ROUTE FROM SORT
SORT MALMERCAT AND ARCALÍS CASTLE
A 24.4-km partially circular route that runs through the districts of Sort and Soriguera at the southernmost point of the Pyrenean region of Pallars Sobirà. We begin the route in Sort, the regional capital, follow the Noguera Pallaresa River southward, and climb to Malmercat. After admiring this small town, we descend toward Baro and then ascend to Arcalís. From here, we continue gaining altitude to the remains of the castle of the same name, a sensational vantage point for Baix Pallars and the territories of the former Barony of Estac. The route is demanding due to the elevation gain and distance involved, and—although signposted—it is important to pay attention to your orientation, especially at crossroads.
This route takes us to Malmercat and Arcalís, two of the numerous population centers spread across the mountain slopes of the Noguera Pallaresa River valley, in the southern sector of Pallars Sobirà, following the historic paths—with cobbled stretches and dry stone margins—that link the villages of this magical and charming Pyrenean region.
THE BEST OF THE ROUTE
• Discover the picturesque villages of Malmercat and Arcalís.
• Visit the ruins of the Arcalís castle, in the old barony of Estac.
• Let yourself be captivated by the landscape and natural wealth of Pallars Sobirà.
• Walk along the old bridleways that connected the villages of Pallars.
This route takes us to Malmercat and Arcalís, two of the numerous population centers spread across the mountain slopes of the Noguera Pallaresa River valley, in the southern sector of Pallars Sobirà, following the historic paths—with cobbled stretches and dry stone margins—that link the villages of this magical and charming Pyrenean region.
THE BEST OF THE ROUTE
• Discover the picturesque villages of Malmercat and Arcalís.
• Visit the ruins of the Arcalís castle, in the old barony of Estac.
• Let yourself be captivated by the landscape and natural wealth of Pallars Sobirà.
• Walk along the old bridleways that connected the villages of Pallars.
Difficulty: notable
Departure/arrival: Sort - Hotel Les Brases
Total time: 7.30 h
Minimum altitude: 1054m
Maximum altitude: 640m
Cumulative elevation gain: 1220m
Total distance: 24.4 km
Nearest town: Sort
• Duration: Full day.
• Total effective time (without stops): 7:30h in total: 2:05h from Sort to Malmercat, 1:45h from Malmercat to Arcalís, 0:30h from Arcalís to the Arcalís castle and 3:10h to return from the castle to Sort along the valley floor.
• Cumulative elevation gain: 1,220m
• Difficulty: Remarkable.
• Season: All year round.
• Material: Nothing special.
• Cartography:
1. Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu. 1:50,000. Alpina Publishing.
2. Topographic base of Catalonia 1:25,000. Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia (ICGC).
• Notes: The trail is marked with yellow paint and vertical poles at intersections. Be careful with your orientation, as the trail can be uneven at times. From Baro, you can return to Sort by bus (schedules at www.alsa.es).
• How to get there by car:
The starting point for the excursion is the Hotel Restaurant Les Brases in Sort. We arrive in Sort via the C-13 highway. The Hotel Les Brases is located on the C-13 highway, just north of the town. There is free parking in front of the hotel.
• Total effective time (without stops): 7:30h in total: 2:05h from Sort to Malmercat, 1:45h from Malmercat to Arcalís, 0:30h from Arcalís to the Arcalís castle and 3:10h to return from the castle to Sort along the valley floor.
• Cumulative elevation gain: 1,220m
• Difficulty: Remarkable.
• Season: All year round.
• Material: Nothing special.
• Cartography:
1. Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu. 1:50,000. Alpina Publishing.
2. Topographic base of Catalonia 1:25,000. Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia (ICGC).
• Notes: The trail is marked with yellow paint and vertical poles at intersections. Be careful with your orientation, as the trail can be uneven at times. From Baro, you can return to Sort by bus (schedules at www.alsa.es).
• How to get there by car:
The starting point for the excursion is the Hotel Restaurant Les Brases in Sort. We arrive in Sort via the C-13 highway. The Hotel Les Brases is located on the C-13 highway, just north of the town. There is free parking in front of the hotel.