It is a demanding trail that can be done in one day or that offers the possibility of spending the night in the guarded refuge of Illa. It will allow you to cross the glacial cirque of Pessons, strewn with blocks of granite, and discover its many superimposed lakes.

The starting point is in the Cubil car park at the Grau Roig ski resort (N42 31.912 E1 41.866). Right next to a large glass and wood building you will find a trail that will take you west to the primer lake of Pessons. Once here, you will take the trail marked with yellow dots which is just behind the restaurant and which will take you to Lake Forcat and a few meters later to the Solana lakes.

Once you arrive at the 3rd lake of Pessons, you will follow the GRP/GR7 beacons then you will climb the steep switchback slope which leads to Portella dels Pessons (N42 30.506 E1 39.577) where a magnificent view of Illa lake awaits you.

From there, you just have to follow the GR7 and go down to the lake. The guarded refuge is located just below the dam.

It was built between 1947 and 1955 by seasonal workers who lived in the unguarded refuge. The lake's waters partly supply the Principality's hydroelectric power station.

For your safety, we recommend doing all routes above 1,700 metres 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.

You’ll find more details about this and other routes in the Trails of Andorra Hiking Guide.