Andorra’s GR7: Pessons Lakes and the Madriu Valley: hiking in Andorra
TrailTrack route Hiking Andorra Multi-day
Waiting for the first trip report

Andorra’s GR7: Pessons Lakes and the Madriu Valley

Distance
79.1 km
Estimated moving time
1 d 8 h
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Hard
Open on map
Download route
GPXFor navigation apps KMLFor Google Earth and maps

Route description

Andorra’s eastern passes lead into a journey through the Pessons lake basins and the Madriu valley. Pause beside Estany Rodó and Estany del Meligar before crossing Collada dels Pessons toward Refugi de l’Illa. Farther on, glacial landforms share the valley with traces of pastoral life. This version includes additional lake approaches and returns over familiar ground, so it is best enjoyed as several connected mountain days. Its southern exit lies in Andorra’s border country; arrange the final meeting point at the road before departure.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Added from a track

This route was added from a track. Individual sections have not been checked in the field.

Last updated Update date not provided

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

Recent completions

0

Be the first to confirm a completion and help other travellers.

Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Dirt 16% · Concrete 3% · Asphalt 2% · Unknown 77%

Surface data covers 18.0 km of 79.1 km; the rest of the track is not yet classified.

Dirt 16% · 12.9 km
Concrete 3% · 2.59 km
Asphalt 2% · 1.66 km
Gravel 1% · 0.53 km
Paving stones 1% · 0.22 km
Dirt / grass 1% · 0.10 km
Artificial surface 1% · 0.02 km
Unknown 77% · 61.1 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Pessons offers an entire lake district rather than a single celebrated shore. Madriu adds the history of mountain land use, giving the journey two distinct sides of Andorra.
Length
79.1 km
Elevation gain
5537 m
Surface
Dirt 16%
Andorra’s GR7: Pessons Lakes and the Madriu Valley: route photo 4 in Andorra

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car - Hard With children - No With a dog - No data By bike - No With a stroller - No Mobile signal - No data High mountain crossings and several overnight stops require experience. The start is above road access: a ride does not replace the separate walking approach. Check dog rules with the valley management.

Nearby

Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany are possible places to rest afterwards. Visiting either town requires a separate transfer and is not a continuation of the Pessons lake section.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Arrange a ride to the road approach near Grau Roig and pickup at the southern exit. The eastern start itself is in the mountains and requires a walking approach; a direct coach to the pass is not confirmed.
By car
A branch of CG-2 reaches Grau Roig, from which Pessons is approached on foot. Motor vehicles cannot enter the Madriu valley.
Parking
The valley management identifies Grau Roig parking for the Pessons approach. Check multi-day car storage separately and arrange the ride back from the southern exit before starting.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Estany del Meligar a named lake in the Pessons district.
Refugi de l’Illa a mountain stopping point on the transition toward Madriu.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 5537 м.
SurfaceDirt 16%, Concrete 3%, Asphalt 2%, Unknown 77%.
Риски Weather and snow conditions matter at Collada dels Pessons. The lake branches involve returns and do not form a simple day outing. Book l’Illa according to its operating arrangements rather than assuming that a mapped hut provides an available bed.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Time for the route 4–6 days
With stops | 5–7 days This allowance covers the extended journey with lake branches and repeated passages. The official through-route across Andorra is shorter; its usual schedule does not cover every walk included here. Add the approach to the eastern start separately.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Choose summer after the passes clear of snow, or settled early autumn. Autumn snowfall can close the high ground while the valley roads remain accessible.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Bring mountain footwear and waterproof clothing.
Carry a warm layer, spare food and water treatment.
Agree overnight arrangements and save an offline map before setting out.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Arrange a ride to the road approach near Grau Roig and pickup at the southern exit. The eastern start itself is in the mountains and requires a walking approach; a direct coach to the pass is not confirmed

Is this route suitable for children?

Do not treat this as a basic child-friendly route: check difficulty, length, and trail conditions before going.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 79.1 km, hard.

Discussion

Comments 0

Log in to read the discussion and leave comments.

Ask about the route or its surface, or share your experience.

Log in Sign up