GR150 Cadí Circuit

The first stage climbs out of Bagà through oak and pine, with views of the limestone walls of the Serra del Cadí above the treeline. By the time you reach Gósol, after about 24 kilometers, you’ll feel in the rhythm of the walk. Gósol’s a sleepy place, once home to Picasso for a spell, and a great spot to settle into the slower pace of the trail. From there, stage two continues over Coll de la Mola, crossing into the province of Alt Urgell before descending into Fórnols, a quiet farming village where you can stay in a simple casa rural and enjoy a proper meal after a long day.

Stage three takes you toward La Seu d’Urgell, a great market town and the largest along the route. It’s a good place to restock and spend the night in comfort before heading back into the hills. The next stretch, from La Seu to Ansovell, brings you back into high country, a remote-feeling climb that rewards you with views of the Cadi ridge in full relief. Ansovell itself is little more than a cluster of stone houses, but it has a tucked-away charm and basic accommodations.

The following day to Estana feels wilder. The trail follows narrow ridges and meadows, where you’ll likely see vultures circling above. Estana is high up in the hills and is one of those rare Pyrenean villages that still feels untouched. From here, the route drops gradually to Bellver de Cerdanya, a bigger town with shops, hotels, and a handful of good restaurants. It’s a natural breaking point and a chance for more variety in your meals.

On stage seven, you will hike from Bellver to Alp, a day of open walking with wide valley views and easier terrain underfoot. After a nice day in the valley, stage eight is characterized by the long climb to Coll de Pal, the high point of the loop, and arguably the most spectacular. There’s a small mountain refuge nearby where you can spend the night surrounded by stars and silence. The final leg descends steadily back to Bagà, where you can celebrate a hike well hiked.

The GR150 Cadí Circuit can be hiked through the spring, summer, and early fall. Because the highest point on the trail is 2111 meters, you shouldn’t encounter snow until later in the season. It should also melt early enough that you can hike throughout the spring. If you are unsure of the trail conditions, you can call the mountain huts or accommodations in the towns to ask for live updates.

To prepare for the Cadí Circuit, you should plan all of your accommodations ahead of time, pack appropriately, and make sure you’re in good physical shape. For deciding your accommodations, this comes with having a strong itinerary. As you plan your stages, confirm where/how you will sleep each night to avoid surprises. It is also helpful to share this itinerary with someone you trust, so they know where you are along the way.

Additionally, you will need to pack well for the trail. This includes bringing a comfortable, ergonomic backpack, shoes with strong grip for steep descents, and enough layers to keep you cool in the day and warm in the evenings. Other helpful items to bring are a sleeping bag liner for the mountain huts, a headlamp, and a basic first aid kit.

Finally, being in strong physical shape will make this all the more enjoyable. It is recommended that you train before hiking the GR 150. Important things to consider are that you will be on trail for 4-6 hours every day (not including breaks). So, your stamina, balance, strength, and cardio should be trained to keep you comfortable as you go.

The GR150 Cadí Circuit is a moderately difficult trail. You will gain about 1000 meters every day, which is significant for new hikers. If you are an experienced long-distance hiker, this trail will not be anything crazy, but it will still put you to the test for 9 days of hiking. As this is not a popular trail, you may not see many other people while you walk. Depending on how social you are, this may make the trail easier or more difficult. Either way, it is something to take into mind!