Campdevànol

Campdevànol, the so-called “Garden of the Pyrenees”, offers just one hour and little of Barcelona and Girona different BTT circuits designed professionally and looking for the best and most beautiful routes in the area. BTT circuits with different distances and unevenness which we are sure you will find the ones that best suit your possibilities. In order to preserve the nature we have not marked the route with paint or posters. That is why BTT circuits have been recorded using GPS technology on the ground with a minimum accuracy of 5″ between points and tracks over existing, some little known, avoiding this way “surprises” during the course. Each circuit is accompanied by photos in the direction of the march so that when you see them you get an idea of what you will find, and when you are there you will have the feeling of having been there before. We also facilitate the download of the track (GPX file) to be saved in your GPS device. You can also do the tour if you have a cartographic map following the indications that we give you in the summary. Obviously in this case you will need some minimum knowledge of guidance and use of maps.

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OTHER TRAILS

MTB

Sant Feliu d'Estiula

Total Distance: 22 Km

Elevation gain: 700 m

Start point: Campdevànol

Finish point: Campdevànol

Min. height: 730 (Campdevànol)

Max. height: 1053 (Les Cases de Sant Feliu)

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Summary

Short trail that combines sections of forest with winding pahts, passing near old houses, some in ruins and some in restoration, and that will take us to know the Serra de l’Aurò and the Torrent d’Estiula. Ideal to do on a summer afternoon or spring. Better to avoid the cold winter days and the short afternoons.

We leave Plaça de la Mainada to take the Camí Ral, which will follow the first kilometer paral·lel to the river Merdàs. We will continue to Mas Busacs and always ascending and crossing some fences we will arrive, now by path, to the Collet de Daguí. At this point we begin a descent to reach the top of the Gorg del Colomer that well worth a stop. Following the track we get to the Torrent de Estiula. Leaving the meadow we get to the paht of La Riba.

We will find the track to Sant Feliu d’Estiula, where we will turn right and following the path we will reach the old hermitage. From this point we will start a beautiful loop to the Casas de Sant Feliu, highest point of the route. This house, even being away of any confortable access, is in the process of rehabilitation. Now we start a short descent until almost returning to the hermitage. Here we start the most tangled and at the same time fun. We must be careful not to pass some of the crosses. We will take care with the fences because this is a cattle zone.

Into the trails we will arrive at La Cabana, another farm in the process of rehabilitation and a pasture of horses. We will pass through the pastures without disturbing the cattle. After we will continue between tracks and paths clearly descending until we find a crossroad taht we’ll turn left to go up to Mas Cogulls. One last stretch in a funny trail descent will take us to the path of Estiula, where will turn left to find again the Camí Ral close to the hermitage of Sant Llorenç de Campdevànol. Following this path we will arrive to the finish point, the Plaça de la Mainada.

Water: all services in Campdevànol. We will cross many torrents during the route where we can refresh.

Gorg de l'Olla

Total Distance: 14 Km

Elevation gain: 450 m

Start point: Campdevànol

Finish point: Campdevànol

Min. height: 730 (Campdevànol)

Max. height: 992 (Collada de la Clarella)

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Summary

Short but demanding circuit that without much distance of the town will take us to places of great scenic value. It combines a first half of sections of forest track with a second part entirely by trails, practically always cycling. It’s ideal to do at any time of the year, and for those who start mountain biking.

We leave from the Plaça de la Mainada of Campdevànol, passing in front of the church and carri streets we will arrive at Molinou. We cross the road of Ribes and we enter the forest, after a few meters flat we start to climb hard just behind a right turn.

All the time in constant climb and respecting the fences we’ll get to the Collado de Clarella. We will do a fast descent that will take us to pass by the front of Mas Clarella and a bit later by the Gorg de l’Olla.

We leave the pond and a few meters later we will leave the track to take a path that goes to our right. At this point begins the most fun, always by path with consecutive small slides. Depending on our technique we will have to get off the bike some time to save areas of stones.

We will arrive at the Coll de Comallevosa where we will start the last section of ascent by path, which will require a good technique and legs to overcome the bumps. Thus we will reach Sant Roc, a small hermitage overlooking Ripoll and El Catllar. Here we will begin a rapid descent, where we will have to take care with the fences, and that will return us to the starting point crossing the neighborhood of Can Torrents

Serra de l'Auró

Total Distance: 46 Km

Elevation gain: 1200 m

Start point: Campdevànol

Finish point: Campdevànol

Min. height: 730 (Campdevànol)

Max. height: 1230 (Coll de la Bena)

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Summary

The route travels throug forest tracks and wide paths, practically 100% cyclable. You can do this circuit all the year considering that in winter can be cold because the most is shady, so better to avoid the early morning hours because you will find frozen patches close to the streams.

The most of the route crosses livestock farms, so you will find some fences that you must close after your pass, avoiding problems with the cattle.

We leave the Plaça de la Mainada of Campdevànol to take the Camí Ral, following the first kilometers parallel to the Merdàs River. We will pass the parking lot of the Font d’Horta and follow the Camí Ral to the crossroad that goes up to Can Paraire. Following a cement road we will pass in front of the house and in constant ascent, always next to the track of Torrent d’Estiula until we find a curve to the left where we take a path. It’s a small stretch to the next crossroad where we’ll take the trail to the left.

This section is the slowest of the route, where we will join the farms of La Cabana and Can Colomer, by trails in some cases covered by the bushes, so we will focus especially on following the track. We leave Mas Colomer behind and by track we arrive at the crossing of Sant Feliu de Estiula, which we continue until we reach the hermitage. We will go around it and by comfortable wide road through the forest we will reach the Auró. Shortly before arriving we will make a sharp turn to the right and we will take a grassy road where at times we will have to continue by intuition, because the road is confused in the meadow. It will take us to Pujol de les Llentíes, a farmhouse in the middle of the nothingness that breathes tranquility to the four winds. We sorround it and start a short descent to a stretch of cement road that will take us again in a  wide path until Sant Esteve de la Riba. This is a set of farmhouse and hermitage that for some years has become a country holiday house  We will pass in front the entrance and we will start a sector of a couple of kilometers of cement until we find a wide road to the left that will take us to Vidalonja, another set of farmhouse and hermitage that in this case still performs the functions of farmhouse (masía).

We pass by the side of the farmhouse and behind a fence we find the wide road, not in good state, that overcoming small hills leads us to a water tank. We cross the gate and pass by the reservoir to follow at all time the path, which in short ascents and descents leads us to the Coll de la Bena, the highest point of the route. Once in the hill we start a fast descent, where we will be attentive to the GPS because we will have to take a path to the left that will make us cross a torrent. Once crossed we will continue ascending for a while, until we start to go down and finally, by wide road where we will find a source of fresh water along the road. Then by track in good condition, bordering the torrent of Vilardell, to Can Mir, an imposing farmhouse very close to Ripoll. Always on the right path we will pass in front of the Ermita del Remei, the Coll del Remei and we will reach Ripoll by La Torre, an urbanized “ghost” area.

We find the asphalt on the way down, to pass under the N-152 and turn left. Between streets and always following the track we will pass in front of the police station of the Mossos and cross the River Freser by the bridge. Now to the right of the riverbed, we will continue until we cross the N-152 with great caution. Just cross and climb to the Font del Sant to find the Camí Ral and turn left. We will only have to follow this comfortable road that will leave us right at the entrance of Campdevànol, where we will return to the starting point crossing the bridge over the Freser.

WATER: all services in Campdevànol. We will cross many torrents during the route, where we can soak. There’s a fountain on the road from Auró to Vilardell. In Ripoll we will find different fountains where to load water and to freshen up.

Cycling

La Emporlanada

Total Distance: 108 Km

Elevation gain: 2500 m

Start point: Campdevànol

Finish point: Campdevànol

Min. height: 730 (Campdevànol)

Max. height: 1630 (Coll de Jou)

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Summary

This tour is a long journey through unknown places linked by local roads. In the sections of cement we will take care with the cattle grids. The roads are mostly shady and we must be very attentive with the wet floor.

It is a demanding route, ideal for lovers of pure cycling who want to avoid the main roads. The best time of the year is late spring, summer or early fall, taking into account that we can have important thermal contrasts. It is very advisable to carry a windshield with water membrane.

We will leave from Campdevànol by the national road direction Ribes de Freser where we will arrive in soft but constant rise. Right at the entrance of the village, at the height of the train station, we will see the turnoff to the left that we will take crossing the railroad. We will continue climbing, now with more slope and after 2 km of ascent we will find a crossroad that we will continue straight, direction to El Baell. At the entrance of the neighborhood we will find a fountain where we can stock water or refresh. We will pass the few houses of the town and the asphalt will become cement, always in pretty good condition and some strong ramp. When we reach a zone of meadows the slope softens and always between trees and some meadows we will arrive to Campelles. This time we will not cross the village, but in the first houses will take a deviation, also cemented, to the left.

We will be carefully on some curves because they can be wet at any time of day and also with the cattle grids that we will find descending. This road will take us to Planoles, at the bottom of the village, and we will connect immediately with the local road that will take us to Nevà, with a first flat section parallel to the Rigard river but with a final section that strikes strong.

When we see the houses in front of us, before the entrance we turn to the right and we will take the cement again, still a few kilometers of climb, to finish the section in the hill and to descend by asphalt in very good condition until almost Fornells de Muntanya.

Without reaching Fornells, at the crossroads, turn right, to go parallel to the Rigard river until Planés, where we will arrive after a short climb, and where we will take the N-152 to Planoles, it is soft and steady descent.

Once past the hostel Lluís Artigues, a few meters, we will see a cemented road with a sign that will indicate “El Serrat”. Be very careful with the entrance to this section of cement because there is a drainage channel of the national road and you have to enter slowly. This road will take us to Ventolà after ramps up to 17% in which it seems that the cement sticks to the wheels. Ventolà is a small village of four houses added to Ribes de Freser minicipality. We will pass the houses and descend again to the N-152 by paved road making some very funny zig zags.

Once in the national road we turn left and in a short time we will be in Ribes de Freser, capital of the Vall de Ribes, and where we can eat and drink if we need.

When leaving Ribes de Freser we will take to the left the local road GIV-5263 that in 5 km will take us to the charming neighborhood of Bruguera.

In the first house the road forks, taking us the road to the left, where we will find a fountain to refresh and stock water. In constant acent the road will lead us to Coll de Jou, the highest point of the route. Until the Coll all the track is cemented, in good condition the most of the kilometers and allows us to enjoy privileged views of the Eastern Pyrenees and the Serra de Montgrony, seeing almost totally the route that we have done until the moment.

Arriving at level 1600 we will begin to descend. We will do it with caution due the steep slope, and in some stretches the ground can be quite deteriorated.

After some small steep slopes, we will arrive to a crossroad where we will continue straight, again in ascent. A few kilometers after we will find another crossroad that this time we will take to the right, going up to Collada de la Caritat, and then, between farms, we will arrive at the Collada de Burgarles, where we will finally arrive close to the antenna. Following a cemented road we descend to the farmhouses Cavallera and Colonia Estabanell.

Here we will connect with the C-28, wide and well paved road, which will return us to Campdevànol passing by Sant Pau de Seguries, Sant Joan de les Abadesses and Ripoll.

WATER: in Campdevànol we will find all the services that we need. During the whole route we will find different torrents where we can cool off. Also fountains in El Baell, Campelles, Nevà, Ribes de Freser, Bruguera and Sant Joan de les Abadesses.

Santigosa

Total Distance: 48 Km

Elevation gain: 650 m

Start point: Campdevànol

Finish point: Campdevànol

Min. height: 730 (Campdevànol)

Max. height: 1120 (Coll de Canes)

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Summary

Short route where we will enjoy quiet roads full of country houses with a hundred years of history and the view of Vallfogona de of Vallfogona del Ripollès, a town with an exceptional historical center on the hillside of Serra de Milany.

Ideal for a summer afternoon or spring, better avoid the cold winter days and the short afternoons. We will pass by very somber sections in the road of Santigosa.

We leave the Plaça de la Mainada of Campdevànol looking for the national road. Crossing the Freser river and turning right to go down gently to Ripoll. We will cross the capital and, after a traffic light, we will take the Vallfogona road. Always on a gentle ascent we will leave Ripoll entering the valley dotted with dozens of hamlets that continue existing thanks to the farming.

We will pass the idyllic nucleus of Vallfogona, and a few kilometers later we will crown the Coll de Canes, with 1120m, the highest point of the route. Here we will start a fun descent with constant curves that will make us enjoy a lot. This way we will reach the Coll de Coubet, still above 1000 m, where we turn left and start a new gentle ascent to Coll de Santigosa, 1064m. Quickly we start the 7 km of technical descent until Sant Joan de las Abadesses, where after crossing the village contemplating the medieval bridge we will return by the national road, flat and straight, to Ripoll. This time we will see the Monastery to make the last 3 km in gentle ascent, ending again in the Plaça de la Mainada.

WATER: All services in Campdevànol. Fountain at the foot of the road going up the Coll de Santigosa. We will also find water on the way to Sant Joan de las Abadesses.

Nord de la Covil

Total Distance: 37 Km

Elevation gain: 700 m

Start point: Campdevànol

Finish point:  Campdevànol

Min. height: 730 (Campdevànol)

Max. height: 1320 (Coll de Jou)

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Summary

Short route that will take us through quiet places that will transport us to times past where the peasantry commanded.

Ideal to do on a summer afternoon or spring; best to avoid the cold winter days and the short afternoons. We will pass through sections of cement, we must take into account that the cement can be dangerous, with some crack in the pavement. These tracks are used by tractors and cattle, at the same time they have the forest to touch; we will be careful with these ingredients.

We leave the Plaça de la Mainada in Campdevànol looking for the national road. We will go up the Pyrenean axis until Ribes de Freser, where right at the entrance we turn left to cross the train track in the direction of El Baell. We will begin to climb and without rest but with friendly ramps we will arrive at the crossing that will serve us to make the “loop”. We continue straight towards El Baell, by a narrow and fun road. Once we cross the village we will change the asphalt through the cement and we will realize the more “wild” kilometers where it is possible that some animal crosses unexpectedly, so be careful.

We will pass by “Plaça de les Fonts” before arriving at Campelles, where we will cross the town in front of the Town Hall. On leaving the village we start a rapid descent that will return us to Ribes de Freser almost without realizing it, and once we cross the railway we will continue descending, now with more traffic, by the national road that will return us to the starting point.

WATER: We found water very close to the route in El Baell and Campelles. If we deviate a little from the track we will also find in Ribes de Freser.

Vuelta a Montgrony

Total Distance: 75 Km

Elevation gain: 1400 m

Start point: Campdevànol

Finish point: Campdevànol

Min. height: 730 (Campdevànol)

Max. height: 1880 (Coll de la Creueta)

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Summary

A tour that will allow us to enjoy a quiet cycling journey through spectacular scenery all around the Sierra de Montgrony, crowning one of the highest passages of this territory.

Ideal for a summer or spring day; best avoid the cold winter days, as we can meet the Coll de la Creueta closed by snow and ice during any time of day. We will especially watch with the cattle grids that we will find between the Castle of Mataplana and Castellar de n’Hug.

We leave the Plaça de la Mainanda in Campdevànol to find the quiet Gombrèn road. The road always tends to rise smoothly, beyond some curve where this slope increases. About 2 km later, just after crossing the bridge over la Riera de Garfull, we will find the junction that we will take to the right. Just turning the ramps will get tougher, and will continue for many kilometers.

Although it is asphalted, we will watch with some holes that we will find. We gain unevenness by doing these and the views are gaining breadth with the Serra de los Rasos de Tubau on the horizon. We leave behind the detour to the Sanctuary of Montgrony, which is well worth a visit if we want to lengthen a bit. Access to the sanctuary is by paved road in good condition.

Shortly afterwards we will find a fountain at the foot of the road, and soon the Castell de Mataplana, privately owned. We will cross a tunnel excavated in the rock and we will start a short and twisting descent, totally somber, where we will find almost all the year the road wet. Again on the way up, and with some other strong ramps, we will reach the Cal Ros neighborhood, a group of houses next to Castellar de n’Hug.

With Castellar in sight, turn right and you will reach the BV-4031 road, which is always up and winding between pastures, will take us to Coll de la Creueta.

We crowned the hill at 1888m, historically the natural passage between Berguedà and La Cerdanya, and we will begin a rapid descent to the Alabaus area of the winter resort of La Molina. We will change the road to plan until the next Collada de Toses. This hill, has traditionally been the passage of the transhumance between the Ripollès and the Cerdanya.

In the Collada we turn to the right, and we begin a long and very entertaining descent dominated at all times by the slender silhouette of the Taga mountain, and passing through Planoles and crossing Ribes de Freser will take us to the starting point, after a few kilometers where the descent slope is already very smooth.

Shortly to arrive at Campdevànol, we will pass next to the Cabreta Bridge, one of the few structures that remain in the old Camí Ral between Ripoll and Puigcerdà.

WATER: We found all the services in Campdevànol. fountain in Gombrèn, near the Castle of Mataplana and descending the Collada de Toses. Also in the area of the Alabaus there is a bar that is normally open, and in the same Collada de Toses there is a hotel.

Vuelta a Rasos de Tubau

Total Distance: 68 Km

Elevation gain: 1250 m

Start point: Campdevànol

Finish point: Campdevànol

Min. height: 730 (Campdevànol)

Max. height: 1200 (Coll de la Creueta)

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Summary

A fun route that travels mostly on very little roads and will allow us to enjoy a quiet day cycling enjoying spectacular scenery around the Serra dels Rasos de Tubau.

Ideal for a summer or spring day, better to avoid the cold winter days, since when circulating on tertiary and wooded roads we can easily find ice all day. These old, now cemented forest tracks are used by tractors and livestock, and sometimes have mud. We will watch especially with the cattle grids, we will find two between Sant Jaume de Frontanyà and La Pobla de Lillet.

We leave Plaça de la Mainada in Campdevànol to look for the national road, in the direction of Ripoll, which circles Vic direction, and just before entering the motorway we turn right towards Las Lloses. This is already a quiet road, with very little traffic, which runs alongside the Riera de Les Lloses. Step by step we will leave behind the scattered nucleus of Les Lloses, Matamala and Palmerola, to crown the Coll de Borredà and descend quickly to the town of the same name. Without entering, we turn right towards Sant Jaume de Frontanyà, where we will arrive after 9km of constant rise. This nucleus surrounded by forest boasts the title of smallest town in Catalonia, and if we do not hurry, well worth a stop.

We will continue from this point through an old asphalted track. In general the ground is very good, we will only need to take care with the two catle grids that we will find, one in the Coll de la Batallola, and the other already descending.

Just leave Sant Jaume and we will find the first hard ramps, which despite being short, will make us grit our teeth until we reach the Coll de la Batallola. Once crowned, we will start a fun descent that will force us to refine the reflexes and the braking in every curve, always following the Torrent de Solís. We will pass by the leisure area of the Emprius, next to the River Arija, and soon after, at the junction we turn right, direction Coll de Merola if we want to approach La Pobla de Lillet and in a little more than two km we will cross the village or we will go to the left.

The B-402 road winds upward, with some curve where the slope increases sharply. Then we will arrive at the Coll de Merola, where we will find the refuge of the same name, place of overnight of many of the climbers that take advantage of the open roads of Montgrony. Already heading the final section of the route, the first kilometers of descent are very fun, with constant turns and curves to the right and left, which will lead us to cross Gombrèn, town of Compte Arnau. From here, in 8 comfortable kilometers we will arrive again at the starting point, closing a totally circular route.

WATER: we find all services in Campdevànol. In Borredà, Sant Jaume de Frontanyà or La Pobla de Lillet diverting us slightly from the track. Refuge Coll de Merola. And in Gombren, already in the last kilometers.

Family

Gorgs

Total Distance: 7,6 Km

Elevation gain: 450 m

Start point: Font de Querol

Finish point: Font de Querol

Min. height: 760 (Font de Querol)

Max. height: 911 (Camí de retorn del Gorg d’en Colomer)

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Summary

Torrent de Estiula is a protected natural area of exceptional beauty. We are all responsible to protect this natural environment, so please, be respectful while passing through.

This is the perfect route to spend the morning or afternoon surrounded by beautiful scenery and getting access to a refreshing dip in the Torrent de Estiula. It is an easy trail, with gentle and short slopes that will be practically unnoticed.

The Font de Querol is a picnic zone with barbeques and several tables, located in a field next to the Merdàs River. Just there, 2 km from Campdevánol, you will find a fee-paying car park 2 km  ( 100 parking capacity – 10€ per day). It is forbidden to park anywhere else than in the parking areas.

The starting point is that Parking area, reachable either by car through the Gombrèn road or walking (first part of the Family Route of Font de Querol).

Go across the field and you will find the fountain on your left and a PR (short-distance) path just in front of you. This is the track that should be followed most of the route, which passes across some streams where you should mind your steps. Shortly after starting to walk this path, you will find a field with the remains of La mosquera farmhouse. Continue along the PR until you reach the first pool on the way, called the Gorg de la Tosca.

Along the trail you will find signs indicating where the different pools are and the distances to get to them.

Following the PR and passing some small mounds, you will reach the Gorg de la Tosca. After that, you will pass by the pools Gorg de l’Olla, Gorg de la Bassa del Pi and Gorg del Forat. As you keep following the route across all of these pools, the magnificence and beauty of the waterfalls increase outstandingly.

Once you leave behind the Gorg del Forat, descend a bit and cross the torrent by the line of stones.

Keep walking without losing height towards the Gorg Petit de Colomer, idyllic spot where you could stop for a break or to have a snack before continuing along the mountainside. At some point you will come across a sign with information about the formation of that gully. From there, you could make out the last pool you will find within this route. To reach it, walk by the milled path and you will shortly see the spectacular rock formation and the waterfall of the Gorg de Colomer.

After having a deserved break, start the decent diverting of the PR for a bit  and cross the torrent through its narrowest stretch. Continue by a footpath that will lead you to a gentle descent to the left until you come across a signpost in a crossing. Keep descending on a steeper slope and you will come back to pass by the Gorg Pequeño de Colomer. A milled way will get you back to the PR, which should be walked retracing your steps back to the starting point, the picnic area in Font de Querol.

Water: All needed water facilities are available in Campdevànol. There is a fountain in the picnic zone of Font de Querol. The whole route goes parallel to the torrent, so there are many suitable spots to dip in the streams.

Font de Querol

Total Distance: 2,7 Km

Elevation gain: 50 m

Start point: Campdevànol

Finish point: Font de Querol

Min. height: 730 m.

Max. height: 770 m.

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Summary

This is an ideal route to do in summer with children. It is a very straightforward and even trail that mostly goes by path and end in Font de Querol, where a picnic zone with barbeques and several tables will be at your disposal.

The starting point is the Plaça de la Mainada in Campdevànol. Start moving towards the level crossing in Gombrèn road and go across it very carefully. Keep walking on the left sidewalk for 100 meters till you meet a signpost. Going down by paved trail on a gentle slope, you will get to a paths intersection. Continue between the two stone blocks that prevent the access to vehicles into the area.

That is the beginning of the original Campdevànol’s way, in Gombrèn. Follow that trail until you pass beside the Font de San Eudald, where you can refresh yourself in summertime. Continue walking that main path, passing across some tracks which lead to private farm houses.

The path goes between Merdàs River and Gombrèn road until the river gets crossed through a cement walkway. Once you cross the river, you will come across the car park area of Font de Querol and its picnic zone. At the end of the field you will find the Fountain of  Querol.

To come back to the starting point just retrace the same steps back to Campdevànol.

Water: All needed water facilities are available in Campdevànol. There is a fountain in Sant Eudald and also in the picnic zone of Font de Querol.

Sant Grau

Total Distance: 6,7 Km.

Elevation gain:: 300 m.

Start point: Campdevànol

Finish point: Campdevànol

Min. height: 730 m. Campdevànol

Max. height: 950 m. Ermita de Sant Grau

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Summary

This is the perfect route to do in a morning or afternoon, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Sant Grau. It is an easy trail, just with a steep stretch in the ascent to the hermitage.

The route starts in Campdevànol, from  Plaça de la Mainada and moving towards the City Hall and the sports area. Cross the road by the pedestrians crossing and you will pass by the paddle tennis courts. After that, go across a fence and start walking the path that, in gentle slope, will bring you to the Molinou track. Follow from there the GR ( long-distance) signs until meeting a cross, taking the left turn. Leaving the grazing fields and the Mas de Molinou on your left, pass two enclosures. After the second one, follow the yellow signs on the trees and that path will lead you directly to the Hermitage of Sant Grau.

The Hermitage is a common place of pilgrimage for the people of Campdevànol, placed at the top of a hill. Once you have reached the summit, have a break and enjoy the astonishing views from that field.

The descent starts from the left side of the Hermitage. Walk down the path, with a steep slope at first but quite gentle after a while. When “the taula” (the table) has been reached, walk to the right that flat track for 5oo meters, leaving the quarry on the left. Shortly after, you will find a stone marker on the ground and a fence with a gate. Take the path that sharply descends from there, until you get to a grazing field. Go across the Torrent de Sant Martí and continue by track til you get to a crossing that was passed during the ascent. Keep moving forward and, carefully, cross the road, making your way back to the starting point along the streets of Campdevànol.

Water: All needed water facilities are available in Campdevànol. On the way back, there is a fountain after crossing the Torrent de Sant Martí.

Camí Ral

Total Distance: 4 Km

Elevation gain: 110 m

Start point: Campdevànol

Finish point: Ermita de Sant Llorenç

Min. height: 730 (Campdevànol)

Max. height: 810 (Ermita de Sant Llorenç)

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Summary

This is probably the most famous circuit of all Campdevànol routes. For centuries, it has been the trail that links Campdevànol and  Gombrèn villages, running parallel to the Merdàs river. Although the original route cannot be followed in its entirety, the stretch that we propose here is safe and easy to do.

It is the ideal route to do in summer with children. It is a very straightforward and even trail that mostly goes by path and finishes at the  hermitage of Sant Llorenç de Campdevànol. You will pass by Font de Querol, an open field with a picnic area and some built spaces for barbeques.

The starting point is the Plaça de la Mainada in Campdevànol. Start moving towards the level crossing in Gombrèn road and go across it very carefully. Keep walking on the left sidewalk for 100 meters till you meet a sign post. Going down by paved trail on a gentle slope, you will get to a paths intersection. Continue between the two stone blocks that prevent the access to vehicles in the area.

That is the beginning of the original Campdevànol’s way, in Gombrèn. Follow that trail until you pass beside the Font de San Eudald, where you can refresh yourself in summertime. Continue walking that main path, passing across some tracks which lead to private farm houses.

The path goes between Merdàs River and Gombrèn road until the river gets crossed through a cement walkway. Once you cross the river, you will come across the car park area  of Font de Querol and its picnic zone. At the end of the field and slightly out of the trail, you will find Font de Querol, where there is access to water.

Going back to the track, the river should be crossed by a bridge once more to reach a camping area. Pass by that and after a short and gentle up slope you will reach your destination, the  hermitage of Sant Llorenç de Campdevànol.

The return will be along the same way than the ascent. The hermitage is accessible for cars too, in case there is any need for a lift on the way back. If you feel with enough energy to keep hiking in a different direction, from the picnic zone in Font de Querol you could do part of the Family route of Gorgs.

Water: All needed water facilities are available in Campdevànol. There is a fountain in Sant Eudald and also in the picnic zone of Font de Querol.