Pyrenees/Ripollès, Self-guided Tour (Spain)
The Pyrenees is unbeatable destination for hikers
Ripollès, where this arrangement will take you, is a relatively green region. It is a small-scaled area in the foothills of the high mountains with small compact villages which often have an old and original town centre and where the air of the small narrow streets is permeated by the smell of cattle and manure.
♦ Beautiful mountain landscapes of the Catalonian Pyrenees
♦ Alpine peaks, meadows, waterfals, river valleys and rich biodiversity;
♦ Peaceful farmlands with gazing cattle;
♦ Typical mountain villages with stone houses, narrow cobbed streets and arch bridges;
♦ The Sanctuary of Nuria - one of Catalonia's holiest sites high in the mountains, 1,960 metres above sea level;
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival at Camprodon
The charming mountain village Camprodon lies at the confluence of the rivers Ter and Ritort and has a lovely centre with a 12th century footbridge. Take your time to explore the alleys and squares and buying supplies such as delicious sausages and cured cheese from the local shops.
Day 2. Camprodon – Molló (17 km)
Start your trip with a great walk into the high Garrotxa, initially taking you up through lush pastureland. A descent through woodland and valleys passing abandoned and sometimes renovated farmhouses brings you to the village Molló with a Romanesque church from the XIIth century.
Day 3. Molló - Setcases (13 km)
Today you have a spectacular walk over two mountain passes with impressive panoramic views: to the West, the dramatic Pyrenean peaks, and to the East, the warm, wooded hills of the Garrotxa. You start with a long, moderate climb the Fembra Morte Pass (1.728m) and remain high up as you continue to Lliens pass (1.864m) (a good picnic spot). You continue across the northern flank of the Puig de les Agudes before descending through great landscape to Setcases. Dinner and accomodation in Setcases.
Day 4. Setcases. Free day.
Today you have the option of visiting the village and surrounding area or to explore the area in depth on a longer hike up the valley. Why not climb one of the mountain passes or even the Bastiments peak (2.883m) with unrivalled mountain views. On clear days you can see the blue waters of the Mediterranean from here.
Day 5. Setcases - Camprodon (14 km)
A short but thoroughly enjoyable route leads high above the valley. Cross a mix of pastureland and forest and pass the astonishing village of La Roca, which seemingly clings to the rock on which it was built, then to reach Camprodon.
Day 6. Camprodon – Ribes de Freser (23 km)
Today you have a spectacular, gradual ascent through a wild valley up the Collada Verda Pass (1.606m) from where you descend along undulating paths and tracks to Ribes de Freser.
Day 7. Ribes de Freser. Free day
Free day to enjoy this nice village or to take the rack train up to Núria. There is time to climb above the monastery to admire the breathtaking views and do some circular routes which are marked.
An optional walk down the valley to Queralbs would add another 2,5 hours (rack railway stops here).
Another option is to take the train to Ripoll and visit the Romanesque monastery Santa Maria, the cradle of the Catalan Nation.
Day 8. Departure.
By train to Barcelona or by bus via Ripoll to Girona. Optional transfer to Camprodon.
Included in the price: ► Accommodationin 2** - 3*** hotels with private facilities on half board basis (breakfast and dinner) for days 2, 3, 4 & 5 and bed and breakfast for the other 3 days ► Detailed road book in English ► transfer from Ripoll to Camprodon (day 1) ► Luggage transfers ► NOTE! The price is per person sharing a double room accommodation. Single traveler who has ordered a bed in a shared double room must be prepared to pay for a single room if a room-mate cannot be arranged;
Not included: ► Flights ► Transfers not mentioned in the program ► Travel insurance ► Entrance fees ► Tips ► Alcohol drinks and other personal expenses
Other expenses: Single room supplement: 220 EUR;
Practical information: HIKING SPECIFICS: - You will walk mainly below the tree line on dirt roads and nice forest paths and meadows. On days 4 and 7 you will have the chance to enjoy the alpine landscapes of The Pyrenees climbing up to 2800m. In high areas you might find cattle grazing, which means you must be careful with drinking water from rivers and brooks.- Ticks are also possible – check regularly your trousers or legs.- People suffering from fear of heights are not expected to have any problems on this arrangement, but then again you might have to walk over a steep slope now and then, but never with a huge depth right under you.
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