Ca La Daina - RURAL LODGING

Walks around Camarasa

Camarasa lies at the edge of the Pre-Pyrenees, surrounded by mile upon mile of open countryside, mountain ridges, gorges, rivers, woodland and ruined villages and castles, all connected by farmers’ tracks and, in some cases, waymarked paths. An hour and a half drive takes you right into the high Pyrenees including the Aiguestortes National Park and a chain of mountain refuges. In short, it is a walker’s paradise!

In the house you will find Ordnance Survey quality maps and print-outs of some suggested walks in the vicinity. Here is a quick sample:

1) Circular walk from the door of the house via Alós and the Segre Gorge

A walk through oak woodland over the ridge to Alós de Balaguer with its four ruined castles. Then return along the spectacular gorge of the River Segre via metal walkways and the Segre dam. Great views and many points of interest. Completely peaceful. About 6 hours.

2) Around the Lake at St. Llorenc

A circular walk direct from the house through woodland around the peaceful and lovely lake of Sant Llorenç with the possibility of seeing herons and a walk across a dam. The bar at St. Llorenc with its lakeside terrace (see picture) is a bonus feature! About 5 hours plus time at the bar.

3) Llimiana

A circular walk through oak woodland past the ruined castle of Sant Gervàs and then along a ridge with spectacular views in all directions to the pretty village of Llimiana, perched above Lake Terradets. There are two bars en route. Five hours plus bar time.

You need to drive about 45 minutes to get to this walk but the drive itself is spectacular, passing through two narrow gorges, over dams, through tunnels, along lakes and through the rough terrain of the pre-Pyrenees.

4) Along the Montsec Ridge with no climbing!

The Montsec Ridge is one of the most spectacular mountain features in Catalunya. A wall of limestone stretching over 30km east to west and rising almost sheer from the valley floor to almost 1700m at the highest point.

Naturally, the views from the top are spectacular, in winter as well as summer, and it is a favourite jumping-off point for hang gliders and. There are usually eagles to be seen riding the updraft just a few metres from the track. The good news is that you can drive to the top and then walk the ridge! Ager, at the foot of the ridge, is a pretty little town with plenty of bars and its own ruined castle. Walk as far as you like along the ridge and then back to the car.

5) Gorge of Mont Rebei

The Congost (‘gorge’) de Mont-Rebei is famous in Catalunya as the most spectacular gorge in the region. Unlike in many other gorges there is no road going through it so you have to approach on foot. The gorge is narrow and sheer and the walk though it along the pathway carved in the cliff is unforgettable. The walking is not difficult but you need a good head for heights. Perhaps 6 hours in total.