Vall d'Incles is considered one of the most beautiful hiking areas in Andorra and this 13km circular route starts with a steep climb up to a mountain plain then passes via the Estany de Estany de Querol, Lagunas Les Salamandres, Estany de Cabana Sorda and Estany d'Anrodat mountain lakes near to the French border in the Canillo district of northern Andorra.
located between the towns of Tarter and Canillo is a hairpin bend on the CG-2 main road that coceals the entry to Carraterra de Vall d'Incles. The route is circular, returning to the Carraterra de Vall d'Incles via the Riu de Manegar river side path. Along the route there are two waterfalls, 4 lakes to swim in, the Estany de Cabana Sorda mountain hut (20 people max) and spectacular mountain viewpoints and grassy meadows with wild flowers. You may even see herds of free roaming mountain horses, cows or sheep.
Walking along the Carraterra de Vall d'Incles, a narrow country lane, passing picturesque mountain houses made of natural stone
The final 2km is a gentle 2 kilometre walk along the Carraterra de Vall d'Incles back to the parking area passing multiple restaurants and bars.
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From the parking area at the start of Vall d'Incles, follow the road for 1.5 kilometres as it gently inclines up the valley. On the left will be small picnic area and a path leading up the mountain meadow towards a forest. Follow this path until in the forest and continue ascending to Riu de Els Comellassos natural water spring.
Continue to ascend all the way through the Pine forest until the climb flattens out and emerges out of the forest onto a mountain plain. Look out for a path on the left, heading westerly, that goes to Estany de Querol and the Basses de les Salamandres lakes. These lakes are about 30 minutes walking through grassy and slightly hilly mountain plains. I recommend Estany de Querol for swimming but they all have amazing fresh crystal clear water. These are glacial lakes so the water is cold but invigorating.
After these lakes take a north easterly path through the hilly and grassy mountain meadows to join a path parallel to the Riu de Cabana Sorda. Along the this path the route crosses the river via a waterfall and continues along a rocky mountain plain to the Estany de Cabana Sorda mountain hut. behind this hut is the Estany de Cabana Sorda.
This is the most spectacular lake of this route being surrounded in a horseshoe shaped formation of mountains whose ridgeline forms the border with France. This lake is artificially created having a small dam where the water naturally drains out into the Riu de Cabana Sorda. This is also a place where I like to swim because next to the lake is a small island that has a "beach" where I can walk into the water. If you wade out from this point heading towards the centre of the lake, just after passing a depth of neck height and swimming for about 10 metres there is a large submerged boulder that is a good place to stand on and rest in the water. You will see the boulder because the water is that clear. Once out of the water, and wrapped in a towel, the grassy meadow surrounding the lake is a good place to have lunch or snacks.
Once finished admiring the views of the lake, the route continues along a westerly path that can be found behind the mountain hut. Follow this trail through mountain meadows and along a rocky ledge with views looking down onto the Vall de Incles. The path descends via a zig zaging route to arrive at the last lake, Estany d'Anrodat. The water in this lake is much warmer that that of the previous lakes and here I like to take my last swim of the route.
From this lake the path descends via a river valley with rocky and steep sections and usually in the afternoons a weather phenomenon occurs due to the Vall d'Incles being open and ascending at the top end. clouds of fog will roll over the mountain top and float down the valley which from the vantage point of this path is interesting to watch.
The path crosses a rock scree field of jagged boulders as the path flattens out to a mountain meadow next to the Riu de Manegar. To descend from here take the footpath on the other side of the river. you do not need to get your feet wet because there is a wooden footbridge that is hidden from views by the trees around the swampy pond. continue along the path round the pond and it will come into view.
Turn left and follow the river valley down. As you get near to the road and Restaurant l'Ovella Negra you will see a waterfall in the right as the river drops down over a rocky section. as the mountain path ends back at the Carraterra de Vall d'Incles you can head right towards the restaurant or continue straight down the road back to the parking area.
My recommended time of year to do this route is between the end of June and the end of September. However, if the weather and terrain conditions allow it, the season may extend from May to October. outside of this window there is going to be ice, rain and in the winter snow.
This route is great with a dog and does not present any difficulties. Note that some of the route does involve walking along a rural road so you may have to use the leash. Your dog can swim a in the streams and lakes.
During the ascent and descent in the lower foothills, the path passes via pine forests so in spring and Summer be vigilant for poisonous Pine Processionary Caterpillars.
I take a small 30L hiking rucksack and carry three litres of water to do this route wearing comfortable and sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Address: Caraterra de Vall d'Incles, Canillo, Andorra. AD100
Leave Barcelona via the C58 motorway passing Sabadell and Terrasa and transition onto the C16 passing Berga. Take the toll Tunnel de Cadí (€13.93 for a car) and after passing the toll booths at the northern end there is a service station Àrea de Servei Túnel del Cadí - Porta Cerdanya. immediately after the service station is junction onto the C162 towards Puigcerdà.
Continue on the C162 as it transitions into the N260. Cross Puigcerdá via N-152 then at a roundabout take the N-152 towards Llívia. After crossing the border into France, take the N20 passing Latour-de-Carol. After Porta the N20 enters a tunnel. After exiting the tunnel take a right turn onto the N320 towards Andorra. Turn right onto the N22 and follow it to a roundabout and turn into the CG-28 which is a tunnel into Andorra that bypasses a long and winding mountain road.
Exit the tunnel in Andorra and continue on the CG-2 highway until a town called Soldeu. As this highway takes a hair pin bend at the apex of the bend is a small narrow country lane called Carratera d'Vall de Incles. take this road and you will find the parking area a hundred metres further up.
It might be obvious to enter Andorra from the Spanish side but this hiking route is in northern Andorra near the French border so to avoid the traffic in Andorra de la Vella, enter Andorra from the French side at Pas de la Casa.
Considered one of the most beutiful hiking areas in Andorra. A forrestal ascending walk leads to a mountain plain with lakes and waterfalls
Distance: 13.31 Km
Difficulty: Medium
Return Travel Fare: 35
Transport Network: Car
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