I could do with some Pyrenees Orientales advice...
We've got a couple of days free to climb a hill in the eastern Pyrenees later in July and I was thinking of Canigou on account of its prominence and relatively quick access from the area we'll be staying in. Also it looks better than I'd thought in the photos I've found.
I've no map yet and only cursory coverage in any guidebooks I own, so I'm struggling to come up with a route with:
Non technical, just a walk or scramble
Decent access from the north
Possibility of a nice hut night so we can get high on the afternoon we arrive and then climb the hill next day
Quality summit route - preferably a ridgey circuit lasting a few hours. Looks a possibility from the north side?
I've read various bits online about people paying for 4x4 access. Anyone know how that works? That could be handy (it'll be hot low down) but it also makes me fear we'll end up trudging up dusty forest roads with loads of vehicles, and sharing the summit with hordes of day trippers. I don't mind seeing other people about, but would prefer to go elsewhere if Canigou in July is the Catalan equivalent to Snowdon but with the added joy of 4x4s roaring around
Alternatives?
Carlit: we've done it
Pic d'Estats: looks perfect for a 2-dayer but would be several more hours drive
?