Old Catalunya: Volcanoes &....

Day 1 (1)* • Arrive in Rupit

Situated on a rocky promontory at an altitude of 840m, medieval Rupit's cobbled streets are set in a dramatic landscape of wooded ravines, high meadows and towering cliffs.

HH Hostal Estrella

Day 2 • Free day in Rupit

Optional circular walk from Rupit, visiting the impressive Salt de Sallent waterfall and church of Sant Joan de Fàbregues, one of the best examples of Catalan Romanesque architecture in the area (4 3 miles, 2 5–3 hrs)

HH Hostal Estrella

Day 3 (2) • Rupit to Mas La Serra (via La Salut)

Follow paths along the edge of the Collsacabra escarpment with spectacular views, and continue through open grassy pastures and woodland to the superbly situated Santuari de Nostra Senyora de la Salut Continue through far mland, meadow and beechwoods with views across the Alta Garrotxa and Pyrenees (10.8 miles, 5-5 5 hours; low-level: 8 miles, 3 5–4 hrs)

HHH Mas La Serra

Day 4 (3) • Mas La Serra to Joanetes

Paths lead you across the hills of the Collsacabra, with wide views over the Garrotxa After visiting the her mitage of Sant Miquel de Castelló perched on a rocky outcrop, descend steeply through woodland into the far med valley below to the quiet rural hamlet of Joanetes Optional after noon walk to the char ming village of Els Hostalets d’en Bas (6 3 miles, 3 5 hours + optional 4 6 miles, 2 5 hrs)

HHH El Ferres c asa rura l

Day 5 (4) • Joanetes to Santa Pau

Paths climb into the richly wooded Natural Park of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone, passing between dor mant volcanoes and through the Fageda d'en Jordà beech forest to the medieval village of Santa Pau, an ancient barony with a castle founded in the 11th century (11 5 miles, 6 hrs)

HHHH Cal Sastre

Day 6 • Free day with optional excursions

Visit the craters of Santa Margarida and Croscat volcanoes, then back along country lanes to Santa Pau (8.3 miles, 4.5 hrs or 5.7 miles, 3 hrs). Or, explore the excellent museums, art nouveau architecture and volcanic remains of nearby Olot

HHHH Cal Sastre

Day 7 • Santa Pau to Besalú

Footpaths follow the valley (opportunities for swimming in natural pools), before climbing to a high ridge with views

Then paths across wooded hills and valleys lead to the medieval town of Besalú with its 11th century fortified bridge, Jewish bathhouse and 12th century monastery church (12.7 miles, 6.5–7 hrs).

HHH Casa Marcial

Day 8 (5) • Departure day

*Days in brackets refer to 5-day itinerary

Route open:

April-June; Sept-Nov

Airports to first hotel: u Barcelona (76 miles)

Train/taxi: 2 hrs - ~€120

Taxi: 1 hr 45 - ~€180 u Girona (50 miles)

Bus/taxi: 2 5 hrs - €90

Taxi: 1 hr 20 - ~€150

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English, Spanish and Catalan.

Route Book: 110 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information

Walking: Easy to moderate (Grade 2 – 3) See p 8

Terrain: Mostly gentle, well-defined tracks across serra and through far mland; forest tracks and country lanes