Hiking In Andorra

We start in Sorteny with a gentle walk through woods before opening into the beautiful Rialb valley. It will be carpeted in orchids, gentians and wild tulips. We continue to follow the river upstream to find snowbells where late-lying patches of snow are just melting. After a leisurely lunch, return by the same route and minibus back.

From the top of Val d’Incles, a beautiful unspoilt area awash with daffodils (the national flower) we climb on a stony track and paths alongside the riu de Juclá to reach the manned refuge at the first Juclar lake. We can expect to see plenty of orchids, butterwort, white Pyrenean buttercup and xatardia scabra. We return to the start and then take a pleasant path down the valley to the main road.

From the eastern valley of Arinsal we walk up a good GR track to the spectacular coma (cirque) which surrounds the meadows of the Pla de l’Estany. The highest mountains, including the Pic de Coma Pedrosa, tower above. We will find dog’s- tooth violets, crocuses, St Bernard’s lily and several types of orchid. After a rest, we will return by a higher, narrow path through woods and meadows before descending steeply to Arinsal.

From above Canillo we follow a path which contours its way into the Val de Riu. We then climb up on the eastern side of the stream to reach the open meadows. There are many gentians as we walk further into the valley to the unmanned refuge. This is a very attractive spot for lunch. Returning from there we take a woodland path which descends through woods and fields into the main valley. The damp meadows beside the path are filled with orchids. We reach the main road at l’Aldosa from where the public bus can be taken, or the walk can continue on the Nature Trail, which follows the river down the main valley on the ‘quiet side’. We can stop at Canillo or even carry on to Meritxell, the public bus within easy reach at these points.

The main aim of this walk is to find the rare ramonda myconii, which grows on a few shaded rocks here. From Sabadell, just above Andorra la Vella we follow the stony GR7 path up through woods to our ‘goal’. Then we continued over a couple of collets with excellent views of the busy valley far below. Our lunch stop will be in a high meadow, before we make our way down to Sant Juilá, the southernmost town.

Both groups will take transport to the top of the beautiful Val d’Incles, then walk together for the first hour. We follow a stony path beside a stream then climb to the Cabana Sorda lake and unmanned refuge. From here we continue on a contouring path to the Salamandres lakes for lunch and a possible swim. Our descent from Estany de Querol (the largest of these lakes) goes through woods and arrives at El Tarter from where we take transport home.

From the Cabana Sorda the grade 8 walk begins to climb steeply on the GRP to the col at 2600m and from there along a fine ridge to our peak on the French border. Returning to the col for lunch, we then continue along the ridge before making an easy descent to the Salamandres lakes. The rest of the walk down to El Tarter follows the Grade 6 route.

Both groups will be walking in this World Heritage protected area of outstanding beauty. From the Engolasters lake the grade 6 walk follows the GR11 path along the route of an old tramway as it contours above the main valley, with excellent views of the bustle far below. We then climb on a stony path to the Col de Javell and get our first glimpse into the Val de Madriu. The path now descends gently into this valley with its beautiful alpine meadows to a refuge. Some may like to continue further into the valley, but return to this point. Then we have a long descent on a stony mule-track to Escaldes in the main valley.

The grade 8 walk is the same as far as the refuge. Just beyond here we take a steep path, passing a refuge, to reach the Collada de Maina. The Pic de Maina (2519m) is an easy optional extra from the col. The descent is similar to the grade 6 option, but with much steeper options.

We start our walk from Arcalis on the unspoiled side of the valley with an easy climb to the beautiful Tristania Lakes. You may walk to one, two or all three of these before we make our way down, following the line of the stream. The valley opens out into meadows then a quiet path takes us to the village of El Serrat and a chance of a drink at a bar before travelling home.

The grade 8 walk ascends Pic de l’Estanyo (2915m) which involves scrambling along a narrow, rocky ridge and can only be done safely in good weather - light wind and no lying snow. We start in a nature reserve surrounded by high ridges, with an easy path along and beside a jeep-track, reaching a refuge before crossing the stream. We begin to climb through woods and then meadows to the glacial lake. This is followed by a steep ascent to Pic de l’Estanyo. After admiring the views, an hour and a half of scrambling follows, with occasional stops to enjoy the breath-taking vista. This ridge is similar in character to Striding Edge or Crib Goch. When we reach the end of the ridge, we descend from a col over a scree/boulder field, back to the lake and then retrace our outward path to the car park.

Pic de Casamanya. Although the full ascent of 750m is at the top of grade 6, this is a very attractive walk and allows for people to stop before the summit whilst still achieving an excellent viewpoint of all the surrounding peaks. From the Col d’Ordino we climb up through woods and then onto open hillside. After 500m of ascent the path becomes stony and there is some loose scree. The summit, 2739m, is a fantastic point from which to see virtually the whole of Andorra. Our descent takes us back on the outward path initially, but we can take an easy contouring path into the valley to the east and then walk through pleasant meadows to the road and the minibus.

The grade 8 walk follows the same route as the grade 6 walk to the first peak. From here we take the Serra de Sauvata ridge which takes in two further peaks before coming down a grassy slope to the valley between us and our outward route. Crossing the Col d’Ordino we continue down through fields and farms to the main valley near Meritxell.

This beautiful walk to the Pessons lakes has an ‘out and back’ section, which allows you to shorten it if you want. From Grau Roig we walk up through woods to the first of the Pessons Lakes. The GR7 then leads us over stony ground through a ribbon of delightful lakes surrounded by high peaks. We can go as far as we choose before settling for lunch and a swim opportunity. We retrace our steps to the first lake and the bar before continuing on the GRP path through meadows and some ski installations. Marmots are always heard and usually seen here. Our walk ends at Bordes d’Envalira.

The grade 8 walk follows the same route as the Grade 6 through the ribbon of lakes, but extends to climb the ‘back-wall’ of the coma (cirque) to the fantastic viewpoint of the Pic dels Pessons (2864m).

We start in the Val d’Incles, a beautiful unspoilt area. We climb on a stony track alongside the riu de Juclá to reach the refuge at the first Juclar lake. The path continues over rocky ground, with some easy scrambling and a short rock-step with a fixed rope, to the second lake. Here we may have lunch and a swim in the spectacular setting. We return to our starting point and then take a pleasant path down the valley to the main road.

The grade 8 walk in the same area is circular but crosses the border into France. As we descend there are three further lakes in beautiful scenery as well as the Estanys de Fontargent.

From Port d’Envalira at 2400m a gentle climb on a jeep track will take us to the Pic de Maia (2615m) from where we strike out across the high ground and along a ridge to the Col Port Dret. After crossing this we will descend to the Siscaro lakes. The path zig-zags down through loose scree to our lunch stop at the lakes, giving another chance for a swim.    Afterwards we make a long and gentle descent with some excellent views, arriving at Soldeu.

The grade 8 walk is the same as far as the Col Port Dret. We then follow a switchback ridge with several peaks over 2700m, before meeting the French border and making a small detour to Pic de la Cabanetta. We descend steeply towards the Siscaro lakes then continue gently down through woods to the main valley at Soldeu.

A walk that can vary in length according to your choice. From Canillo our path contours its way into the Val de Riu. We then climb up beside of the stream to reach the open meadows and walk further into the valley to the unmanned refuge, a very attractive spot for lunch. Returning from there we take a woodland path which descends into the main valley at l’Aldosa. The walk can end here or continue on the Nature Trail, which follows the river down the main valley on the ‘quiet side’.

The grade 8 walk starts in the same way, but ascends to the Pic de la Torradella (2548m) which dominates its surroundings and gives a fine viewpoint. There is no clear path to the ridge. On the ridge itself there is some easy scrambling before the descent into a classic hanging valley.

From Arcalis we climb steadily beside a stream and then over more open ground to the Portella de Rialb with wonderful views. We then descend into the Rialb valley and walk gently down through the meadows, passing an unmanned refuge, before coming into woods and reaching a car park. The walk can finish here, or we may continue down a steeper woodland path to El Serrat and a bar.

The grade 8 walk is similar but takes in the French border and Pic de la Font Blanca (2903m). Here the ridge is narrow and stony in places and gives a fine sense of ‘mountaineering’ with fabulous views from the summit.

This is a lovely walk to the Pla de l’Estany is surrounded by the highest mountains in Andorra. We begin with a steep climb from Arinsal, largely shaded, before reaching a high meadow. The path then contours through the trees to arrive at the collet de Font Podrida, which overlooks a huge basin surrounded by mountains - a coma or cirque. We descend on the GRP and GR11 tracks back to Arinsal.

For our Grade 8 Coma Pedrosa at 2942m is the BIG ONE and presents a significant challenge, with a long approach walk, a technically demanding climb and a long, steep descent. This grade 8 walk is only possible in good weather and with no significant lying snow. From Port de Cabus on the western border with Spain we walk along the border ridge towards Pic de Port Negre and past Pic del Port Vel to a col at Portella de Sanfonts. From here we descend steeply into the Coma Pedrosa valley before beginning our final climb. We reach Estany Negre and then ascend the rocky ridge to the summit. This is not difficult, but requires scrambling and a good head for heights. At the summit cairn we will be rewarded with a fantastic vista and a great sense of achievement. The descent is either down the ridge or through a scree-run just behind, to the lake and on to the manned refuge far below.

We start in Sorteny with a gentle walk through woods before opening into the beautiful Rialb valley. It will be carpeted in orchids, gentians and wild tulips. We continue to follow the river upstream to find snowbells where late-lying patches of snow are just melting. After a leisurely lunch, return by the same route and minibus back.

From the top of Val d’Incles, a beautiful unspoilt area awash with daffodils (the national flower) we climb on a stony track and paths alongside the riu de Juclá to reach the manned refuge at the first Juclar lake. We can expect to see plenty of orchids, butterwort, white Pyrenean buttercup and xatardia scabra. We return to the start and then take a pleasant path down the valley to the main road.

From the eastern valley of Arinsal we walk up a good GR track to the spectacular coma (cirque) which surrounds the meadows of the Pla de l’Estany. The highest mountains, including the Pic de Coma Pedrosa, tower above. We will find dog’s- tooth violets, crocuses, St Bernard’s lily and several types of orchid. After a rest, we will return by a higher, narrow path through woods and meadows before descending steeply to Arinsal

From above Canillo we follow a path which contours its way into the Val de Riu. We then climb up on the eastern side of the stream to reach the open meadows. There are many gentians as we walk further into the valley to the unmanned refuge. This is a very attractive spot for lunch. Returning from there we take a woodland path which descends through woods and fields into the main valley. The damp meadows beside the path are filled with orchids. We reach the main road at l’Aldosa from where the public bus can be taken, or the walk can continue on the Nature Trail, which follows the river down the main valley on the ‘quiet side’. We can stop at Canillo or even carry on to Meritxell, the public bus within easy reach at these points.

The main aim of this walk is to find the rare ramonda myconii, which grows on a few shaded rocks here. From Sabadell, just above Andorra la Vella we follow the stony GR7 path up through woods to our ‘goal’. Then we continued over a couple of collets with excellent views of the busy valley far below. Our lunch stop will be in a high meadow, before we make our way down to Sant Juilá, the southernmost town.

We start in the Val d’Incles, a beautiful unspoilt area. We climb on a stony track alongside the riu de Juclá to reach the refuge at the first Juclar lake. The path continues over rocky ground, with some easy scrambling and a short rock-step with a fixed rope, to the second lake. Here we may have lunch and a swim in the spectacular setting. We return to our starting point and then take a pleasant path down the valley to the main road.

The grade 8 walk in the same area is circular but crosses the border into France. As we descend there are three further lakes in beautiful scenery as well as the Estanys de Fontargent.

From Port d’Envalira at 2400m a gentle climb on a jeep track will take us to the Pic de Maia (2615m) from where we strike out across the high ground and along a ridge to the Col Port Dret. After crossing this we will descend to the Siscaro lakes. The path zig-zags down through loose scree to our lunch stop at the lakes, giving another chance for a swim.    Afterwards we make a long and gentle descent with some excellent views, arriving at Soldeu.

The grade 8 walk is the same as far as the Col Port Dret. We then follow a switchback ridge with several peaks over 2700m, before meeting the French border and making a small detour to Pic de la Cabanetta. We descend steeply towards the Siscaro lakes then continue gently down through woods to the main valley at Soldeu.

A walk that can vary in length according to your choice. From Canillo our path contours its way into the Val de Riu. We then climb up beside of the stream to reach the open meadows and walk further into the valley to the unmanned refuge, a very attractive spot for lunch. Returning from there we take a woodland path which descends into the main valley at l’Aldosa. The walk can end here or continue on the Nature Trail, which follows the river down the main valley on the ‘quiet side’.

The grade 8 walk starts in the same way, but ascends to the Pic de la Torradella (2548m) which dominates its surroundings and gives a fine viewpoint. There is no clear path to the ridge. On the ridge itself there is some easy scrambling before the descent into a classic hanging valley.

From Arcalis we climb steadily beside a stream and then over more open ground to the Portella de Rialb with wonderful views. We then descend into the Rialb valley and walk gently down through the meadows, passing an unmanned refuge, before coming into woods and reaching a car park. The walk can finish here, or we may continue down a steeper woodland path to El Serrat and a bar.

The grade 8 walk is similar but takes in the French border and Pic de la Font Blanca (2903m). Here the ridge is narrow and stony in places and gives a fine sense of ‘mountaineering’ with fabulous views from the summit.

This is a lovely walk to the Pla de l’Estany is surrounded by the highest mountains in Andorra. We begin with a steep climb from Arinsal, largely shaded, before reaching a high meadow. The path then contours through the trees to arrive at the collet de Font Podrida, which overlooks a huge basin surrounded by mountains - a coma or cirque. We descend on the GRP and GR11 tracks back to Arinsal.

Coma Pedrosa at 2942m is the BIG ONE and presents a significant challenge, with a long approach walk, a technically demanding climb and a long, steep descent. This grade 8 walk is only possible in good weather and with no significant lying snow. From Port de Cabus on the western border with Spain we walk along the border ridge towards Pic de Port Negre and past Pic del Port Vel to a col at Portella de Sanfonts. From here we descend steeply into the Coma Pedrosa valley before beginning our final climb. We reach Estany Negre and then ascend the rocky ridge to the summit. This is not difficult, but requires scrambling and a good head for heights. At the summit cairn we will be rewarded with a fantastic vista and a great sense of achievement. The descent is either down the ridge or through a scree-run just behind, to the lake and on to the manned refuge far below.

We start in the Val d’Incles, a beautiful unspoilt area. We climb on a stony track alongside the riu de Juclá to reach the refuge at the first Juclar lake. The path continues over rocky ground, with some easy scrambling and a short rock-step with a fixed rope, to the second lake. Here we may have lunch and a swim in the spectacular setting. We return to our starting point and then take a pleasant path down the valley to the main road.

The grade 8 walk in the same area is circular but crosses the border into France. As we descend there are three further lakes in beautiful scenery as well as the Estanys de Fontargent.

From Port d’Envalira at 2400m a gentle climb on a jeep track will take us to the Pic de Maia (2615m) from where we strike out across the high ground and along a ridge to the Col Port Dret. After crossing this we will descend to the Siscaro lakes. The path zig-zags down through loose scree to our lunch stop at the lakes, giving another chance for a swim. Afterwards we make a long and gentle descent with some excellent views, arriving at Soldeu.

The grade 8 walk is the same as far as the Col Port Dret. We then follow a switchback ridge with several peaks over 2700m, before meeting the French border and making a small detour to Pic de la Cabanetta. We descend steeply towards the Siscaro lakes then continue gently down through woods to the main valley at Soldeu.

A walk that can vary in length according to your choice. From Canillo our path contours its way into the Val de Riu. We then climb up beside of the stream to reach the open meadows and walk further into the valley to the unmanned refuge, a very attractive spot for lunch. Returning from there we take a woodland path which descends into the main valley at l’Aldosa. The walk can end here or continue on the Nature Trail, which follows the river down the main valley on the ‘quiet side’.

The grade 8 walk starts in the same way, but ascends to the Pic de la Torradella (2548m) which dominates its surroundings and gives a fine viewpoint. There is no clear path to the ridge. On the ridge itself there is some easy scrambling before the descent into a classic hanging valley.

From Arcalis we climb steadily beside a stream and then over more open ground to the Portella de Rialb with wonderful views. We then descend into the Rialb valley and walk gently down through the meadows, passing an unmanned refuge, before coming into woods and reaching a car park. The walk can finish here, or we may continue down a steeper woodland path to El Serrat and a bar.

The grade 8 walk is similar but takes in the French border and Pic de la Font Blanca (2903m). Here the ridge is narrow and stony in places and gives a fine sense of ‘mountaineering’ with fabulous views from the summit.

This is a lovely walk to the Pla de l’Estany is surrounded by the highest mountains in Andorra. We begin with a steep climb from Arinsal, largely shaded, before reaching a high meadow. The path then contours through the trees to arrive at the collet de Font Podrida, which overlooks a huge basin surrounded by mountains - a coma or cirque. We descend on the GRP and GR11 tracks back to Arinsal.

Coma Pedrosa at 2942m is the BIG ONE and presents a significant challenge, with a long approach walk, a technically demanding climb and a long, steep descent. This grade 8 walk is only possible in good weather and with no significant lying snow. From Port de Cabus on the western border with Spain we walk along the border ridge towards Pic de Port Negre and past Pic del Port Vel to a col at Portella de Sanfonts. From here we descend steeply into the Coma Pedrosa valley before beginning our final climb. We reach Estany Negre and then ascend the rocky ridge to the summit. This is not difficult, but requires scrambling and a good head for heights. At the summit cairn we will be rewarded with a fantastic vista and a great sense of achievement. The descent is either down the ridge or through a scree-run just behind, to the lake and on to the manned refuge far below.

Both groups will take transport to the top of the beautiful Val d’Incles, then walk together for the first hour. We follow a stony path beside a stream then climb to the Cabana Sorda lake and unmanned refuge. From here we continue on a contouring path to the Salamandres lakes for lunch and a possible swim. Our descent from Estany de Querol (the largest of these lakes) goes through woods and arrives at El Tarter from where we take transport home.

From the Cabana Sorda the grade 8 walk begins to climb steeply on the GRP to the col at 2600m and from there along a fine ridge to our peak on the French border. Returning to the col for lunch, we then continue along the ridge before making an easy descent to the Salamandres lakes. The rest of the walk down to El Tarter follows the Grade 6 route.

Both groups will be walking in this World Heritage protected area of outstanding beauty. From the Engolasters lake the grade 6 walk follows the GR11 path along the route of an old tramway as it contours above the main valley, with excellent views of the bustle far below. We then climb on a stony path to the Col de Javell and get our first glimpse into the Val de Madriu. The path now descends gently into this valley with its beautiful alpine meadows to a refuge. Some may like to continue further into the valley, but return to this point. Then we have a long descent on a stony mule-track to Escaldes in the main valley.

The grade 8 walk is the same as far as the refuge. Just beyond here we take a steep path, passing a refuge, to reach the Collada de Maina. The Pic de Maina (2519m) is an easy optional extra from the col. The descent is similar to the grade 6 option, but with much steeper options.

We start our walk from Arcalis on the unspoiled side of the valley with an easy climb to the beautiful Tristania Lakes. You may walk to one, two or all three of these before we make our way down, following the line of the stream. The valley opens out into meadows then a quiet path takes us to the village of El Serrat and a chance of a drink at a bar before travelling home.

The grade 8 walk ascends Pic de l’Estanyo (2915m) which involves scrambling along a narrow, rocky ridge and can only be done safely in good weather - light wind and no lying snow. We start in a nature reserve surrounded by high ridges, with an easy path along and beside a jeep-track, reaching a refuge before crossing the stream. We begin to climb through woods and then meadows to the glacial lake. This is followed by a steep ascent to Pic de l’Estanyo. After admiring the views, an hour and a half of scrambling follows, with occasional stops to enjoy the breath-taking vista. This ridge is similar in character to Striding Edge or Crib Goch. When we reach the end of the ridge, we descend from a col over a scree/boulder field, back to the lake and then retrace our outward path to the car park.

Although the full ascent of 750m is at the top of grade 6, this is a very attractive walk and allows for people to stop before the summit whilst still achieving an excellent viewpoint of all the surrounding peaks. From the Col d’Ordino we climb up through woods and then onto open hillside. After 500m of ascent the path becomes stony and there is some loose scree. The summit, 2739m, is a fantastic point from which to see virtually the whole of Andorra. Our descent takes us back on the outward path initially, but we can take an easy contouring path into the valley to the east and then walk through pleasant meadows to the road and the minibus.

The grade 8 walk follows the same route as the grade 6 walk to the first peak. From here we take the Serra de Sauvata ridge which takes in two further peaks before coming down a grassy slope to the valley between us and our outward route. Crossing the Col d’Ordino we continue down through fields and farms to the main valley near Meritxell.

This beautiful walk to the Pessons lakes has an ‘out and back’ section, which allows you to shorten it if you want. From Grau Roig we walk up through woods to the first of the Pessons Lakes. The GR7 then leads us over stony ground through a ribbon of delightful lakes surrounded by high peaks. We can go as far as we choose before settling for lunch and a swim opportunity. We retrace our steps to the first lake and the bar before continuing on the GRP path through meadows and some ski installations. Marmots are always heard and usually seen here. Our walk ends at Bordes d’Envalira.

The grade 8 walk follows the same route as the Grade 6 through the ribbon of lakes, but extends to climb the ‘back-wall’ of the coma (cirque) to the fantastic viewpoint of the Pic dels Pessons (2864m).

Both groups will take transport to the top of the beautiful Val d’Incles, then walk together for the first hour. We follow a stony path beside a stream then climb to the Cabana Sorda lake and unmanned refuge. From here we continue on a contouring path to the Salamandres lakes for lunch and a possible swim. Our descent from Estany de Querol (the largest of these lakes) goes through woods and arrives at El Tarter from where we take transport home.

From the Cabana Sorda the grade 8 walk begins to climb steeply on the GRP to the col at 2600m and from there along a fine ridge to our peak on the French border. Returning to the col for lunch, we then continue along the ridge before making an easy descent to the Salamandres lakes. The rest of the walk down to El Tarter follows the Grade 6 route.

Both groups will be walking in this World Heritage protected area of outstanding beauty. From the Engolasters lake the grade 6 walk follows the GR11 path along the route of an old tramway as it contours above the main valley, with excellent views of the bustle far below. We then climb on a stony path to the Col de Javell and get our first glimpse into the Val de Madriu. The path now descends gently into this valley with its beautiful alpine meadows to a refuge. Some may like to continue further into the valley, but return to this point. Then we have a long descent on a stony mule-track to Escaldes in the main valley.

The grade 8 walk is the same as far as the refuge. Just beyond here we take a steep path, passing a refuge, to reach the Collada de Maina. The Pic de Maina (2519m) is an easy optional extra from the col. The descent is similar to the grade 6 option, but with much steeper options.

We start our walk from Arcalis on the unspoiled side of the valley with an easy climb to the beautiful Tristania Lakes. You may walk to one, two or all three of these before we make our way down, following the line of the stream. The valley opens out into meadows then a quiet path takes us to the village of El Serrat and a chance of a drink at a bar before travelling home.

The grade 8 walk ascends Pic de l’Estanyo (2915m) which involves scrambling along a narrow, rocky ridge and can only be done safely in good weather - light wind and no lying snow. We start in a nature reserve surrounded by high ridges, with an easy path along and beside a jeep-track, reaching a refuge before crossing the stream. We begin to climb through woods and then meadows to the glacial lake. This is followed by a steep ascent to Pic de l’Estanyo. After admiring the views, an hour and a half of scrambling follows, with occasional stops to enjoy the breath-taking vista. This ridge is similar in character to Striding Edge or Crib Goch. When we reach the end of the ridge, we descend from a col over a scree/boulder field, back to the lake and then retrace our outward path to the car park.

Although the full ascent of 750m is at the top of grade 6, this is a very attractive walk and allows for people to stop before the summit whilst still achieving an excellent viewpoint of all the surrounding peaks. From the Col d’Ordino we climb up through woods and then onto open hillside. After 500m of ascent the path becomes stony and there is some loose scree. The summit, 2739m, is a fantastic point from which to see virtually the whole of Andorra. Our descent takes us back on the outward path initially, but we can take an easy contouring path into the valley to the east and then walk through pleasant meadows to the road and the minibus.

The grade 8 walk follows the same route as the grade 6 walk to the first peak. From here we take the Serra de Sauvata ridge which takes in two further peaks before coming down a grassy slope to the valley between us and our outward route. Crossing the Col d’Ordino we continue down through fields and farms to the main valley near Meritxell.

This beautiful walk to the Pessons lakes has an ‘out and back’ section, which allows you to shorten it if you want. From Grau Roig we walk up through woods to the first of the Pessons Lakes. The GR7 then leads us over stony ground through a ribbon of delightful lakes surrounded by high peaks. We can go as far as we choose before settling for lunch and a swim opportunity. We retrace our steps to the first lake and the bar before continuing on the GRP path through meadows and some ski installations. Marmots are always heard and usually seen here. Our walk ends at Bordes d’Envalira.

The grade 8 walk follows the same route as the Grade 6 through the ribbon of lakes, but extends to climb the ‘back-wall’ of the coma (cirque) to the fantastic viewpoint of the Pic dels Pessons (2864m).

We start in the Val d’Incles, a beautiful unspoilt area. We climb on a stony track alongside the riu de Juclá to reach the refuge at the first Juclar lake. The path continues over rocky ground, with some easy scrambling and a short rock-step with a fixed rope, to the second lake. Here we may have lunch and a swim in the spectacular setting. We return to our starting point and then take a pleasant path down the valley to the main road.

The grade 8 walk in the same area is circular but crosses the border into France. As we descend there are three further lakes in beautiful scenery as well as the Estanys de Fontargent.

From Port d’Envalira at 2400m a gentle climb on a jeep track will take us to the Pic de Maia (2615m) from where we strike out across the high ground and along a ridge to the Col Port Dret. After crossing this we will descend to the Siscaro lakes. The path zig-zags down through loose scree to our lunch stop at the lakes, giving another chance for a swim.    Afterwards we make a long and gentle descent with some excellent views, arriving at Soldeu.

The grade 8 walk is the same as far as the Col Port Dret. We then follow a switchback ridge with several peaks over 2700m, before meeting the French border and making a small detour to Pic de la Cabanetta. We descend steeply towards the Siscaro lakes then continue gently down through woods to the main valley at Soldeu.

A walk that can vary in length according to your choice. From Canillo our path contours its way into the Val de Riu. We then climb up beside of the stream to reach the open meadows and walk further into the valley to the unmanned refuge, a very attractive spot for lunch. Returning from there we take a woodland path which descends into the main valley at l’Aldosa. The walk can end here or continue on the Nature Trail, which follows the river down the main valley on the ‘quiet side’.

The grade 8 walk starts in the same way, but ascends to the Pic de la Torradella (2548m) which dominates its surroundings and gives a fine viewpoint. There is no clear path to the ridge. On the ridge itself there is some easy scrambling before the descent into a classic hanging valley.

From Arcalis we climb steadily beside a stream and then over more open ground to the Portella de Rialb with wonderful views. We then descend into the Rialb valley and walk gently down through the meadows, passing an unmanned refuge, before coming into woods and reaching a car park. The walk can finish here, or we may continue down a steeper woodland path to El Serrat and a bar.

The grade 8 walk is similar but takes in the French border and Pic de la Font Blanca (2903m). Here the ridge is narrow and stony in places and gives a fine sense of ‘mountaineering’ with fabulous views from the summit.

This is a lovely walk to the Pla de l’Estany is surrounded by the highest mountains in Andorra. We begin with a steep climb from Arinsal, largely shaded, before reaching a high meadow. The path then contours through the trees to arrive at the collet de Font Podrida, which overlooks a huge basin surrounded by mountains - a coma or cirque. We descend on the GRP and GR11 tracks back to Arinsal.

Coma Pedrosa at 2942m is the BIG ONE and presents a significant challenge, with a long approach walk, a technically demanding climb and a long, steep descent. This grade 8 walk is only possible in good weather and with no significant lying snow. From Port de Cabus on the western border with Spain we walk along the border ridge towards Pic de Port Negre and past Pic del Port Vel to a col at Portella de Sanfonts. From here we descend steeply into the Coma Pedrosa valley before beginning our final climb. We reach Estany Negre and then ascend the rocky ridge to the summit. This is not difficult, but requires scrambling and a good head for heights. At the summit cairn we will be rewarded with a fantastic vista and a great sense of achievement. The descent is either down the ridge or through a scree-run just behind, to the lake and on to the manned refuge far below.