narrows and levels out, leading us to the
vicinity of a small lake: the Estanyoleta dAiroto (2040m, 2h 5min).
We must not descend to it, but continue along the path to the right, as
indicated by the numerous cairns that mark this point, reaching a green valley
at the foot of the great rocky wall of Pic de Qenca. We ascend the valley
towards the N on a good path to the upper end (2244m, 2h 30min).
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The path now goes to the W descending next to 2 ponds and gets to the
Airoto Refuge (2200m, 2h 40min). This non-guarded refuge is in very good
condition, the cover has been recently renovated (2009) and it has mattresses,
blankets, emergency radio, electric lights powered by solar panels, kitchen
utensils and a stove. It can accommodate about 10 people.

Airoto Refuge

Our next movement will be to surround the Airoto Lake (not visible from
the refuge) and to reach the Coll dAiroto. We head in NW direction towards
a prominent cairn. From here we can see the drainage of the lake. We have to
pass over it to the S shore. Then, we continue to the NW and find a faint
narrow path that runs along the lake about 50m above it, above a thick
mantle of rhododendrons, crosses a scree section and leads us to the corridor
that descends from the Collada dels Plans, which leads to the Estanys dels
Plans and the Estany Superior de Rosari.
We must, however, continue the traverse of the lake basin through a quite
uncomfortable mixed terrain of rhododendrons, pines, granite boulders and
grassy slopes to get in front of the Coll dAiroto. We continue our ascent
now through grassy and rocky ground to reach the Estanyet de Marimanya
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dIsavarre (2391m, 3h 40min). From here we ascend to the NW following
the cairns or our intuition to reach the Coll dAiroto (2509m, 4h).
Alternatively and probably more comfortably, it is possible to reach the
col going around the lake along its N side. To do so, from the refuge we
come back up to the second of the ponds and continue along a good path
marked with cairns towards the N. It is the route that leads to the Collada del
Clot de Moredo. We reach an open field from which we can see this col to
the N and the Coll d'Airoto to the W. Now we continue pathless towards the
latter, crossing the great chaos of granite blocks at the foot of Tuc de Bonab
to reach the Coll dAiroto.
From the col we must climb the SW ridge of the peak. We initially climb a
rocky stretch and continue through wide and easy grassy ground to reach a
gendarme that blocks the passage. We can avoid the gendarme descending
with ease over the rocks on our left and returning to the ridge a few metres
ahead. Also it is possible to descend a grassy corridor on our right and then
to climb back on easy terrain of grass to near the edge of the ridge. The ridge
ahead is now made up of big blocks of granite and it is mostly easy. It is
possible to avoid some more difficult sections traversing to our right through
steep grassy terrain without any difficulties, to find a corridor of grass that
will put us directly on the top of Tuc de Bonab (2723m, 4h 30min).

ALT NEU
Pic de Qenca (2639m)

This beautiful mountain is easily recognizable from a great distance by the
brilliancy of the quartzite inlaids of its summit pyramid.

Pic de Qenca

Starting point: End of Moredo track (1990m).
Approach: From Isil drive along the C-147 road towards Als dIsil. After
1.5km, take a track to the left. A few metres from its beginning there is a
metallic sign indicating "Bareos". The track is suitable for 4WD
vehicles. After 3km, ignore the detour to the left to the Bordes de Lapre, and
after 5km the detour to the right to the Bordes de Moredo. After 7km pass
next to the Cabaa de Portiero and continue to the end of the track (8km,
35min by car), where there is an esplanade to park.
Elevation: 649m.
Distance: 2.5km.

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To reach the starting point of this route a 4WD vehicle is necessary. If we do
not have one, we can hire a taxi to make the trip. Alternatively we can climb
up the entire track, which is 8km long and has a height difference of 740m (2
more hours of climb). In this case, the ascent is not suitable for children.

Itinerary:
From the end of the track we descend to the Moredo stream to cross it
easily. We follow a very conspicuous and wide grassy track gently climbing in
S/SE direction to a pine forest. We must continue on the track, at times
invaded by trees, which traverses the E side of the mountain to find to our
right a clearing like a corridor flanked by pines (2077m, 25min).
We head for the grassy aisle close to the pines on the left to get to the
upper part of the wood, already in the broad and grassy SE ridge (2188m, 45
min). We climb up the ridge to reach the base of the rocks that make up the
summit (2450m, 1h 30min).
We continue the ascent, very steep now, on the left edge of the summit
pyramid where we find path traces. Occasionally we have to scramble
without major difficulties. Finally we reach the summit ridge, flat, wide, and
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made up of safe rock, where a great cairn marks the culminant point of the
mountain (2639m, 2h).

On the top

ALT NEU
Pic des Miques (2492m)

This slender mountain is the highest elevation of the Serra de Comabiera,
a long ridge that runs down from Pic de Moredo, over which it offers a
beautiful view.

Pic des Miques

Starting point: Cabana de Portiero.
Approach: From Isil drive along the C-147 road towards Als dIsil. After 1.5
km, take a track to the left. A few metres from its beginning there is a
metallic sign indicating "Bareos". The track is suitable for 4WD
vehicles. After 3km, ignore the detour to the Bordes de Lapre to the left, and
after 5km the detour to the right to the Bordes de Moredo. After 7km on a
sharp bend to the left get to the metallic hut of Portiero, where there is place
to park.
Time: 2 hours (with children).
Distance: 2.5km.
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As in the case of Pic de Qenca, a 4WD vehicle (your own one or a local
taxi) is required to reach the starting point. We can walk up the track to the
Portiero hut but this means additional 7km length and 700m height
difference, leaving the route out of the reach of our children.
The metallic hut of Portiero has a broken window, the window glass on the
floor and the door does not close completely. It is only suitable for use in
case of an extreme need.

Itinerary:
From the hut we head to the N along a footpath that goes to the Portiero
stream, situated 300m away. We ascend parallel to the stream for about 50m
and cross it on a small plain (1950m, 10min). We continue on a small valley
in NE/E direction to find a new stream marked with a cairn. If we go cross-
country straight up towards the E we will reach another plain, where there is
a wooden hut in good condition, useful as an emergency shelter. We
continue, however, the climb on the right side of the river somewhat
enclosed to get to the Clot de Portiero, a nice grassy plain dotted with
scattered pines (2080m, 35min).
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When reaching open and high terrain we see the route that we must
follow. We have to climb the large grassy slope towards the N to reach the
ridge, to the right (NE) of a rocky section of the Serra de
Comabiera. Although there are only occasional traces of path, cross-country
progression is comfortable and the slope moderate.
The gradient increases remarkably on the final section that brings us to
the back of the ridge (2409m, 1h 40min). We now continue on almost flat
terrain for about 200m before climbing, up a very steep but easy ground of
grass and rock, the beautiful summit cone of Pic des Miques (2492m, 2h).

The Clot de Portiero and Pic de Moredo in Autumn

ALT NEU
Mont-roig (2864m)

Mont-roig is undoubtedly the best known mountain of Alt neu,
although its most common route of ascent starts from the neighbouring
Cards valley. The route that we describe runs along the Comamala valley
and it is often quite frequented up to the Coll de la Cornella by mountaineers
hiking along the HRP (Haute Route des Pyrnes).

Mont-roig from the Estanys de la Tartera

Starting point: Pont de Pina (1315m).
Approach: From Als dIsil drive along the narrow paved road towards
Montgarri. Pina Bridge is 2km away from Als, but there is no place to park
vehicles, so continue for 1km more to reach a cattle-grid, after which there is
a large esplanade to park.
Hours: 4h 30min.
Distance: 8km.

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Itinerary:
From the car park (1357m) we walk back 1km to Als to find on our left
the track that goes to the river. At Pina Bridge (1315m, 15min) we cross the
Noguera Pallaresa River and continue walking up a wide track that climbs to
a first house, crosses a metalic door and continues zigzagging up to the upper
two Bordes de Pina (1462m, 35min).
The track ends just between the 2 buildings. In its end we see 2 stone
cairns flanking the beginning of a faint footpath that goes to the forest,
where it becomes a good trail that turns to the E and ascends between
the trees. At first the gradient is strong, but then there is an almost flat and
even descending section. The path is clear and easy to follow. At some
clearings or crossing a stream it fades, but the numerous and prominent
cairns help us to find it again. After crossing one of the streams we will also
see a large pine tree with a hair trap that reminds us that we are in the
territory of the bear.
The path runs to meet the Comamala River (1760m, 1h 25min) where we
go out to open terrain. We ascend a grassy slope and get to the Clot dels
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MONT-ROIG
Pilars in the upper Comamala cirque (1890m, 1h 40min). On our right (SE)
we see the waterfall that flows from the Bassa de Sobriu, our next goal.
The path continues almost flat towards it and leads us to a point where it
is easy to cross the stream. Then, it ascends between rhododendrons and
pines up the right side of the waterfall (our left) to the Bassa de Sobriu (2074
m, 2 h), a good place to bivouac if we want to do the climb in 2 days.
From here we follow the path to the E and climb a corridor leading to a
valley flooded by large stone blocks, where there is another pond (2200m, 2h
15min). The path and the cairns lead us to the right, but we must be vigilant
after a few tens of metres to leave the line of cairns that goes to the SE and
to continue through the chaos of boulders directly to the E, passing about
fifty metres away from the pond, to reach the base of a grassy slope (also
indicated with cairns). We climb among rhododendrons the steep slope and
when it levels out we go through a sort of corridor, after which we climb to
the right through mixed terrain of rocks, some grassy stretches and scree up
to the Coll de la Cornella (2482m, 3h).
Next, we have to climb the ridge to the NE. The first section is quite
steep and we have to scramble, though it is not difficult. Then, we will have
to do a somewhat acrobatic and exposed traverse to the right to avoid
climbing down a steep rock section. Afterwards, we continue up through
easier terrain of rock and grass to reach an intermediate elevation (2602m, 3h
20min), from which we descend on similar ground to the Coll de la Tartera,
also called Collada de Mont-roig (2547m, 3h 30min). For those who dont
like scrambling a ridge, it is possible to by-pass it descending a hundred
metres down from the Coll de la Cornella to the E, and then traversing
through easy though steep grassy terrain the base of the ridge to the N to
reach the Coll de la Tartera.
From the col we continue up on grassy ground in NE direction to reach
the base of a large scree section. We start climbing it, but as soon as we can,
we turn to our right to reach a ground of grass and rock a few metres from
the edge of the ridge, that leads us to the base of the final rock wall. This wall
looks stunning from below, but there is a narrow path that runs along and up
it, leading without difficulty, although with some scrambling, to its top edge
in the wide summit region of Mont-roig, next to a huge cairn (2835m, 4h).
We continue along the ridge to reach a trig point, called Pic de la Tartera
(2846m, 4h 5min).
However, the true summit is further to the NE. We descend a few metres
the vast plateau to a col, where the final ridge leading to the summit
begins. This rocky ridge is easy but has some slightly exposed sections that
can be avoided traversing right through grassy ground that leads to the
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summit of Mont-roig (2864m, 4h 30min). A few metres further and
separated by a bit difficult gap, there is the N top, of lower altitude.

The top of Mont-roig

PIC DE MONTALT
Pic de Montalt (2495m)

This rarely visited mountain enjoys, due to its location above the Port de
Salau, an unmatched panorama over the headwaters of the Noguera Pallaresa
River, the neighbouring French valleys and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Pic de Montalt from El Fornet

Starting point: Refugi de El Fornet (1371m).
Approach: From Als d'Isil continue along the narrow paved road towards
Montgarri for 4km to the car park in front of El Fornet Refuge (closed
nowadays). During the summer, an information booth of the Alt Pirineu
Natural Park is opened next to the car park.
Distance: 4.4km.

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Itinerary:
We follow the track to Montgarri and after 700m we find on our right a
signpost that indicates the way to the Port de Salau. It's called the Cam Vell
de Salau (Old Trail to Salau) and it is marked with GR paint marks (red and
white).
We climb through the forest up to a clearing next to the Salau stream. We
cross the watercourse and ascend the opposite side to a meadow (1500m,
35min) where the path disappears. There are a couple of stakes with GR
marks that guide us in the direction to follow. We have to climb the right
edge of the meadow in E/NE direction toward a group of fallen trees, where
we find again a path among the brooms leading to another meadow.
The paint marks bring us right towards the stream, to later ascend and
cross the forest in front of us and go out to open terrain. However, the route
through the forest is at times a bit confusing and I think it is more beautiful,
comfortable and evident to climb the beautiful grassy valley on our left. We
will join back the path with the GR marks past the forest at about 1730m (1h
10min).
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From here, we rise to the right to a hill and continue climbing in zigzags
now a steep grassy slope, where the path faints and the GR marks are
scarce. The route continues to the left, where there is a tree next to the dry
bed of a stream. Here, we find a more evident path that turns right and joins
another trail coming from the left (1930m, 1h 50min). We continue rising
gently to the E and reach the Port de Salau (2085m, 2h 15min). In the col
there are the ruins of a cable car station built by the French in the early
twentieth century for the transport of wood from the Spanish side.
From the Port de Salau a path goes towards the base of the Pic de
Portavera that we have to traverse left (W). The trail leads us to the SW ridge
of Pic de Montalt, on the left of a rocky outcrop at 2250m (2h 55m) and
continues along the edge of the easy grassy ridge with steep sections,
climbing successive elevations to reach the summit of Pic de Montalt
(2495m, 3h 35min).

Nria on the ridge of Pic de Montalt

PIC DE GEL
Pic de Gel (2499m)

This mountain, that shows a very attractive contour from Perosa, is the
easiest of the peaks that make up the long ridge that runs down from Mont-
roig to the Port de Salau. Although the climb is a bit long to do with
children, it is very nice because much of the route (around 5km) runs along a
comfortable and wide track.

Pic de Gel from Perosa

Starting point: Pont de Perosa (1475m).
Approach: From Als dIsil continue along a narrow paved road for 4km to
the Refugi El Fornet. From here, drive along a dirt track in quite good
condition for 5km more to the car park next to the Perosa Bridge. If there is
not snow or much mud, this track is suitable for conventional vehicles.
Distance: 8.2km.

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PIC DE GEL

Itinerary:
From the car park we walk E along the track that goes to the Port de
Salau. The track is quite steep at first, but levels out soon and rises gently
through the deciduous forest, later replaced by large pines, leaving aside two
deviations to the Port dAul. We leave the forest to open terrain (1680m,
50min) with great views over the valley and continue through almost flat
terrain for almost 1km. Then the track ascends definitely in long zigzags to
its ends in a small esplanade (1945m, 1h 30min).
A few metres before the end of the track, there is a detour to the right
that leads to an enclosure for a flock of sheep guarded by a guarding-dog,
which surely will come to intimidate us. We must behave wisely and stay
away from the sheep.
From the end of the track we see a small bridge formed by two planks on
a water course. There are marks of yellow paint on the bridge indicating the
beginning of the good path that we must follow. The trail climbs gently
towards the SSE traversing the base of Pic de Montalt comfortably (there is
even a wooden handrail on a stretch). After passing the SW ridge of Pic de
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Montalt the path goes almost flat in SE direction to the Port de Salau
(2085m, 2 h).
From the Port de Salau we continue to the SE along a path towards the
first of the elevations of the ridge, the Pic de la Peguilla. We do not ascend it,
but traverse across the Bonab side (W) to a characteristic stretch of
limestone on the ridge (2260m, 2h 25min).
From here we will climb along the ridge. This is mostly grassy and easy,
although it has some narrow stretches between steep and slippery grassy
slopes on both sides. We overcome various elevations on the ridge, some
with strong inclination, and finally we descend a few metres to the base of
the final summit pyramid (2390m, 2h 45min). Seen from below, this final
stretch is imposing, but its easier than it looks. The grassy ground, though
very steep, is comfortable, there are traces of path and it is not necessary to
scramble at any time to reach the summit of Pic de Gel (2499m, 3h).

PIC DE VINYALS
Pic de Vinyals (2398m)

This modest top holds little relevance, but its ascent is highly
recommended because it allows to climb the beautiful Coma dAul to the
homonymous col and also because of its great views over Mont Valier, the
Marimanya massif and the headwaters of the Noguera Pallaresa, as well as
over the distant peaks of the Maladeta massif and the northern mountains of
the Aigestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.

Mont Valier from Pic de Vinyals

Distance: 4.3km.
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PIC DE VINYALS

Itinerary:
We take the track to the Port de Salau and after about 300m we see a
signpost that indicates the way to the Port dAul. We must follow a short
cut beginning next to a large cairn. This path rises continuously above the
track in E direction to end again in a sharp bend on the track to Salau. We
continue along the track for 300m more to a second signpost that indicates
us to abandon definitively the track to Salau. We walk along a path that
climbs a grassy slope first and then goes into a corridor between trees to get
to a meadow (1660m, 30min).
Here we must be careful not to lose the route. There is a GR paint mark
on a small stone in the centre of the meadow and another one about 30m to
the N, which marks the beginning of a good path leading to our right (E) to a
clearing. Here, we turn completely to the left and climb zigzagging among
the brooms and bushes to arrive near the hut of the Pletiu dAul (1780m,
45min), which is in good condition and can be useful as emergency
shelter. The path we have followed is very clear and it is well marked with
GR marks and yellow circles.
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Now we walk a few metres to the NE and we spot the Coma dAul,
bounded by the hillside of Pic de Vinyals to the E and a grassy ridge to the
west. We should not head to the bottom of the valley to climb it. Instead, we
climb a few hundred metres to the NW following the GR marks and the
cairns, almost to the base of the grassy ridge that bounds the Coma dAul,
where we find a path that leads to the E ascending gently the valley up to a
hill (2040m, 1h 30min).
Here, the trail disappears and we have to walk comfortably on alpine
meadows following the GR marks towards the NE, although the route is
logical and obvious. We pass the Estanyola dAul (2180m, 1h 50min) and
finally we reach the Port dAul (2262m, 2 h). We crawl under the electric
fence and on the French side we climb the steep grassy slope of the
mountain to reach the ridge, where we turn right to get to Pic de Vinyals
(2398m, 2h 20min).

PIC DE CLAVERA
Pic de Clavera (2721m)

This great mountain, with a magnificent panorama from its top, merits an
exclusive chapter even though its importance is overshadowed by its
proximity to Mont Valier, and for many it is just a geographical accident en
route to the giant of Arige.

Pic de Clavera

Time: 3h 15m.
Distance: 6.3km.

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Itinerary:
We walk along the track that runs beside the young Noguera Pallaresa
River following the Montgoso signalled route, a short and beautiful walk that
deserves to spend a relaxing morning on it. After 20 minutes we reach the
Prats de Clavera where the track forks. We leave the Montgoso route and
continue on the track to the right, with GR marks, which makes a pair of
zigzags and goes towards the Clavera stream.
The track ends abruptly (1560m, 35min) and turns into a footpath that
ascends a grassy slope and then meets again the stream course, climbing
gently along its left side (E). The path reaches a confluence of watercourses:
the Cernalla stream that descends from the N and the Clavera stream that
descends from the NE (1710m, 55min). Without crossing the latter stream,
we follow the path that rises to our right (SE) to go into the woods, where it
makes several zigzags before heading back to the N to meet again the course
of the stream, having passed elegantly the first section of the ravine.
Now we cross the stream (1810m, 1h 10min) and climb up along its right
side, parallel to the watercourse, with steep slopes. At times, the trail fades
but there are enough GR marks and cairns not to lose the route. When the
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path seems to be enclosed between the stream and a grassy hill, we turn left
and climb out to a depression (2055m, 1h 40min).
From here, we can ascend cross-country straight towards the N through
grassy terrain or we can follow the path that first goes to the right and when
it appears to get to the watercourse it turns left and climbs comfortably to
the upper part of the grassy slope, where we find the Estanyet de Clavera
(2220m, 2h). Next to the lake there is a small stone hut in excellent
condition with 2 banks with capacity for up to 4 sitting people, which can be
useful as emergency shelter, as well as numerous marmot burrows. From the
lake we first see the summit of Pic de Clavera in front of us.
Next, we ascend following the GR marks and yellow circles to the N, but
instead of dealing directly with the corridor that descends from the Coll de la
Pala de Clavera, the route makes a wide detour to the right (E) to fetch the
right (W) edge of the large scree at the base of Pic de Clavera. We rise next to
the scree following the marks to meet a good path that heads left and leads
directly to the Coll de la Pala de Clavera (2524m, 2h 45min), where a plaque
remembers the Cam de la Llibertat (the Route to Freedom) followed by
hundreds of people fleeing from the Nazis.
Now we climb to the E the first and steep grassy slope in the way to the
top. After overcoming it, we can continue along the ridge through an easy
ground of grass and rock or follow a faint path parallel to the ridge by the
French side, to reach the summit of Pic de Clavera (2721m, 3h 15min).
For the most daring, the proximity of Mont Valier invites to continue to
its summit. This requires passing a pair of gullies with a somewhat exposed
down climbing to get to the Coll de Peyre Blanc, and then to climb or to
traverse left the hillside of Petit Valier to reach the Coll de Faustin and join
the normal route to the summit (1h 15min more).

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Mont Valier from the top of Pic de Clavera

ALT NEU
Bony de la Mina (2279m)

This mountain does not have a relevant climbing interest, but its ascent
route allows us to enjoy a beautiful walk between monumental firs and pines
and gives us magnificent views over the frontier ridge between the Port
dAul and Pic de Barlonguera and over the great meadow of the Ras de
Bonab.

The wooded Bony de la Mina

Distance: 7km.

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Itinerary:
We take the track to Montgarri or the short cut that runs next to the
Borda de Perosa and we reach the Planell de Perosa. In this place, a plaque
erected in 2005 reminds the Catalan illustrious philologist Joan Corominas
on the centenary of his birth. A few metres ahead, on the left, begins the
track (closed to traffic) to the old Peipicat mines, that we have to follow.
The track is in good condition and ascends gently in long loops, among
magnificent firs and pines. After about 2.5km we come to a curve to the right
where the path to the Cireres valley starts (1750m, 1h 15min). The dirt track
now becomes grassy and climbs more steeply in shorter loops. We follow it
for another kilometre to find in a sharp bend to the right, a grassy detour out
to the left. We take it and continue to its end thirty metres further, next to a
thick metal wire that was used to haul material to and from the mines I guess
(1850m, 1h 45min).
At this point, we follow a path that goes in W direction upon the wire
that is embedded in earth. The path climbs steeply straight up a large
meadow covered with flowers and flanked by the forest, to disappear further
up in the grass. However, the route is evident: we have to continue climbing
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cross-country the field to reach its upper limit where we see a col, a corridor
between two wooded hills (2020m, 2h 20min).
We continue along the fairly flat aisle with occasional traces of path for a
few tens of metres towards the W, to reach again a good trail that comes
from our right. The path continues for about a kilometre around the
mountain, initially in W direction and then turning to the S. The sound of
cowbells and mooings tell us that we are close to the great meadow of the
Ras de Bonab. The trail we have followed through the woods reaches a
clearing (1982m, 2h 50min) next to the Llananes stream.
From here, we can climb directly to the summit looking for the best route
through the woods following the paths made by the cows, initially in SE
direction and then further to the left (ENE, N), with steep sections, to reach
the top of Bony de la Mina (2279m, 3h 45min).
Alternatively, from the meadow we can continue towards the S looking
for any paths through the woods along the right bank of the river, without
crossing it, to reach the Ras de Bonab (20min). From here we continue up
to the east through open terrain and woods to the Collada del Ras, where we
will go to the left (N) climbing the forested ridge that leads to the top of
Bony de la Mina (1h 15min from the Llananes stream).

ALT NEU
Pic de Moredo (2766m)

The Pic de Moredo is the highest mountain in the Marimanya massif. As
well as its neighbour Pic de Qenca, its limestone summit pyramid with
quartzite inlaids is very characteristic. Its usual route of ascent starts from the
Portiero hut (see the description of the route to Pic des Miques). The route
that we described here along the beautiful Cireres valley is longer, lonelier
and more varied.

Pic de Moredo and Clots de Rocablanca

Approach: From Als d'Isil continue along a narrow paved road for 4km to
Time: 3h 20min.
Distance: 7.8km.
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Itinerary:
We walk along the track to Montgarri or along the short cut that runs
next to the Borda de Perosa to reach the Planell of Perosa, with its
monumental firs. We continue walking along the Peipicat track (closed to
traffic) that begins from the main track to Montgarri, a few metres ahead on
the left. On this track we will climb comfortably among grandiose trees such
as the Pi de les Cinc Branques situated next to it (1680m, 35min).
Further up, the dirt track becomes a carpet of grass on a bend to the
right. Here, there is an small cairn on the left (1750m, 50min), indicating us
to leave the track, climb around thirty metres across a field and reach the trail
leading to the left (SE) to the Cireres valley. This trail is very obvious and
even wide at times and goes into the lonely forest, running parallel to the
river along its left side. At one point (1820m, 1h) there is a bifurcation in
which it is best to follow the left path. It descends slightly to the river and
seems to fade, but we will find it again a few metres further up and we
continue ascending along it, without crossing the river, to reach open terrain
(1880m, 1h 10min). We climb a steep grassy slope to its upper end (1960m,
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1h 25min) where we can already see the great green carpet of the Clots de
Rocablanca.
We continue to the S descending slightly to cross the river and continue
up its right side either along traces of path or cross-country on grassy
ground, to reach a large quartzite rock embedded in the middle of the
meadow like a white tooth (2140m, 2h).
From here, we can guess to the SSE the pass to which we must ascend
between the Pic de Moredo and the Serra de Comabiera. We head to a grassy
corridor behind a hillside covered with pines and rhododendron. The
corridor is quite steep and it is somewhat shattered in its upper part, but it is
of easy and comfortable ascent and places us on the col named El Collet in
some maps (2325m, 2h 20min).
We continue our ascent to the SSW up the steep and wide ridge to reach
the base of a large rock wall. Here, it is advisable to traverse left up to the
junction with the ridge that rises from Portiero (2500m, 2h 40min), the
normal route. Now we scramble a steep but easy and without risk rock
sector, or we traverse left the grassy slopes and climb the top of a hill
(2580m, 2h 50min), that opens the way to the upper plateau of the mountain.
We descend a few metres to face the final ascent of the E side of the
mountain, covered with limestone rocks, keeping to its N edge to go straight
to the top of Rocablanca (2765m, 3h 15min). We are separated from the
main summit by a ridge section of solid rock about 50m long, a bit narrow
and exposed but extremely easy, where it is not even necessary to scramble
or to kneel to reach the summit of Pic de Moredo (2766m, 3h 20min).

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ALT NEU
122

Final ridge of Pic de Moredo

SUMMARY OF ASCENTS

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ALT NEU

Ras de Bonab

124

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ALT NEU

Pic des Miques, Moredo and Bony de la Mina from the Pletiu dAul

126

DICTIONARY OF CATALAN TOPOGRAPHIC TERMS

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ALT NEU

128

Alt High

Avenc Cave, Chasm

Barranc Ravine

Bassa Pool, Pond

Bony Bump, a rounded peak

Borda/Bordes Hut, specially to keep straw, manure, tools

Bosc Forest, Wood

Cabana Hut

Cam Trail

Canal Ravine, Gully

Cap Head

Cigalera Cliff, Crag

Clot Depression, Concavity

Coll/Collada Col, Pass, Saddle

Coma Glacial valley

Estany/Estanyet/Estanyola Lake

Font Fountain, Spring

Gerdar Area full of Raspberries

Mata Forest, specially very dense

Muntanya Mountain

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ALT NEU
130
Obaga Shady, Shaded side of a mountain (N)

Pala Steep hillside of a mountain

Pas Pass, Col

Pic Peak

Pla/Plana/Planell Plain

Pleta/Pletiu Pen, Fold, Enclosure for livestock

Pont Bridge

Port Pass, Col

Ras Extensive grassy plain

Refugi Refuge, Shelter

Riu River

Salt Waterfall

Serra/Serrat Sierra, Mountain range

Solana Sunny side of a mountain (S)

Tarter/Tartera Scree

Torrent Stream

Tuc Peak

Vall Valley

This guide is a personal selection of high
mountain itineraries in Alt neu (Catalonia),
one of the most beautiful and best preserved
regions of the Pyrennes, home of some of
the few brown bears living in this mountain
range. All the routes described in this guide
are suitable for any average walker. Half of
them are also suitable for families climbing
with children. Whether we do a short walk
with our children or whether we venture into
its most remote corners, Alt neu will sur-
prise us by its great landscapes, its perserved
nature, its fauna and its loneliness.

Alt Àneu. Walking in The Territory of The Bear of The Pyrenees

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