The Catalan Pyrenees – Hiking along ancient trails

Distance: 13,5km / +755m / -502m

You start your adventure with a fairly easy but beautiful hike in the Alt Garrotxa, which first takes us through lush meadows. We then descend through forests and valleys, pass abandoned and sometimes renovated farmhouses and finally arrive in the village of Molló with a beautiful Romanesque church from the 12th century.

Distance: 15 km / +781m /-703m

Today we have a spectacular hike over two mountain passes with impressive views: to the west, the spectacular Pyrenean peaks and to the east, the wooded hills of the Garrotxa. We start with a long and moderate climb to the Col de Fembra Morte (1,728 m), and we continue towards the Col de Lliens (1,864 m) - a good place for a picnic. We continue on the northern flank of Puig de les Agudes before descending through beautiful landscapes to the village of Setcases.

Option A: Setcases - Coll de Marrana - Setcases

Distance: 10,1 km / +906 m / - 906m

A short transfer (5 mins) takes you to "Pla de la Molina" where a path follows the river Ter upstream to the ski station car park. The path crosses the road and continues to climb until it crosses the road again. The path continues to climb to the Ulldeter mountain hut. You have now climbed 4 km and after the hut you continue up to the Col de la Marrana. At the Col de la Marrana we see the steep slope of the Bastiments, but you turn left onto a path that leads to the Coll de la Coma de l'Orri. Here begins the descent back to Pla de la Molina, where a transfer will pick you up.

Option B: Setcases - Pic de Borregues - Setcases

Distance: 13,9 km / +1078m / - 1389m

A circular route today in the high mountains. A short transfer (15 minutes) takes you to the Vallter ski station. After a gradual climb you will reach the Coll de la Marrana, an excellent viewpoint. You are surrounded by peaks over 2800 m high. You follow a beautiful path through high alpine meadows where, with a bit of luck, you will see the rock ptarmigan. This is also the playground of marmots and chamois, which are plentiful here. After a gradual climb you will reach the top of Les Borregues (2687 m) with an unforgettable 360º view. On a clear day you can see the Gulf of Roses! Take some time to stretch your legs before beginning the long descent to Setcases

Distance: 13,8km / +423m / -745m

A very pleasant walk through the Ter valley with spectacular panoramic views. We pass the beautiful village of La Roca, which seems to hang on the rock (roca) on which it is built. From here the path continues along the river to the village of Camprodon.

Distance: 2o km / +928m / -1215m 

After a 10-minute transfer to the mountain village of L’Abella, a spectacular, gradual climb follows through a wild valley to the Collada Verda pass (1,606 m). The views over the valley and high mountain peaks are unforgettable. The hiking trail winds through pristine mountain scenery where golden eagles and griffon vultures soar high in the air. After a long but very nice walk we arrive in the village of Ribes de Freser. 

Alternative:

Short hike of 11 km and 560 meters in altitude. A 45-minute transfer service will take you to Sant Marti d'Ogassa, from where you can walk a shorter version to Ribes de Freser.

In the morning you take the mountain train to Núria (train to 2000m high). Before you start hiking, you can visit the Sanctuary of Nuria. From the sanctuary you walk down the fantasitic valley back to the village of Queralbs. Here you take the train to Ribes de Freser.

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the Catalan Pyrenees. Optional transfer service to Barcelona Or Gerona.