The route
The ideal time to do this track is in the summer and the beginning of autumn. If we decide to do it at the start of winter we must remember the light hours are limited and temperatures will be low. We also have to carry snow rackets and/or crampons. Snow is present from 2300 mts until spring.
Montorroio circuit is an ideal high mountain training. The distance and slope, as the Orri circuit is very demanding. We will be able to enjoy a visit to the villages in Assuas valley running between shady paths and crossing fresh water streams, combining with the central part of the track what is, as Orris, mostly alpine.
In this circuit the peaks are the Montsent de Pallars at 2890 mts, and Montorroio (2862 mts), and the peaks that separate the two Pallars regions and defines the the limits of the National Parc of Aigües Tortes i Estany de Sant Maurici.
It’s a very demanding circuit, as it he Orri circuit, and therefore we have to be sure of our capabilites and bring all the necessary equipment as it’s an area with difficult access and changing weather.
When leaving Rialp we will cross the village ant take the first stretch of the track until we cross Sant Antonis Torrent, where we will go into the woods in a steep climb. Between paths we will look for Altron (1020 mts) that will be the first village we cross. We must be carefully when leaving the village and crossing the LS-5223.
Between shady paths and crossing a few streams we will reach a very steep path to Saurí (1189 mts). We will cross that village and keep climbing until we arrive at the highest village in the circuit, Llessuí (1429 mts). We will cross the village and take the old winter station path. We begin to leave the woods and continue climbing up green pastures until we arrive at Coll del Triador and once we cross it we will climb the wide cres until we arrive to the base that will take us to the peak of Montseny, the dominator of the valley.
We begin to descent until Entremonts, the hill that separates us from the second peak, Montorroio. When we reach the top we will enjoy the views of Aigüestortes National Park and Sant Mauricios lake and we quickly commence the descent the stony ground until we arrive at Portella de Mainera. After a little rest in the shape of easy climb up the track, we will return to descend the field and path until we find the hermitage of the Mare de Deu de la Muntanya de Caregue and further down Escàs. There we will again find water, very abundanthy. Then we will continue climbing until we get to Serra de Posa our last obstacle. Once reach the peak, the descent is continuous until we reach Rialp, and crossing on our way Surp, and Rialps castle.
We will find water in all the villages and lost of streams on the way, specially in the valley. In the central stretch we will find some at the foot of the Montsent, in Triadors cabin at aproximately 2300 mts.
