ROUTE FROM SORT
THE HORSESHOE ROUTE, PERAMEA, GERRI AND SORT
A 48.4 km route that reveals small villages and the old bridleways that connected them, in the southern part of Pallars Sobirà. We follow the outward stretch to Gerri de la Sal along the orographic right side of the Noguera Pallaresa mountain range, flanking the valley at mid-height by the Llarvén and Estac mountains. We return from Gerri de la Sal to Sort along the orographic left side of the valley, following the course of the Noguera Pallaresa River. This is a very tough and demanding route due to the significant elevation gain and distance involved. Only recommended for mountain runners or hikers accustomed to long-distance trails.
We delve deeply into the area between Sort and Gerri de Sal, thoroughly exploring the mountainous landscapes of this transition zone between the Pre-Pyrenees and the High Pyrenees. We make our way out along the wooded slopes of the Llarvén and Estac mountains, following ancient paths with cobbled stretches and dry-stone walls that connected the small villages scattered throughout the area. We return along the valley floor, surrounded by meadows and pleasant riparian forests.
THE BEST OF THE ROUTE
• Walk along the Pallars bridleways, with cobbled sections and dry stone walls.
• Let yourself be seduced by the magic and charm of the small population centers in the area.
• The tranquility and peace that you breathe in this corner of the Pyrenees.
We delve deeply into the area between Sort and Gerri de Sal, thoroughly exploring the mountainous landscapes of this transition zone between the Pre-Pyrenees and the High Pyrenees. We make our way out along the wooded slopes of the Llarvén and Estac mountains, following ancient paths with cobbled stretches and dry-stone walls that connected the small villages scattered throughout the area. We return along the valley floor, surrounded by meadows and pleasant riparian forests.
THE BEST OF THE ROUTE
• Walk along the Pallars bridleways, with cobbled sections and dry stone walls.
• Let yourself be seduced by the magic and charm of the small population centers in the area.
• The tranquility and peace that you breathe in this corner of the Pyrenees.
Difficulty: Remarkable
Departure/arrival: Hotel Les Brases / Sort
Total time: 12.55h
Minimum altitude: 586 m
Maximum altitude: 1,340 m
Cumulative elevation: 2,280 m
Total distance: 48.4 km
Nearest town: Sort
• Duration: Full day.
• Total effective time (without stops): 12:55 hours in total. 4:50 hours from Sort to Mencui, 4:40 hours from Mencui to Gerri de la Sal, and 3:25 hours from Gerri de la Sal to Sort.
• Cumulative elevation gain: 2,280m
• Difficulty: Moderate. This route is only suitable for mountain runners and hikers in very good physical condition, accustomed to long-distance trails with steep elevation gains. Orientation is also important: in some places, it is difficult to find the right path (which is why the use of a GPS device and the route track are recommended).
• Season: All year round.
• Material: Nothing special.
• Cartography:
1. Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu. 1:50,000. Alpina Publishing.
2. Ramat de Camins. Ramat de l'Est. 1:50,000. Alpina Publishing.
3. Topographic base of Catalonia 1:25,000. Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia (ICGC).
• Observations:
1. It is a very long route, so it is important to take daylight hours into account.
2. The paths are marked with yellow paint lines and signs at intersections. However, you must be careful with your orientation, as there are some unpredictable paths along the route.
3. We find water sources in the towns of Bressui, Enviny, Montardit, Estac, Balestui, Peramea, Gerri de la Sal and Baro.
4. If we prefer to return to Sort from Gerri by public transport, we can do so by scheduled bus (timetables: 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): 12:55 hours in total. 4:50 hours from Sort to Mencui, 4:40 hours from Mencui to Gerri de la Sal, and 3:25 hours from Gerri de la Sal to Sort.
• Cumulative elevation gain: 2,280m
• Difficulty: Moderate. This route is only suitable for mountain runners and hikers in very good physical condition, accustomed to long-distance trails with steep elevation gains. Orientation is also important: in some places, it is difficult to find the right path (which is why the use of a GPS device and the route track are recommended).
• Season: All year round.
• Material: Nothing special.
• Cartography:
1. Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu. 1:50,000. Alpina Publishing.
2. Ramat de Camins. Ramat de l'Est. 1:50,000. Alpina Publishing.
3. Topographic base of Catalonia 1:25,000. Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia (ICGC).
• Observations:
1. It is a very long route, so it is important to take daylight hours into account.
2. The paths are marked with yellow paint lines and signs at intersections. However, you must be careful with your orientation, as there are some unpredictable paths along the route.
3. We find water sources in the towns of Bressui, Enviny, Montardit, Estac, Balestui, Peramea, Gerri de la Sal and Baro.
4. If we prefer to return to Sort from Gerri by public transport, we can do so by scheduled bus (timetables: 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.