General Information Walk from the crag-top village of Rupit to the medieval town of Besalú to discover the foothills of the Pyrenees - some of the most delightful scenery inSpain. High, open plateaux, wooded hills, fertile valley and over forty dormant volcanoes wonderfully preserved villages and towns, and many picturesque Romanesque churches rich variety of flora and fauna, and diverse eco-systemsThis is an 8 day trip with 5 days walking, 1 day is optional. Shortest / Longest days walk: 3.5 / 6 hrs
Travel Information Recommended Destination Airport: Barcelona There are international and domestic flights to Barcelona. Arrival: A regular train service takes you into the centre of Barcelona, from where you can get frequent trains to Vic (last train dep. 17.00, arr. 17.30). From Vic the office can arrange a taxi for the 33km ride to Rupit. Date: Start any day from 01 Mar to 24 June and 01 Sep to 24 Oct
Level of Difficulty Terrain: The route is well defined and easy to follow, and the terrain is mostly gentle. Farm tracks, country lanes and woodland tracks, with flowers and luxuriant vegetation in early summer.
Accommodation Night 1: Rupit. *** Estrella. Comfortable hotel in the centre of Rupit. B&B Night 2: La Salut. *** Hotel La Salut. A Sanctuary in one of the loveliest spots in the Garrotxa in spectacular setting. HB Night 3: Joanetes***El Ferres. Family-run, fully refurbished 18C farmhouse set in valley. HB Nights 4 & 5: Santa Pau. *** Cal Sastre. Small hotel in converted country house just outside the old town walls. B&B Night 6: La Miana ** Can Jou. Family-run country house in the remote hills of the Garrotxa. Small swimming pool. B&B Night 7: Besalu *** Els Jardins de la Martana. Beautifully restored former private home with impressive views of the town. B&B
Itinerary Day 1:Arrive in Rupit Day 2: Rupit to La Salut From Rupit pass the Salt de Sallent, then follow paths along the edge of the Collsacabra ridge, then through open grassy pastures and woodland to the spectacularly situated sanctuary of Nuestra Senora de la Salut. (7.6 miles, 4 hrs) Day 3: La Salut to Joanetes Enter the heart of the Collsacabra, a high isloated plateau with views across the whole of the Garrotxa. After visiting the castle of St Miquel de Falgars perched on a rocky outcrop, descend into the valley below to spend the night. (10 miles, 5 hrs) Day 4: Joanetes to Santa Pau Easy paths and tracks enter the Natural Park of Garrotxa passing Romanesque churches in picturesque woodland settings. Continue through a beech forest between extinct volcanoes before the medieval village of Santa Pau appears on the horizon. (11.9 miles, 6 hrs) Day 5: Free day in area An optional excursion to the extinct volcano of Santa Margarita, with its tiny chapel situated inside the crater, and then along the fertile valley of San Martí back to Santa Pau. (7.7 miles, 4 hrs). Alternatively the day could be spent exploring the excellent museums in Olot. Day 6: Santa Pau to La Miana Footpaths past craggy peaks and rushing mountain rivers (opportunities for swimming in natural pools), before climbing up to a high ridge with spectacular views. Then a descent along tiny woodland paths to La Miana, a hamlet in the heart of the hills. (11 miles, 5-6hrs) Day 7: La Miana to Besalú Paths through oak and pine forests to the medieval town of Besalú with its 11C fortified bridge – a striking reminder of Besalú’s former grandeur. (6.8 miles, 3hrs 30) Day 8: Return to the airport.
Included Luggage moves Half board (dinner included): 1
