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THE CATALAN The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 02 Contents Contents 03

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 04 LEGEND 06 TRAVERSES IN STAGES 09 GR HIKING TRAILS 23 IDEAS FOR HALF-DAY WALKS 29 BEYOND HIKING 34 04 The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 05

The Catalan Pyrenees,

Pyrenees,

Andorra - La Seu Airport

Lleida- Alguaire Girona Airport Girona- Airport Lleida

Barcelona Airport

KNOW THE CATALAN PYRENEES? A place where the journey is every bit as important as the destination, where you can spend the whole day enjoying nature at its best and then relax in the evening by the fireside. A land characterised by its high mountains, its rich cultural heritage, and its exceptional cuisine. A pristine natural environment that invites you to come and practise sport, visit the only National Park in Catalonia and the many Natural Parks, and explore the age-old customs and traditions of the mountain communities. Discover and experience this inland paradise. The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 06 Hiking Hiking 07

LEGEND HIKING IN THE CATALAN PYRENEES

FACT FILE CALENDAR

Best time of year Route length (in km) for this route

Cumulative elevation gain FURTHER INFORMATION

Route type: linear Sustainable

Route type: circular The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 08 Traverses in stages Traverses in stages 09

TRAVERSES IN STAGES

ADVENTURES STEP-BY-STEP The Pyrenees are full of kilometres and kilometres of well- marked trails. Some can be done in just one day, whereas others need several days to complete. The following itineraries all take more than one day: their variety of landscapes and natural and cultural uniqueness have made them a must for nature-lovers wishing to enjoy an exceptional experience. The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 10 Traverses in stages Traverses in stages 11

TRAVERSES IN STAGES

2 1 SETAU SAGÈTH 1 3

5 VAL D’ARAN FACT FILE 9 4 SOBIRÀ 10 103 km ALTA 6 RIBAGORÇA

7 9480 m 11 17 18

ALT 16 ALT EMPORDÀ 8 Circular 12 15 RIPOLLÈS PALLARS 19 JUSSÀ 14 Self-guided itinerary in five stages walking trail. Baggage transport 13 Late May beginning and ending in Vielha. service available. to early BERGUEDÀ SOLSONÈS The route goes over three mountain Not to be missed: fabulous views of October passes: Coll de Guerri (2320m), the Aranese landscape; Val d’Aran Port de Rius (2340m), and Port de gastronomy and cultural heritage. Vielha, a history-laden pass and the culminating point of this traverse. www.setausageth.com The route mostly follows the GR211

LEGEND 2 PASS’ARAN

1 Setau Sagèth 11 Estanys Amagats FACT FILE

2 Pass’Aran 12 Cavalls del Vent 64 km 3 Camin Reiau 13 Route of the Cathars

4 Carros de Foc 14 La Ruta del Caracremada 10,205 m

5 Via Calda 15 Route of the Hermit Circular 6 Shepherds’ Route 16 Els Bastions

7 Route of the Three Valleys 17 Els Tres Refugis Discover this cross- route Valier. Five mountain refuges and Summer in the central Pyrenees between gîtes enable you to complete the months 8 El Cinquè Llac 18 Refugis del Torb Catalonia and France, in the heart circuit without major difficulty. of the Castillonnais, Birós, and 9 Gate of Heaven 19 Serra de Monestirs Not to be missed: legendary peaks Aran valleys. The traverse takes along the way. 10 Mountains of Freedom in legendary peaks and mountain passes such as Crabère, Maubermé, www.passaran.com Barlonguère (Tuc d’Eth Milh) and The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 12 Traverses in stages Traverses in stages 13

TRAVERSES IN STAGES

3 CAMIN REIAU 5 VIA CALDA

FACT FILE FACT FILE

150 km 88 km

12,000 m 4450 m

Circular Linear

All-year round hiking route along Not to be missed: churches in The Via Calda is a self-guided and then sleeping in the modern All year round Late May paths formerly linking the 33 villages Salardú, Arties, Bossòst, and Vielha; itinerary, providing a perfect Caldes de Boí hotel spa! to early in the Val d’Aran, of great interest flora and fauna of the Val d’Aran. combination of hiking plus the best Baggage transport service is also October to those who wish to immerse www.caminreiau.cat thermal waters in the Pyrenees: available for the Encantats and Gran themselves in the history, culture and Boí, Tredòs, Arties, Les, and Vielha. Bucle (Big Loop) routes. natural heritage of the area. Baggage transport service available Not to be missed: Val d’Aran and Vall for each stage. Imagine exploring de Boí; thermal circuits at Les, Caldes the Colomers and its 48 de Boí and Banhs de Tredòs. lakes in the Val d’Aran, visiting the Romanesque churches of the Vall de www.andandosinequipaje.com Boí (UNESCO World Heritage Site),

4 CARROS DE FOC 6 SHEPHERDS’ ROUTE

FACT FILE FACT FILE

55 km 50 km

9200 m 1400 m

Circular Linear

Classic high mountain route linking reached on the itinerary is Contraig Summer The route follows the paths and completed in 3-4 days, depending on All year up the nine mountain refuges in Pass (2475m). Five to seven days months trails used by shepherds since your physical fitness. round Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici are required to complete this route. time immemorial, helping you to Not to be missed: conversations National Park, the only one of its Not to be missed: numerous natural understand the lives and the history with the shepherds you will meet on kind in Catalonia. The refuges are lakes along the way. of the transhumant shepherds in Alta your way. located at an altitude of 1900 - www.carrosdefoc.com Ribagorça County. The route starts 2400 metres, and the highest point in the town of El Pont de Suert and www.larutadelpastor.com the four stages (maximum) can be The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 14 Traverses in stages Traverses in stages 15

TRAVERSES IN STAGES

7 ROUTE OF THE THREE VALLEYS 9 GATE OF HEAVEN

FACT FILE FACT FILE

74.640 km 65 km

+ 3215 m 11,000 m

Circular Circular

A circular traverse through Boí, Not to be missed: waterfowl on the May to Five-stage route running through and Certascan Lake, the largest June to Barravés and Castanesa valleys, River de Tor; Romanesque October wild, impressive landscapes of natural lake in the Pyrenees. September the best way of enjoying these churches of Vall de Boí; spectacular beauty in the Alt Not to be missed: Certascan Lake incomparable landscapes beside Interpretation Centre (in Senet) Pirineu Natural Park (Catalonia) surrounded by mountains, with Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant and the Pyrénées Ariégeoises the dramatically located Pinet Maurici National Park and Posets- Maurici National Park Regional Natural Park (France), refuge; early-morning reflections Natural Park, discovering www.ruta3valls.com with four mountain refuges along of the peaks in the lake waters; the local cultural heritage, and the way. The itinerary passes the climbing Pica d’Estats. sleeping in any of the picturesque emblematic Pica d’Estats (3143m), villages in the valleys. the highest peak in Catalonia, www.laportadelcel.com

8 EL CINQUÈ LLAC 10 MOUNTAINS OF FREEDOM

FACT FILE FACT FILE

102.3 km 65 km

12,963 m 9500 m

Circular Circular

Medium-altitude mountain route and unexpected areas of the Pyrenees Spring to Route running through the Alt Pirineu south to escape the Holocaust. June to autumn September running just below Aigüestortes i until you reach Montcortès Lake (the Natural Park (Catalonia) and the Not to be missed: Ars , Estany de Sant Maurici National “Fifth Lake”). Pyrénées Ariégeoises Regional Natural probably the most beautiful Park, accessible for all types of Not to be missed: the legends Park (France). This 4-stage itinerary in the Pyrenees; monuments hikers. Baggage transport service associated with each stage, which will is steeped in history as it follows the commemorating the Jewish exodus available. The route involves add a touch of magic to your route paths taken by refugees fleeing to in and Aulus-les-Bains. overcoming the changing natural relief through the mountains. France to escape the Spanish Civil War of this mountain terrain, and takes and later by European Jews fleeing www.muntanyesdellibertat.com you through one of the most unknown www.elcinquellac.com The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 16 Traverses in stages Traverses in stages 17

TRAVERSES IN STAGES

11 ESTANYS AMAGATS 13 ROUTE OF THE CATHARS

FACT FILE FACT FILE

73 km 189 km

3599 m 5530 m

Circular Linear

High mountain route running formerly used by pedlars and June to Tourist itinerary along the GR107 Most of the stages can also be done April to between mountain refuges. Discover frequented by smugglers. September hiking trail, following the escape on mountain bike. November the Alta Cerdanya area around Not to be missed: impressive views routes across the Pyrenees used by Not to be missed: panoramic views th the Cerdanya- National of the mountains surrounding the the persecuted Cathars in the 13 of Mountain and the Cadí th Reserve. The itinerary also includes Andorran valleys; Cerdanya County; and 14 centuries. The trail starts Mountains; picnic at Molí del Salt the higher levels of Madriu Valley in valley of the River ; Cadí- at Queralt sanctuary in the town Waterfall. Andorra, a privileged environment Moixeró Mountains. of Berga and ends at Montségur surrounded by peaks of almost Castle in Ariège (France), and can be www.camidelsbonshomes.com 3000m high and a mountain pass www.rutadelsestanysamagats.com completed on foot or on horseback.

12 CAVALLS DEL VENT 14 LA RUTA DEL CARACREMADA

FACT FILE FACT FILE 80 -160 km 90 km (depending on options taken) 5200 m 1000 m daily (average) Circular Circular Itinerary running between the eight Not to be missed: Els Empedrats; May to Circular route taking 3-6 days, Not to be missed: sunsets at Arp mountain refuges located in the views of the legendary Pedraforca October through some of the most refuge; views from the summits of All year beautiful landscape of Cadí-Moixeró Mountain. emblematic places in the Catalan Cap del Verd and Port del Comte; round Natural Park, at altitudes ranging www.cavallsdelvent.com Pre-Pyrenees: Rasos de Peguera, Pont Cabradís; kayaking across Llosa from 900m to 2510m. The marked Serra d’Ensija, Pedraforca, Serra del Cavall reservoir. trail may be joined at any point and del Verd, Port del Comte mountains, www.rutacaracremada.com walked in either direction. Busa Mountains, and many charming mountain villages. The route starts and ends at Rasos de Peguera (Berguedà). The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 18 Traverses in stages Traverses in stages 19

TRAVERSES IN STAGES

15 ROUTE OF THE HERMIT 17 ELS TRES REFUGIS

FACT FILE FACT FILE

105 km 52.5 km

3054 m 6270 m (6000 including optional Circular peaks)

Circular Marked route suitable for hiking, first traverse for a wide sector of the April to Route enabling you to discover some You can also include the most horseback riding or mountain bike, population, for families or groups of November memorable places in the Eastern representative peaks in the area: mainly running through Cadí-Moixeró young people. Pyrenees as you enjoy spectacular , , Gra de Fajol, June to September Natural Park and taking in over Not to be missed: over twenty landscapes with abundant wild Gallinàs, Torreneules and Puigmal. twenty Romanesque buildings along Romanesque churches, sanctuaries fauna. The itinerary takes in Not to be missed: the experience of the way. With altitudes ranging from and hermitages along the route. Ulldeter, Ras de la Carançà and sleeping in mountain refuges!! 800m in the village of La Pobla de Coma de Vaca mountain refuges. Lillet to 2520m at the summit of www.rutaermita.com www.t3r.cat Tosa d’Alp, this route is a suitable

16 ELS BASTIONS 18 REFUGIS DEL TORB

FACT FILE FACT FILE

105 km 73.37 km

15,200 m 4972 m

Circular Circular

The route starts and ends in the (2883m), the easternmost Pyrenean June to Five-stage high mountain itinerary Ulldeter Cirque, the Pla Guillem, June to September September town of and runs peak exceeding 2800m. linking Puigmal (2910m) and Canigó Marialles, Mentet o Carançà through the main sights in Ribes Not to be missed: Vall de Núria with (2784m), the two most emblematic Valleys. Valley in the Eastern Pyrenees. its unique natural landscape; Taga, peaks in the Eastern Pyrenees. Not to be missed: Vall de Núria, Places of interest include Vall de Puigmal, and Bastiments peaks. Along the way, the route goes by Ulldeter Cirque, Canigó Massif, Núria, Taga (2038m), Puigmal www.elsbastions.com places much beloved of hikers, Mentet village, Carançà Lakes. (2910m), the highest mountain such as Coma de Vaca Valley, in Girona province, Bastiments www.refugisdeltorb.com The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 20 Traverses in stages Traverses in stages 21

TRAVERSES IN STAGES

19 SERRA DE MONESTIRS

FACT FILE

58.5 km

2600 m

Circular

Route running through the southern Not to be missed: guided visits April to October part of Ripollès County, starting around the monasteries of and ending in the town of Ripoll, and Sant Joan de les Abadesses; with the highest point at Taga countryside in the valley of the peak (2040m). More than a just River Ter; meals prepared with local mountain itinerary, this route brings produce. you into contact with the essence www.serrademonestirs.com of this area, its history and legends, its landscapes and farmers, and its renowned gastronomy. The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 22 GR hiking trails GR hiking trails 23

GR HIKING TRAILS

ONE PATH, MANY LANDSCAPES GRs are long trails of over 50km, mainly designed for hikers. Each stretch is maintained by local hiking federations, which also mark the trails with the characteristic red and white stripes. Up to thirty GR trails run through Catalonia. The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 24 GR hiking trails GR hiking trails 25

GR HIKING TRAILS

www.feec.cat

1 GR1: TRANSVERSAL TRAIL 13 Espitau Vielha The Transversal Trail (GR1) starts at the emblematic FACT FILE de Vièlha Montsegur Greek and Roman ruins of Empúries on the VAL D’ARAN Mediterranean coast, and crosses the 355 km 2 from east to west until reaching Finisterre. The Catalan ANDORRA 9 PALLARS stretch goes up to Pont de Montanyana, from where it ALTA SOBIRÀ FRANCE Linear RIBAGORÇA La Farga continues into Aragón. de Moles Puigcerdà Prades Portbou The Transversal Trail runs parallel to the Pyrenean Trail 10 CERDANYA GR blazes and 7 (GR11), but through the more Pre-Pyrenean area of 5 vertical signposting ALT RIPOLLÈS ALT EMPORDÀ great landscape interest. It passes through towns of URGELL Bagà 3 14 major importance in Catalan history such as Besalú Pont de GARROTXA 8 Spring to autumn Montanyana PALLARS 6 Borredà and Ripoll, with as the JUSSÀ 1 Camallera Sant Martí CALENDARI (but possible all Queralt d’Empúries leitmotif. It goes through the former textile colonies Sanctuary Vidrà year round) SOLSONÈS along the banks of the River Llobregat, and the village BERGUEDÀ of Sant Llorenç de Morunys. The final stretch takes in 4 Mont-rebei, the only long canyon in Catalonia traversed Pinós 12 solely by a bridle path carved out of the rock. Sanctuary Mataró Aiguafreda Navàs Pont de l’Olivar 11 (Ulldecona) Tàrrega Monastery Fredes 2 Caro mountain (Castelló) GR11: PYRENEAN TRAIL refuge (Els Ports) The GR11 is the most mountainous of all GR trails FACT FILE running through Catalan territory. It traverses the southern side of the Pyrenees from the Mediterranean 378 km LEGEND to the Cantabrian Sea linking Catalonia with Andorra, Aragón, , and the Basque Country. It goes through large natural spaces such as Aigüestortes i Linear 1 GR1: Transversal Trail 8 GR92: Mediterranean Trail Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, Alt Pirineu and Cap de Creus Natural Parks, and numerous Places GR blazes and 2 GR11: Pyrenean Trail 9 GR107: Route of the Cathars of Natural Interest such as the Mountains, vertical signposting 3 GR2: La Jonquera - Aiguafreda 10 GR150: Cadí Mountains Alta Garrotxa, Tossa Plana de Lles Mountain, and the sources of the River Ter and the River Freser. Spring and summer 4 GR3: Central Catalan Trail 11 GR171: Pinós sanctuary - Caro mountain refuge CALENDARI The trail leads through places of major historical and 5 GR4: Puigcerdà - Montserrat 12 GR176: Route of the Twenty Hermitages religious importance, such as Núria sanctuary and Sant Pere de Rodes monastery. Please note that some of the 6 GR7: Andorra - Fredes 13 GR211: Val d’Aran Circular Trail higher stretches require specific skills and abilities. There is abundant snow for several months of the year. 7 GR83: Northern (Canigó) Way 14 GR241: Borredà Circular Trail The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 26 GR hiking trails GR hiking trails 27

GR HIKING TRAILS

3 GR2: LA JONQUERA - AIGUAFREDA 9 GR107: ROUTE OF THE CATHARS The route starts at the French border in La Jonquera, FACT FILE Route enabling hikers to retrace the paths used by FACT FILE passing through Besalú and en route to the Cathars fleeing persecution in the 12th-14th centuries. Garrotxa Volcanic Area Natural Park, and ends in the 165 km The trail starts in Queralt (Berguedà) and ends at 201 km town of Aiguafreda. Montségur Castle in Ariège (France).

4 GR3: CENTRAL CATALAN TRAIL 10 GR150: CADÍ MOUNTAINS This route through inland Catalonia takes in interesting FACT FILE This trail runs around Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park FACT FILE landscapes, towns, and villages, and goes through enabling you to discover the magnificent landscapes in wooded areas in Berguedà, and Solsonès counties 226.9 km the area, and the main points of interest in the towns 157.7 km on its way from the Plain of to the Plain of Lleida. and villages surrounding the Cadí Mountains.

5 GR4: PUIGCERDÀ - MONTSERRAT 11 GR171: PINÓS SANCTUARY - CARO MOUNTAIN REFUGE This route is the continuation of a European GR. FACT FILE This trail runs parallel to the GR7, taking in many FACT FILE It starts at Puigcerdà, goes over Coll de Pal into interesting places and historic buildings along the way. It Berguedà County, and continues into Bages County. 158 km starts at Pinós sanctuary (Solsonès) and passes by churches 292.85 km The route ends with a climb in Montserrat Mountains. and monasteries located in landscapes of great beauty.

6 GR7: ANDORRA - FREDES 12 GR176: ROUTE OF THE TWENTY HERMITAGES The trail starts in La Farga de Moles, crosses the Iberian FACT FILE Circular route running through Berguedà, Bages FACT FILE Peninsula via La Seu d’Urgell, Tuixén, Sant Llorenç and Counties, taking in many Romanesque de Morunys and Solsona, before finally entering the 399 km churches on its way through villages, towns, and other 80.2 km Valencian Community from Els Ports de Beseit. places of interest.

7 GR83: NORTHERN (CANIGÓ) WAY 13 GR211: VAL D’ARAN CIRCULAR TRAIL Following the same route taken by thousands of exiles FACT FILE Trail starting and ending in Vielha. The route and FACT FILE fleeing to France in 1939 after the Spanish Civil War, its detours enable you to discover the landscapes, the trail starts in Callao beach in Mataró and heads 212 km architecture, traditions, and villages of the Val d’Aran. 93 km northwards through , Vallès Oriental, La , Garrotxa, Ripollès, and .

8 GR92: MEDITERRANEAN TRAIL 14 GR241: BORREDÀ CIRCULAR TRAIL

This trail runs along the Catalan coast, with its FACT FILE Circular trail affording spectacular panoramic views of FACT FILE wide range of coves, beaches, and Mediterranean Berguedà County, taking in churches and hermitages landscapes. It starts at Portbou, the point where the 583 km of notable interest, e.g. the church of Sant Jaume de 55 km Pyrenees sweep down to meet the . Frontanyà. The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 28 Ideas for half-day walks Ideas for half-day walks 29

IDEAS FOR HALF-DAY WALKS

Walks and excursions Enjoy the pleasures of walking in the Catalan Pyrenees and discover the hidden surprises tucked away. The following walking routes bring you into spectacular landscapes in just one day or less. The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 30 Ideas for half-day walks Ideas for half-day walks 31

IDEAS FOR HALF-DAY WALKS

1 SETAU SAGÈTH FACT FILE 7 MONT-REBEI CANYON FACT FILE Discover the history of the Val d’Aran through 103 km Circular Itinerary along a path carved out of the 3 km Linear its villages, riverbanks, and mountain passes, rock at an altitude of 500m, over the starting and ending in Vielha. River Noguera Ribagorçana. 9100 m 120 m www.camins.net www.pallarsjussa.net

2 CORSA E CAMINADA DES FACT FILE 8 TERRADETS RESERVOIR BANKS FACT FILE 15 PÒBLES 10 km Circular Itinerary along the banks of Terradets 3.3 km Linear reservoir. Walk along the former communication lines www.pallarsjussa.net linking up the villages in the Val d’Aran. 600 m 60 m www.corsa15pobles.org

FACT FILE 3 WATERWAY FACT FILE 9 SANT JOAN DE L’ERM 9.3 km Circular Route following former shepherds’ paths 27 km Linear FOREST ROUTE along the banks of the River Noguera de Tor. Route through the leafy forests of Alt Urgell County. 900 m www.turismealtaribagorca.cat 822 m www.geomapa.cat

FACT FILE 4 SENET WILDLIFE ROUTE FACT FILE 10 BOSCALT SANCTUARY 3.5 km Circular Wildlife route starting and ending in the village 6.5 km Circular Walk up to Boscalt sanctuary, with of Senet. impressive views over the Cadí Mountains. www.geomapa.cat www.turismealtaribagorca.cat 110 m 430 m

FACT FILE 5 PATHS OF “VOICES FACT FILE 11 VALL DE LORD GREEN PATH OF THE RIVER PAMANO” 5.7 km Circular Itinerary along the River Cardener. 7.5 km Linear Route passing through places described in the www.turismesolsones.com novel Voices of the River Pamano. 300 m 221 m www.valldassua.cat

FACT FILE 6 MOLLERA D’ESCALARRE 12 SANT CLIMENÇ NATURAL FACT FILE ITINERARY 1,8 km Linear SPRINGS 6.2 km Circular Path leading to Mollera d’Escalarre, a Route around Sant Climenç village, starting and mountain wetland zone of glacial origin. 50 m ending at the natural springs of the same name. 115 m www.pallarssobira.info www.turismesolsones.com The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 32 Ideas for half-day walks Ideas for half-day walks 33

IDEAS FOR HALF-DAY WALKS

FACT FILE 13 ST JAMES’ WAY FACT FILE 19 MARIAN VAYREDA’S Secondary branch of the St James’ Way to 36 km Linear ALTA GARROTXA 13 km Linear , through Cerdanya County. Literary route through the Alta Garrotxa, 252 m the backdrop for Marian Vayreda’s novel La 392 m www.cerdanya.org Punyalada. www.itinerannia.net FACT FILE 14 TOSSA PLANA DE LLES FACT FILE 20 Climb Tossa Plana de Lles (2916m), the 7 km Linear ZONA VOLCÀNICA DE LA highest mountain in Cerdanya County. GARROTXA NATURAL PARK 12 km Circular www.cerdanya.org 801 m Explore the Natural Park on this route. www.itinerannia.net 389 m 15 FACT FILE COLONY ROUTE FACT FILE Route taking in the former textile colonies 32 km Linear 21 DALÍ LANDSCAPES along the banks of the River Llobregat, one Discover the landscapes that inspired 17 km Circular of the most exceptional concentrations of Salvador Dalí. industrial colonies in Europe. 450 m www.itinerannia.net www.parcfluvial.cat 495 m

FACT FILE 16 THE PICASSO TRAIL 22 AROUND SANT PERE FACT FILE 60 km Linear The trail through Berguedà and Cerdanya 17.5 km Circular Counties follows that taken by Pablo Picasso on DE RODES his way back to France in the summer of 1906. 2370 m Walk through the area surrounding the (uphill www.elbergueda.cat gradient) Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. 559 m www.itinerannia.net 17 UNDER THE GAZE OF TAGA FACT FILE MOUNTAIN 16 km Circular Route throught Vall de Ribes, with Taga Mountain as a point of reference throughout 705 m the whole itinerary. www.itinerannia.net

18 BEGET AND ROCABRUNA ALONG FACT FILE SMUGGLERS’ PATHS 14 km Circular Itinerary to discover the natural heritage of Alta Garrotxa. 760 m www.itinerannia.net The Catalan Pyrenees The Catalan Pyrenees 34 Beyond hiking Credits 35

BEYOND HIKING

CULTURE AND HERITAGE MEMORY OF A PLACE The backbone around which modern Catalonia developed, the Pyrenees boast an outstanding architectural and cultural heritage, and resources of World Heritage status. The source of inspiration for writers and painters, as well as the cradle of the thousand-year-old Catalan culture, they are home to Romanesque churches and monasteries, castles, mediaeval villages, and archaeological sites, as well as over fifty museums, devotional sanctuaries of great beauty, places of worship, and interesting ruins full of history. GASTRONOMY NATURE AND FINE CUISINE The fine Pyrenean gastronomy makes it a pleasure to sit down and enjoy our mountain specialities. Mushrooms, game, cold meats, cheeses made from ’s, cow’s or goat’s milk... Pyrenean cuisine combines local produce with time-honoured Credits culinary skills to surprise and satisfy even the most demanding palates. Cover. Vall de Núria, Ripollès. PTCBG Iconographic Archives. P2. Tancalaporta Mountain Pass. Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. Rafael López-Monné. P4. Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. Getty Images. P7. Artiga de Lin. Val d’Aran. Rafael López-Monné. P8. Solsonès. Oriol Clavera. ACCOMMODATION P11 – P20. Rafael López-Monné; Pass’Aran; Camin Reiau; Chariots of Fire; Diario de un Mentiroso; Judith Mira; Route of the Three Valleys; Jordi Tutusaus, Traces; Alejandro Gamarra; A WELL-DESERVED REST Jaume Pifarré; Rafael López-Monné; Òscar Rodbag; Pako Hotels, rural accommodation, hostels, and Crestas; Route of the Hermit; The Bastions; Xavier Fernández; campsites... Pep Hubach - Corriols de Llum; Pau Ortiz, Alt-Ter. P21. Obaga de Queralt path. El Berguedà. Rafael López- In the Catalan Pyrenees you will find Monné. accommodation to suit all tastes, each with its P22. Hiking around Cap Norfeu, Roses. Alt Empordà. Francesc own personality and speciality. The welcoming, Tur. PTCBG Iconographic Archives. enthusiastic Pyrenean accommodation options P28. Hiking in the Volcanic Area, Garrotxa. Itinerànnia. PTCBG Iconographic Archives. provide a place for a well-deserved rest. P34. Culture and Heritage: El Pont de Suert festival, Alta Ribagorça. Manel Pueyo; Gastronomy: La Seu d’Urgell cheeses, Alt Urgell; Turisme de La Seu; Accommodation: Mas Garganta, Garrotxa. Itinerànnia. PTCBG Iconographic Archives. P35. Val d’Aran. Mikael Helsing. www.visitpirineus.com